Windows offers a plethora of settings that can be tailored to enhance various aspects of your computer, from security to power management. Among these settings lies the performance power plan, a feature that, while not prominently displayed, holds the potential to significantly impact your system’s performance.
How to enable the performance power plan on Windows 10 and 11
First introduced in 2018, the performance power plan leverages Microsoft’s High-Performance power plan, allowing your hardware to draw the power it requires without hesitation. This approach is designed to deliver power more swiftly and efficiently, bypassing the usual evaluations of power prioritization.
To access this hidden gem on Windows 10, navigate to your computer’s Settings, select System, and then click on Power & Sleep. Within that section, look for Related Settings and choose Additional Power Settings. A new window will appear, where you can select Show Additional Plans and check the Ultimate Performance option, which is tailored for high-end PCs.
If the option remains elusive, there’s an alternative route. On Windows 10, click Start and type “cmd” into the search box. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator. When prompted, input powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61. For Windows 11 users, press Windows+X and select Terminal (Admin), then enter the same command.
Additionally, Windows 11 allows for the creation of a custom performance power plan if the command prompt method does not yield results. Simply head to Control Panel, select Power Options, and create a new power plan. After naming it, you can modify the advanced power settings to suit your preferences, such as adjusting the Processor power management settings to maximize power output.
Is the ultimate performance power plan worth it?
While the ultimate performance power plan may seem appealing, it comes with its own set of drawbacks. Operating at high power continuously can lead to rapid battery depletion, making it advisable to keep your computer plugged in, especially during critical tasks. This setting is particularly taxing on laptops compared to desktops, depending on the specific hardware capabilities.
Moreover, the expected performance boost may not be as pronounced as one might hope. For instance, gamers may not notice a significant difference, as demanding games already consume substantial power. However, if you’re engaged in resource-intensive tasks like video editing, the plan could provide a slight edge during peak usage moments. Ultimately, the benefits may be minimal, and it’s best reserved for situations where time is of the essence.
It’s important to consider the energy consumption associated with this setting, as it can lead to increased electricity bills. Additionally, prolonged use may cause your computer to run hotter, raising the risk of overheating. Users should exercise caution to prevent their devices from overheating and ensure they are not placed on surfaces that could be damaged by heat.
