How to Improve CPU Performance Windows 11 (Unhide the Boost Setting)

Summary

The video explains how to reveal and configure Windows 11’s hidden Processor Performance Boost Mode setting. CPU boost lets a processor temporarily run above its rated base speed when power and temperature conditions allow. Intel calls this Turbo Boost, and AMD calls it Precision Boost.

Unhide and Configure CPU Boost

1. Check current CPU behavior: Open Task Manager → Performance → CPU. Compare the reported current speed with the processor’s base speed.
2. Reveal the setting: Run an administrator Terminal or PowerShell command using Windows’ built-in powercfg tool. The command removes the setting’s hidden flag; it does not change CPU behavior by itself.
3. Choose a boost mode: Open Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings. Expand Processor power management → Processor performance boost mode, and record the current value before changing it.

Boost Mode Options

• Disabled: Prevents boosting above base speed. This can reduce heat and laptop battery use, but also reduces peak performance.
• Enabled: Allows boosting, with Windows requesting a boost level based on workload.
• Aggressive: Requests the highest boost level when boosting is allowed. On some processors, it behaves the same as Enabled, so results vary.
• Efficient Enabled / Efficient Aggressive: Microsoft documentation lists these as equivalent to Enabled / Aggressive.
• Modes labeled “at guaranteed”: Described as specialized and not recommended for typical users.

For a desktop or a plugged-in laptop, the speaker recommends Aggressive when maximum processor performance is desired. For a laptop on battery, they recommend keeping the previous setting or using Enabled, since Aggressive may increase heat and battery drain. Changes take effect immediately without a restart.

Related Power Settings and Performance Checks

• Maximum processor state: Usually best left at 100% for full available performance. The commonly used 99% setting can prevent boosting, but the speaker says the boost-mode control is clearer.
• Minimum processor state: Normally left low so the CPU can slow down when idle. Setting it to 100% can cause sustained heat, power use, and fan noise.
• Power mode: The Settings app’s Best performance option favors speed over power savings and, according to the speaker, stops power-throttling apps. It appears when using the Balanced power plan.
• Verify the effect: Watch CPU speed in Task Manager during normal tasks. A speed above the base speed indicates boosting. Laptop users should also monitor heat and fan noise.

Changing the setting will not make a slow processor fast. It may help if boosting was previously disabled or limited, but could make little difference if the CPU was already boosting normally.

Reversing Changes and Alternative Method

To undo the change, restore the boost-mode value recorded earlier. Restore plan defaults resets all settings in the selected power plan, not just boost mode.

The speaker also describes using the reverse powercfg command to hide the option again. They advise restoring the previous value first, because hiding the setting does not change the selected mode.

As an alternative to using commands, the creator’s free Winhance app exposes the setting under Optimize → Power → Processor power management. The setting is locked by default and must be unlocked before selecting a mode.

Separate Windows 11 Update

The video distinguishes this setting from a separate Windows 11 update described as making apps and the Start menu open faster by briefly ramping up the processor. According to the speaker, that feature arrives through Windows updates and has no user-facing setting.

Main Speaker and Sources

• Main speaker: The creator of the Memory channel, demonstrating Windows 11 settings and the Winhance app.
• Sources referenced: Windows Task Manager, Control Panel/Power Options, the powercfg utility, Microsoft documentation on boost modes, and the Windows Settings app.