Modern processors come equipped with a feature called Intel Turbo Boost Technology (or AMD Precision Boost for Ryzen CPUs). This technology allows your CPU to temporarily increase its clock speed beyond its base frequency to deliver extra performance when needed.
While Turbo Boost can improve responsiveness in demanding apps and games, some users prefer to disable Turbo Boost in Windows 11 for reasons like:
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Lowering CPU temperature
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Reducing fan noise
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Extending battery life on laptops
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Preventing overheating during long workloads
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to disable Turbo Boost on Windows 11, including BIOS/UEFI settings, Windows power options, and third-party tools.
Key Takeaways
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Turbo Boost dynamically increases CPU speed for short performance gains.
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Disabling Turbo Boost can reduce heat, noise, and power consumption.
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You can turn it off via BIOS/UEFI, Windows power plans, or third-party tools.
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Not all PCs allow disabling Turbo Boost—availability depends on your CPU and BIOS.
What Is Intel Turbo Boost?
Intel Turbo Boost is a feature that allows Intel CPUs to run faster than their base clock frequency when extra performance is required. For example:
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A CPU with a base clock of 2.4 GHz might reach 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost.
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The boost activates only when certain cores are under heavy load.
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It automatically deactivates when the system doesn’t need extra power.
Why Disable Turbo Boost on Windows 11?
You might want to disable Turbo Boost for the following reasons:
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Reduce overheating: High clock speeds generate more heat.
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Lower fan noise: Less heat means quieter fans.
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Improve battery life: Turbo Boost consumes more power on laptops.
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System stability: Useful for long, intensive tasks like rendering or compiling.
Method 1: Disable Turbo Boost via BIOS/UEFI
The most reliable way to turn off Turbo Boost is through your system BIOS/UEFI.
Steps:
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Restart your PC.
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As your PC boots, press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
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Look for settings under:
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Advanced > CPU Configuration
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Performance > Intel Turbo Boost Technology
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Locate the option Intel Turbo Boost Technology (may vary by manufacturer).
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Set it to Disabled.
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Save changes and exit BIOS.
✅ Result: Your CPU will now run only at its base frequency.
⚠️ Note: Some laptop manufacturers lock Turbo Boost settings in BIOS.
Method 2: Disable Turbo Boost in Windows Power Options
If your BIOS doesn’t provide an option, you can use Windows’ built-in power settings.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
powercfg.cpl, and press Enter. -
Select your active Power Plan and click Change plan settings.
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Click Change advanced power settings.
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Expand Processor power management > Maximum processor state.
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Set the value to 99% (instead of 100%).
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Click Apply > OK.
✅ This prevents your CPU from reaching maximum turbo frequencies.
Method 3: Use Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU)
Intel’s own tuning software also allows disabling Turbo Boost.
Steps:
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Download and install Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) from Intel’s website.
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Open the tool and go to Advanced Tuning.
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Look for the Turbo Boost Technology option.
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Toggle it Off and apply settings.
✅ Useful if your BIOS doesn’t expose the Turbo Boost option.
⚠️ Works only on Intel CPUs (not AMD).
Method 4: ThrottleStop Utility (Advanced Users)
ThrottleStop is a third-party tool popular among laptop users.
Steps:
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Download ThrottleStop from a trusted source.
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Launch the program as administrator.
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In the main interface, uncheck Turbo Boost.
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Click Save to apply settings.
✅ ThrottleStop also offers undervolting and thermal management features.
⚠️ Use with caution; improper settings can cause instability.
Verifying If Turbo Boost Is Disabled
After disabling, you can confirm with these methods:
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Task Manager
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → go to Performance > CPU
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Check that the CPU frequency doesn’t exceed its base clock speed.
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CPU-Z Tool
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Download CPU-Z and check the Core Speed.
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HWMonitor
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Monitor CPU frequencies under load to ensure no spikes above base clock.
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Pros and Cons of Disabling Turbo Boost
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower CPU temps | Reduced performance in demanding tasks |
| Quieter system | Slower gaming and rendering speeds |
| Better battery life | May affect multitasking performance |
| Increased system stability | Not available on all systems |
Troubleshooting: Can’t Disable Turbo Boost?
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No BIOS option → Use Power Options or software like ThrottleStop.
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Laptop manufacturers locked setting → Some OEMs prevent disabling Turbo Boost to maintain performance.
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Changes not applying → Ensure you saved BIOS settings or applied power plan correctly.
Tips for Managing CPU Performance Without Disabling Turbo Boost
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Use Balanced Power Plan in Windows.
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Keep drivers and BIOS updated.
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Apply undervolting (advanced users).
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Use a cooling pad for laptops.
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Enable Fan Control Software if supported.
Conclusion
Disabling Turbo Boost in Windows 11 is a useful tweak for users who value cooler, quieter, and more energy-efficient systems over raw performance. Whether you choose BIOS, Power Options, or third-party tools, you now have multiple methods to control CPU behavior.
If you’re a gamer or need high performance for tasks like video editing, you might want to leave Turbo Boost on. But if you’re focused on long battery life, reduced heat, or noise reduction, disabling Turbo Boost can be the right choice.
FAQs on Turbo Boost in Windows 11
1. Does disabling Turbo Boost damage my CPU?
No, it only prevents the CPU from boosting beyond its base clock.
2. Will my PC become slower without Turbo Boost?
Yes, performance in games and heavy workloads may decrease.
3. Can I disable Turbo Boost on AMD CPUs?
Yes, but AMD calls it Precision Boost. The process is similar (via BIOS or Ryzen Master).
4. Is Turbo Boost enabled by default in Windows 11?
Yes, most CPUs have Turbo Boost turned on automatically.
5. Can I re-enable Turbo Boost later?
Yes, simply reverse the BIOS or Power Plan changes.