Win 10 / 11 · Speed

Switch the power plan to Best Performance

The default Balanced plan throttles the CPU to save power. On a desktop, just use full performance.

  • Difficulty Easy
  • Estimated time 1 min
  • Platform Win 10 / 11
  • Last updated
Switch the power plan to Best Performance — schematic diagram

Before you start

Low risk. This change is reversible — you can return to the previous state without professional help or data loss.

Steps

  1. Windows key, type 'Power Plan' to search
  2. Open 'Choose a power plan' from Control Panel results
  3. Select High performance
  4. On Win 11: Settings → System → Power → Power mode → Best performance

How to verify the fix

Run a task that felt sluggish before and confirm the PC responds faster with no new overheating or loud fans.

If this didn't fix it

No noticeable change, or the PC runs hotter and louder — switch back to Balanced in Control Panel → Power Options.

Next stop: the related fixes below, or start a guided diagnosis.

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