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How to Disable Power Throttling in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Performance

Power throttling is a feature in Windows 11 designed to save battery life by limiting the CPU resources used by background apps. While this helps extend battery life, it can sometimes reduce your PC’s performance.

If you want to improve the performance of your computer, especially during intensive tasks, disabling power throttling might help. This guide will walk you through the simplest ways to turn off power throttling step-by-step.

Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion. You will also find alternative methods and troubleshooting tips.

By the end, you will understand how to manage power throttling effectively to get the best performance from your Windows 11 device.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Some options might differ depending on your build version.
  • Keep in mind that disabling power throttling may increase battery usage if you are on a laptop.
  • If you are using a desktop plugged into power, this change will not affect battery life but can improve performance.
  • Administrator access is needed for some steps, so ensure you have the proper permissions.

Step 1: Adjust Power Plan Settings

The most straightforward way to reduce power throttling is by changing your power plan to “High Performance.” This plan prioritizes performance over energy savings.

  1. Click on the Start button and type Power & battery settings, then open it.
  2. Scroll down and click on Additional power settings under the “Related settings” section. This will open the classic Control Panel power options.
  3. Here, select the High performance power plan. If you don’t see it, click on Show additional plans to reveal it.
  4. Once selected, this plan will reduce the power throttling by allowing the CPU to run at higher speeds more consistently.

Why this matters: The High Performance plan adjusts system settings to favor speed and responsiveness, which directly affects how Windows limits CPU usage.

Step 2: Disable Power Throttling for Specific Apps

Windows 11 allows you to disable power throttling on a per-app basis, so you can prioritize important applications.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Power & battery.
  3. Scroll down and click on Battery usage by app.
  4. Find the app you want to exclude from power throttling and click on it.
  5. Toggle off the option labeled Let Windows decide when this app can run in the background or any similar setting that indicates power saving.

Why this matters: This method lets you keep power saving active for most apps but disables throttling for those you want to run at full speed.

Step 3: Use Command Prompt to Disable Power Throttling (Advanced)

If you want more control, you can disable power throttling via the Command Prompt using powercfg commands. This method is useful for advanced users.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
powercfg /setdcvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_PROCESSOR PERFBOOSTMODE 0
powercfg /setacvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_PROCESSOR PERFBOOSTMODE 0
powercfg /setactive SCHEME_CURRENT

These commands disable processor performance boost on battery and plugged-in modes, which reduces power throttling.

Important: Restart your computer after running these commands for the changes to take effect.

Alternative Method: Disable Power Throttling via Registry (Expert Users Only)

This method involves editing the Windows Registry and should only be done if you are comfortable with potential risks.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPower
  1. Look for a key named PowerThrottlingOff. If it doesn’t exist, right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it PowerThrottlingOff.
  2. Double-click the PowerThrottlingOff key and set its value to 1 to disable power throttling.
  3. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Warning: Incorrect changes in the registry can cause system instability. Always back up your registry before making any edits.

FAQs About Disabling Power Throttling in Windows 11

Will disabling power throttling harm my laptop’s battery?

Disabling power throttling means your CPU will run at higher speeds more often, which can increase battery consumption. Use this on battery power only if necessary.

Can I disable power throttling on all apps at once?

There is no direct toggle to disable power throttling for all apps simultaneously via the Windows interface, but using the High Performance plan reduces throttling system-wide.

Is power throttling the same as CPU throttling?

Power throttling is a form of CPU throttling focused on reducing power usage by limiting CPU performance when apps are running in the background.

Why don’t I see the High Performance plan?

Sometimes, the High Performance plan is hidden. Click on “Show additional plans” in the Power Options window to reveal it.

Does disabling power throttling affect system stability?

Generally, no. It affects performance and power usage but does not destabilize the system. However, it can cause higher temperatures if your cooling is insufficient.

When Nothing Works

If you still experience performance issues after disabling power throttling, consider the following options:

  • Update your device drivers, especially chipset and CPU drivers.
  • Run Windows Update to ensure your system is fully patched.
  • Check for malware or background processes consuming resources.
  • Visit the Microsoft Support website for more detailed troubleshooting.

In cases of severe performance issues, a clean reinstall of Windows 11 might be necessary.

Conclusion

Disabling power throttling in Windows 11 can significantly improve your system’s performance, especially during demanding tasks. The easiest way is to switch to the High Performance power plan, but you can also disable throttling on individual apps or use advanced methods like Command Prompt and Registry edits.

Remember that these changes may increase power consumption, so balance performance needs with battery life if you are on a laptop. Following this guide will help you optimize your Windows 11 PC for better speed and responsiveness.

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