How to Disable CPU Throttling in Windows 11

CPU throttling in Windows 11 is a power-saving feature that reduces your processor’s speed to lower heat and conserve energy. While useful for laptops and battery life, it can limit performance during gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.

If you want maximum performance, you can reduce or disable CPU throttling by adjusting power settings, system configurations, and firmware options. In this guide, we will walk you through how to disable CPU throttling in Windows 11.

How to Disable CPU Throttling in Windows 11

Follow the methods below to improve CPU performance.

1. Change Power Mode to Best Performance

Windows power mode directly affects CPU performance.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → Power & battery.
3. Under Power mode, select:
   • Best performance

This allows the CPU to run at higher speeds.

2. Modify Advanced Power Settings

You can manually adjust processor behavior.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Control Panel.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. Click Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
4. Click Change plan settings.
5. Select Change advanced power settings.
6. Expand Processor power management.
7. Set:
   • Minimum processor state → 100%
   • Maximum processor state → 100%
8. Click Apply → OK.

This prevents Windows from lowering CPU frequency.

3. Disable Power Throttling via Registry (Advanced)

Windows may throttle background apps.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerThrottling
3. If the key doesn’t exist, create it.
4. Right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it: PowerThrottlingOff
6. Set value to:
   • 1
7. Click OK and restart your PC.

This disables system-level power throttling.

4. Disable CPU Throttling in Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Power Management → Power Throttling Settings
3. Open Turn off Power Throttling.
4. Set it to Enabled.
5. Click Apply → OK.
6. Restart your PC.

5. Disable Intel SpeedStep / AMD Cool’n’Quiet (BIOS)

These technologies dynamically reduce CPU speed.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually F2, Delete, or Esc).
3. Look for options like:
   • Intel SpeedStep (EIST)
   • Intel Speed Shift
   • AMD Cool’n’Quiet
4. Disable them.
5. Save and exit BIOS.

This prevents hardware-level throttling.

6. Check Thermal Throttling

If your CPU overheats, it will throttle automatically.

1. Clean dust from your laptop or PC.
2. Ensure proper ventilation.
3. Use a cooling pad (for laptops).
4. Monitor temperatures using tools like HWMonitor.

Preventing overheating helps maintain full performance.

7. Update BIOS and Drivers

Outdated firmware can affect CPU behavior.

1. Update your BIOS/UEFI from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Update chipset drivers.
3. Restart your system.

Conclusion

CPU throttling in Windows 11 is designed to save power and reduce heat, but it can limit performance during demanding tasks. By adjusting power settings, disabling power throttling, modifying BIOS options, and ensuring proper cooling, you can significantly improve CPU performance.

By following these steps, you can reduce or disable CPU throttling and unlock the full performance potential of your Windows 11 system.