How To Windows

How to Enable Processor Performance Boost Mode in Windows 11

By Raj Bepari 4 min read
Recommended: Download Windows Speedup Tool to quickly fix PC issues.

Processor Performance Boost Mode is a Windows power management feature that controls how aggressively your CPU uses technologies like Intel Turbo Boost or AMD Precision Boost. When enabled, your processor can automatically increase its clock speed above the base frequency during demanding workloads, improving performance in gaming, video editing, software development, and other CPU-intensive tasks.

By default, Windows manages Boost Mode automatically through the selected power plan. However, some users may find that the Processor Performance Boost Mode option is missing from Power Options or set to a mode that limits CPU performance. Enabling or adjusting this setting can help your processor deliver better performance, although it may also increase power consumption and system temperatures.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to enable Processor Performance Boost Mode in Windows 11 and configure it for the best balance between performance and power efficiency.

How to Enable Processor Performance Boost Mode in Windows 11

Before making any changes, ensure your processor supports boost technologies such as Intel Turbo Boost Technology or AMD Precision Boost. You should also verify that boost features are enabled in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Follow the methods below in order to enable and configure Processor Performance Boost Mode on your Windows 11 PC.

1. Check Whether Your CPU Supports Boost Technology

Before changing Windows power settings, confirm that your processor supports automatic frequency boosting.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  2. Note your processor model.
  3. Visit Intel’s or AMD’s official processor specifications page.
  4. Verify that your CPU supports:
    • Intel Turbo Boost Technology, or
    • AMD Precision Boost

If your processor doesn’t support boost technology, the Boost Mode setting won’t improve CPU performance.

2. Enable Processor Performance Boost Mode from Power Options

If the setting is available, you can configure it directly from Windows Power Options.

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  3. Click Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Select Change advanced power settings.
  5. Expand Processor power management.
  6. Expand Processor performance boost mode.
  7. Choose one of the following options:
    • Disabled
    • Enabled
    • Aggressive
    • Efficient Enabled
    • Efficient Aggressive
    • Aggressive at Guaranteed
  8. Click Apply, then OK.

For maximum CPU performance, Aggressive is generally the preferred option.

3. Restore the Missing Processor Performance Boost Mode Option

On many Windows 11 systems, Microsoft hides this setting by default.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following command:
powercfg -attributes SUB_PROCESSOR be337238-0d82-4146-a960-4f3749d470c7 -ATTRIB_HIDE
  1. Press Enter.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Return to Advanced Power Settings.

The Processor performance boost mode option should now appear under Processor power management.

4. Select the High Performance Power Plan

Certain power plans prioritize battery life over processor performance.

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to Power Options.
  3. Select High Performance.
  4. If it’s unavailable, click Show additional plans.
  5. Apply the plan.

Using a high-performance power plan allows Windows to utilize CPU boost more aggressively.

5. Change the Windows Power Mode

Windows power mode directly influences processor boosting behavior.

  1. Press Windows + I.
  2. Open System > Power & battery.
  3. Locate Power mode.
  4. Select Best performance.

This setting encourages Windows to prioritize CPU performance over power savings.

6. Disable Battery Saver

Battery Saver intentionally limits CPU performance to extend battery life.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Power & battery.
  3. Expand Battery saver.
  4. Turn Battery saver off.
  5. Recheck processor performance.

Boost Mode may not activate while Battery Saver is enabled.

7. Enable Turbo Boost in BIOS/UEFI

Windows cannot enable CPU boosting if Turbo Boost is disabled in firmware.

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  3. Locate CPU configuration settings.
  4. Enable:
    • Intel Turbo Boost Technology, or
    • AMD Precision Boost
  5. Save the changes.
  6. Restart Windows.

Processor Boost Mode depends on firmware-level support.

8. Update Your BIOS

Some BIOS versions contain bugs that limit processor boosting.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  2. Note your BIOS version.
  3. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
  4. Download the latest BIOS update.
  5. Follow the manufacturer’s update instructions carefully.

Updating the BIOS can improve CPU performance management and compatibility.

9. Update Your Chipset Drivers

Chipset drivers help Windows communicate correctly with your processor and motherboard.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand System devices.
  3. Update your chipset drivers if available.
  4. Alternatively, download the latest chipset drivers from your motherboard or CPU manufacturer’s website.
  5. Restart your computer.

Updated chipset drivers improve power management and boost behavior.

10. Monitor CPU Temperatures

High temperatures can prevent your processor from boosting to protect itself.

  1. Install a trusted hardware monitoring utility.
  2. Monitor CPU temperatures during heavy workloads.
  3. Clean dust from your PC if temperatures are unusually high.
  4. Ensure all cooling fans are functioning properly.
  5. Improve airflow if necessary.

Keeping your processor cool allows Boost Mode to operate at its full potential.

11. Verify Boost Speeds

Finally, confirm that Processor Performance Boost Mode is working correctly.

  1. Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Select the Performance tab.
  3. Click CPU.
  4. Run a CPU-intensive application or benchmark.
  5. Observe the Speed value.

If the CPU frequency rises above the processor’s base clock during heavy workloads, Boost Mode is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Processor Performance Boost Mode allows Windows 11 to take full advantage of your processor’s built-in boosting technology, delivering higher clock speeds when additional performance is needed. By enabling the appropriate power settings, selecting a performance-focused power plan, updating your BIOS and chipset drivers, and ensuring Turbo Boost or Precision Boost is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI, you can maximize your CPU’s performance during demanding tasks.

If the Boost Mode option is missing, revealing it through the powercfg command often resolves the issue. Additionally, maintaining proper cooling and keeping Windows up to date will help ensure your processor continues to boost reliably without unnecessary thermal throttling or performance limitations.

Raj Bepari

I’m a digital content creator passionate about everything tech.