In a nutshell, if you’re looking to squeeze every drop of power from your Windows 11 PC, switching to a high-performance power plan is the way to go. This plan optimizes your system’s settings to prioritize performance over energy efficiency. The process is straightforward: navigate to Power Options, and select or create a power plan that meets your performance needs. Follow the steps below to ensure your Windows 11 device is running at its full potential.
How to Get High Performance Power Plan in Windows 11
Step 1: Access Power Options
To begin, open the Power Options window on your Windows 11 system.
Start by clicking on the Start button on your taskbar. From there, type in “Control Panel” and hit Enter. Once the Control Panel opens up, search for “Power Options” in the search bar located in the upper right corner. Click on “Power Options” from the search results to proceed.
Step 2: Choose a Power Plan
Navigate through the available power plans and select one that suits your needs.
In the Power Options menu, you’ll see a list of available power plans. By default, you’ll usually see plans like “Balanced” or “Power Saver.” If you see “High Performance” listed, simply click on it to select it. If it’s not visible, you might need to create a custom plan to achieve your desired performance level.
Step 3: Create a High Performance Plan (if needed)
If the high performance plan is not visible, create a new one tailored to your needs.
To create a new power plan, click on “Create a power plan” on the left sidebar. Choose “High Performance” as the base of your new plan. Give it a name you’ll remember, and click “Next.” Adjust the settings as needed, then click “Create” to save your new plan.
Step 4: Customize Advanced Settings
Dive deeper into the settings to tweak the plan to your specific performance needs.
With your new plan selected, click on “Change plan settings” next to it. Then, click on “Change advanced power settings.” Here, you can customize elements like processor power management, display settings, and more to ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Step 5: Apply and Save Changes
Finalize your settings to begin enjoying enhanced system performance.
Once you’ve tweaked everything to your liking, make sure to click “Apply” and then “OK” to save all changes. Exit out of the power options window, and your system should now be running with the new high-performance power settings.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 device will operate under the high-performance power plan. This means your PC will prioritize performance, which could be beneficial during tasks that require heavy processing power, like gaming or video editing. However, keep in mind that this setting might consume more energy, so it’s best to use it when plugged in.
Tips for High Performance Power Plan in Windows 11
- Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on your CPU temperature, as running on high performance can increase heat output.
- Update Drivers: Ensure all drivers are up-to-date to avoid any potential performance bottlenecks.
- Backup Power Plan Settings: Before making changes, consider backing up your current power plan settings in case you want to revert.
- Use for Specific Tasks: Switch to high performance only when needed to save energy during less demanding tasks.
- Check Battery Health: Using high performance on battery can drain it quickly, so monitor battery health if frequently unplugged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a high performance power plan?
A high performance power plan is a set of system configurations that prioritize performance over energy saving, ensuring your hardware operates at its full potential.
Is it safe to use the high performance power plan all the time?
While it’s safe, it might not be energy-efficient. Continuous use on battery can lead to quicker depletion, so it’s best used when the device is plugged in.
How can I revert to my old power plan?
Simply go back to Power Options and select your previous plan. The changes will revert immediately.
Will using high performance mode affect my laptop’s battery lifespan?
Yes, using high performance mode frequently on battery can lead to quicker aging and reduced lifespan of the battery.
Can I customize the high performance plan further?
Absolutely! You can tweak advanced settings under the power plan options to fine-tune based on specific performance needs.
Summary
- Access Power Options.
- Choose a Power Plan.
- Create a High Performance Plan (if needed).
- Customize Advanced Settings.
- Apply and Save Changes.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Windows 11 machine with a high performance power plan can significantly enhance its capabilities, making it the ideal choice for power users who need their PCs to perform demanding tasks without hiccups. While it’s a straightforward process to enable this plan, being mindful of how it affects your device’s energy consumption and temperature can help maintain its longevity. Always balance your need for speed with the practicalities of energy use, especially if you’re using a laptop away from a power source.
For most users, toggling between different power plans based on the task at hand can offer the perfect blend of performance and efficiency. If you’re diving into resource-heavy tasks like gaming or video editing, switching to a high-performance plan can give you the boost you need. However, for everyday use, you might find a balanced plan to be more than sufficient.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to harness your PC’s full potential, why not give it a try? The world of high performance awaits, and it’s just a few clicks away.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.