How to Turn Off Overclocking in Windows 11

Windows 11 has no overclocking switch. Overclocks are set in your PC’s UEFI (BIOS) firmware or in a tuning app such as Intel Extreme Tuning Utility or AMD Ryzen Master, so that’s where you turn them off: reset the app’s profile, then open UEFI Firmware Settings from Windows Recovery and load the default settings.

Since you turned on a performance profile, your PC crashes in games and the fans roar, and you just want it back to stock speeds.

First, Find Out If You’re Really Overclocked

Many people go looking for an overclock setting because Task Manager shows a CPU speed higher than the number on the box. That’s usually not an overclock.

Modern processors raise their own speed when there’s work to do and enough cooling and power headroom. Intel calls this Turbo Boost. Intel’s Turbo Boost explainer says it’s automatic, on by default, and raises the clock above the base frequency up to the chip’s maximum turbo frequency. AMD’s equivalent, Precision Boost 2, also works automatically. Running above base speed within those limits is normal behavior, not overclocking.

To compare what you see with what the chip is rated for:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select Performance, then CPU.
3. Note the Speed reading and the Base speed shown below the graph.
4. Look up your processor model on Intel’s or AMD’s site for its maximum boost or turbo frequency.

If the speed sits between base and the maker’s maximum boost, the chip is running stock. If it goes beyond the rated maximum, or you or the PC’s builder changed settings in firmware or a tuning app, it’s overclocked. Memory is the other common case: an XMP or EXPO profile runs RAM faster than its default speed, and it’s often the setting people mean when they say “performance profile.”

Some prebuilt gaming PCs ship with a memory profile or a maker’s performance mode already on. Check the PC maker’s control app as well as the firmware.

Reset the Tuning App First

If you overclocked with software, undo it in that software before you touch the firmware. Otherwise the app can reapply its profile at every sign-in.

Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU)

Open XTU and switch back to the default profile, or undo the changes you made. Intel’s XTU reset instructions note that XTU’s defaults come from the BIOS. If XTU won’t return to stock, Intel suggests backing up your profile, reinstalling XTU and loading the BIOS defaults (covered below).

AMD Ryzen Master

Ryzen Master can change CPU and memory settings, including Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Curve Optimizer. Reset the active profile to its defaults inside the app and restart. AMD’s Ryzen Master page doesn’t publish reset steps, so if the settings persist, load the firmware defaults instead.

Graphics Card Tuning

A GPU overclock lives in the graphics software, not in the PC firmware.

• AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. AMD’s factory reset instructions (search AMD Software for Factory Reset, then select Perform Reset) return all AMD Software user settings and profiles to factory defaults, including tuning profiles saved there. Export a Snap Settings backup first if you want to keep anything. Menu names can move between versions.
• NVIDIA and third-party tools. In whichever tuning tool you used, look for a Reset or Default button, apply it, and turn off any option that applies the profile at startup.

Stop Profiles Loading at Startup

Even after a reset, a tuning app can carry a saved profile. Open Settings, then Apps, then Startup, and turn off the tuning app if you don’t need it. If you don’t plan to overclock again, uninstalling it is the cleanest fix.

Open UEFI Firmware Settings From Windows 11

CPU multiplier, voltage and memory profile settings are stored in the motherboard firmware. On most current PCs, you can get there from inside Windows without timing a key press at startup.

Before you start, save your work and close apps. If BitLocker or device encryption is on, have your recovery key available, because changing firmware settings can make Windows ask for it at the next start.

1. Open Settings, select System, then Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now, then confirm.
3. On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Advanced options, then UEFI Firmware Settings.
5. Select Restart. The PC starts straight into the firmware setup screen.

Microsoft’s recovery options page covers the Advanced startup restart, and Dell’s UEFI access article shows the full path to UEFI Firmware Settings. If that option is missing, your PC may boot in legacy BIOS mode; restart and press the setup key shown on the startup logo instead. Delete, F2, F10 and Esc are common, but it depends on the maker. More options are in entering the BIOS on Windows 11.

You’ll also see a Startup Settings option under Advanced options. That’s for Safe Mode and similar startup choices and has nothing to do with overclocking.

Load the Default Settings

Loading defaults is the most reliable way to remove a CPU overclock, because it resets the multiplier, voltages and memory profile in one go.

Before you change anything, take a photo of each settings page you might want to restore later, such as boot order, fan curves or virtualization settings. Defaults reset those too.

1. In the firmware screen, look for an option named something like Load Optimized Defaults, Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults. It’s often on the Exit or Save & Exit page. Many boards also show a shortcut key for it at the bottom of the screen, often F5 or F9, but check the on-screen key list.
2. Confirm when asked.
3. Choose Save Changes and Exit (or Save & Exit Setup). F10 is a common shortcut.
4. Let the PC restart. The first boot after a reset can take a little longer while memory is retrained.

If you only want to undo the CPU overclock and keep other settings, look in the overclocking or advanced CPU section instead and set the CPU ratio (multiplier) and CPU core voltage back to Auto or Default. Menu names differ by motherboard brand, so your board’s manual or support page is the best guide.

Worked example: Dana’s desktop crashes in games after she turned on a “Game Boost” preset in firmware. She opens UEFI Firmware Settings from Recovery, photographs the boot and fan pages, loads optimized defaults, then saves and exits. Windows starts normally, and Task Manager shows the CPU staying within its rated boost range.

Turn Off XMP, DOCP or EXPO for Memory

Memory profiles run RAM at its advertised speed rather than the slower default. Intel’s version is called XMP. Many AMD boards label theirs EXPO, and some older AMD boards use DOCP or another maker-specific name. Intel’s XMP support article says profiles are loaded in the BIOS or a tuning app and points you to the motherboard maker for menu details.

1. Open the firmware settings as described above.
2. Find the memory profile setting, often on the main or overclocking page, labeled XMP, EXPO, DOCP or Memory Profile.
3. Set it to Disabled or Auto.
4. Save and exit.

Turning the profile off returns the memory to a slower, standard speed. Most everyday tasks barely change, while some games may run slightly slower. If crashes stop after disabling it, the memory profile was the unstable part, and you can try it again later after checking for a firmware update from your motherboard maker.

Should You Turn Off Turbo Boost or Precision Boost?

Usually not. Boost isn’t an overclock, and turning it off makes the PC slower in everyday use. Intel says Turbo Boost can be disabled in the BIOS but advises against it except for troubleshooting or consistent benchmarking.

AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive is different: it’s an optional setting that pushes past normal boost behavior. If PBO was turned on in firmware or Ryzen Master, set it back to Auto or Disabled. AMD’s Ryzen Master page states that PBO use invalidates the processor warranty and that damage from overclocking isn’t covered.

If the PC Won’t Start After an Overclock: Clear CMOS

When a bad overclock stops the PC from reaching the firmware screen at all, clearing the CMOS resets the firmware to factory settings.

1. Shut down, switch off the power supply and unplug the PC.
2. Follow your motherboard or PC manual: depending on the board, it’s a clear CMOS button on the back panel, a jumper on the board, or removing the coin cell battery for a few minutes.
3. Reconnect power and start the PC. Expect a prompt that settings were reset, then set the date and time and check boot order.

On laptops and many prebuilt desktops, don’t open the case for this. Contact the maker’s support, especially while the device is under warranty.

Laptops and Locked Systems

Most laptops and many office PCs don’t offer CPU overclocking settings in their firmware at all. If yours runs hot or loud, look at the maker’s control app (performance, balanced or quiet modes) and at the Windows Power mode setting. In Settings, then System, then Power & battery, a balanced or efficiency mode lowers heat and fan noise. That isn’t the same as removing an overclock, and the advanced processor options in changing advanced power settings in Windows 11 cap boost rather than undoing firmware changes.

Confirm the PC Is Back to Stock

• Task Manager’s CPU speed should stay at or below the chip’s rated maximum boost.
• The crashes or freezes that started with the overclock should stop under the same game or workload.
• Temperatures should drop. The ways to read them are in checking CPU temperature in Windows 11.

If problems continue at stock settings, the overclock wasn’t the only cause. Check for Windows and driver updates, and look at your firmware version (see checking your BIOS version) against the newest one on the maker’s support page.

Overclocking Questions

Does overclocking void my warranty?

It can. Intel’s CPU clock speed article warns that changing clock frequency or voltage may void the processor warranty and reduce stability and lifespan. AMD says overclocking damage isn’t covered. Returning to defaults stops further risk but doesn’t change warranty terms already affected.

Will turning off overclocking make games slower?

A little, in some games. Removing a CPU overclock or memory profile trades a few frames per second for stability, lower temperatures and quieter fans.

Can I turn off overclocking from Windows without entering the BIOS?

Only if the overclock came from a Windows app such as XTU, Ryzen Master or a GPU tool. Firmware overclocks, including XMP and EXPO, can only be turned off in the firmware.

Is setting maximum processor state to 99 percent the same thing?

No. That power plan option limits how far the CPU boosts while Windows is running. It doesn’t undo a firmware overclock or a memory profile.

Can resetting the BIOS delete my files?

No. Loading defaults or clearing CMOS changes firmware settings only. Your files stay on the drive, though a changed storage or boot setting can stop Windows starting until you set it back, which is why photos of your settings help.