Windows 11 is sleek, modern, and optimized for everyday computing. But what if you need more power—for gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking? That’s where High Performance Mode (also known as the High Performance power plan) comes in.
By default, Windows 11 balances power efficiency with performance. However, you can switch to High Performance Mode to unlock faster speeds, reduce system lag, and take full advantage of your hardware.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore exactly how to enable High Performance Mode in Windows 11, why you might need it, and additional tweaks to maximize speed.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
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✅ High Performance Mode in Windows 11 removes power-saving restrictions for maximum speed.
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✅ It’s best for gaming, video editing, rendering, and multitasking.
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✅ You can enable it via Control Panel, Settings, or Command Prompt.
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✅ Windows 11 also includes Ultimate Performance Mode, an even stronger power plan.
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✅ The trade-off: higher energy consumption and more fan noise.
What is High Performance Mode in Windows 11?
High Performance Mode is a power plan that prioritizes performance over energy efficiency. Unlike the default Balanced mode, which tries to save battery and reduce heat, High Performance:
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Keeps your CPU at higher speeds more consistently.
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Reduces background power-saving tasks.
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Improves responsiveness for demanding apps and games.
Think of it like switching your car from eco mode to sport mode—you’ll burn more fuel, but you’ll get more speed and power.
When Should You Use High Performance Mode?
You don’t need High Performance Mode all the time. But it’s a game-changer in scenarios like:
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🎮 Gaming – Better FPS and smoother performance.
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🎬 Video Editing & Rendering – Faster exports in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro.
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🧑💻 Software Development – Reduced lag when compiling large projects.
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📊 Heavy Multitasking – More responsive system with many apps running.
👉 If you’re just browsing the web or working on documents, Balanced mode is usually enough.
How to Enable High Performance Mode in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)
There are multiple ways to enable High Performance Mode. Let’s go through each method.
Method 1: Enable High Performance Mode via Control Panel
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Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type
control paneland hit Enter. -
Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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Under Choose or customize a power plan, select High Performance.
👉 If you don’t see it, click Show additional plans.
Method 2: Enable High Performance Mode from Settings
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to:
System → Power & Battery → Additional Power Settings. -
A Control Panel window will open.
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Select High Performance.
Method 3: Enable High Performance Mode via Command Prompt
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Press Win + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
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This enables the High Performance power plan.
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Go to Control Panel → Power Options and select it.
Method 4: Create a Desktop Shortcut for High Performance Mode
Want one-click access? You can create a shortcut:
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Right-click on your Desktop → New → Shortcut.
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Paste the following:
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Name it High Performance and click Finish.
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Double-click the shortcut anytime to enable High Performance Mode.
How to Enable Ultimate Performance Mode in Windows 11
For even more speed, Windows 11 includes Ultimate Performance Mode—a plan designed for high-end PCs.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Enter:
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Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
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Select Ultimate Performance.
👉 This plan removes micro-latencies and squeezes every drop of power from your CPU. Perfect for workstations and gaming PCs.
Comparison: Balanced vs High Performance vs Ultimate Performance
| Feature | Balanced | High Performance | Ultimate Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Speed | Adjusts dynamically | Stays higher | Max at all times |
| Energy Use | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Battery Life | Longer | Shorter | Very short (laptops) |
| Best For | Everyday use | Gaming, multitasking | Workstations, heavy tasks |
Performance Gains: What to Expect
Enabling High Performance Mode won’t magically double your FPS, but it reduces lag and improves consistency.
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Gaming – 5–15% better FPS in CPU-heavy games.
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Video Editing – Faster export and render times.
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System Responsiveness – Snappier app launches.
👉 Gains depend on your hardware. On powerful desktops, the improvement may be subtle, but on laptops, you’ll notice a clear difference.
Downsides of High Performance Mode
Before enabling, be aware of the trade-offs:
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🔋 Battery drain – Not ideal for laptops on the go.
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🌡️ More heat – Fans may run louder.
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⚡ Higher power usage – Increases electricity consumption.
👉 Use High Performance Mode when plugged in, not on battery.
Tips to Maximize Performance in Windows 11
High Performance Mode is just one tweak. Here are more ways to boost speed:
1. Disable Startup Programs
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Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
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Go to Startup Apps.
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Disable unnecessary apps.
2. Update Drivers
Keep GPU, CPU, and chipset drivers updated for peak performance.
3. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
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Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics.
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Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling ON.
4. Adjust Visual Effects
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Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, press Enter. -
Under Advanced → Performance → Settings, choose Adjust for best performance.
5. Free Up Storage
Use Storage Sense to remove temporary files and free up space.
Who Should Enable High Performance Mode?
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Gamers – To reduce stuttering and improve FPS.
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Content Creators – For faster rendering.
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Developers – For handling large builds.
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Power Users – For smoother multitasking.
👉 If you’re on a laptop and care about battery life, stick to Balanced mode unless plugged in.
Conclusion
Enabling High Performance Mode in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful tweak to boost your system speed. Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or just want snappier performance, switching from Balanced mode can make a noticeable difference.
If you need even more power, try Ultimate Performance Mode, but remember—it comes at the cost of higher energy use and reduced battery life.
Use it wisely, especially on laptops, and combine it with other optimization tricks for the best Windows 11 experience.
FAQs
1. Does High Performance Mode increase FPS in games?
Yes, it can improve FPS consistency and reduce stuttering, especially in CPU-heavy games.
2. Will High Performance Mode damage my laptop?
No, but it may generate more heat and drain the battery faster.
3. Can I enable Ultimate Performance Mode on any PC?
Yes, but it’s most effective on desktops and high-performance laptops.
4. How do I switch back to Balanced mode?
Go to Control Panel → Power Options and select Balanced.
5. Is High Performance Mode worth it for everyday use?
Not really. For browsing, streaming, and office work, Balanced mode is better since it saves power.