How to Stop Overclocking CPU in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 18, 2025

Overclocking your CPU can improve performance in gaming, video editing, or heavy workloads. But it also generates extra heat, increases power consumption, and sometimes causes instability or crashes. If your Windows 11 PC is unstable, overheating, or you simply want to return to safe default settings, stopping overclocking is the best move.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to stop overclocking your CPU in Windows 11 using BIOS, UEFI, software tools, and Windows settings.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

  • Overclocking boosts CPU speed beyond factory limits but can cause instability.

  • To stop overclocking, reset CPU settings to default (stock) values.

  • You can disable overclocking via BIOS/UEFI, Intel XTU, AMD Ryzen Master, or by uninstalling third-party tools.

  • Returning to stock settings improves stability, reduces heat, and protects hardware lifespan.

Why Stop Overclocking?

Here are some common reasons you might want to stop overclocking your CPU in Windows 11:

  • System instability: Frequent crashes, freezes, or blue screens.

  • Overheating: Higher clock speeds mean higher temperatures.

  • Reduced lifespan: Overclocking stresses CPU and VRMs long-term.

  • Power efficiency: Lowering clock speeds reduces energy usage.

  • No longer needed: For everyday tasks, stock speeds are more than enough.

Method 1: Stop CPU Overclocking via BIOS/UEFI

Most overclocking is applied at the BIOS/UEFI level. Resetting settings here ensures your CPU runs at factory defaults.

Steps:

  1. Restart your PC and press the correct key (Del, F2, Esc, or F10) to enter BIOS/UEFI.

  2. Navigate to the Advanced, Overclocking, or Performance section (names vary by manufacturer).

  3. Find options like:

    • CPU Ratio/Multiplier

    • Base Clock (BCLK)

    • Core Voltage

  4. Set them back to Auto or Default.

  5. Look for a Load Optimized Defaults or Load Setup Defaults option to reset everything.

  6. Save changes and exit BIOS.

👉 After reboot, your CPU will run at stock speeds.

Method 2: Disable Overclocking in Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility)

If you’ve used Intel XTU to overclock:

Steps:

  1. Open Intel XTU.

  2. Go to the Advanced Tuning tab.

  3. Reset settings like Multiplier and Core Voltage to default.

  4. Or click Defaults to restore stock performance.

  5. Restart your PC.

Method 3: Disable Overclocking in AMD Ryzen Master

For AMD users who used Ryzen Master:

Steps:

  1. Open AMD Ryzen Master.

  2. Go to the Profile section.

  3. Select Default Profile (or click “Reset to Default”).

  4. Apply changes and restart your PC.

✅ Your Ryzen CPU will now run at factory settings.

Method 4: Uninstall Third-Party Overclocking Tools

Overclocking software like MSI Afterburner, ThrottleStop, or ASUS AI Suite can override BIOS settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I, go to Apps > Installed Apps.

  2. Locate the overclocking tool (e.g., MSI Afterburner, ThrottleStop).

  3. Select Uninstall.

  4. Restart your PC.

Method 5: Stop Automatic Overclocking (Turbo Boost / PBO)

Some CPUs automatically boost speeds using Intel Turbo Boost or AMD Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). If you want full stability, you can disable these features.

For Intel CPUs:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI.

  2. Look for Intel Turbo Boost Technology.

  3. Set it to Disabled.

For AMD CPUs:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI.

  2. Locate Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO).

  3. Set it to Disabled.

How to Check if CPU Overclocking Is Disabled

To confirm that overclocking has been stopped:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Performance > CPU tab.

  3. Compare the Base speed and Current speed.

    • If the current speed matches (or is slightly above due to normal boost), overclocking is disabled.

Alternatively, use tools like CPU-Z or HWMonitor to check real-time clock speeds and voltages.

Troubleshooting: CPU Still Overclocked After Reset

If your CPU still runs higher than stock values:

  • Double-check BIOS/UEFI settings — some boards auto-apply “enhanced performance” modes.

  • Uninstall any lingering overclocking utilities.

  • Update your BIOS to the latest version to remove buggy profiles.

  • Check Windows Power Plans:

    1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.

    2. Select Balanced instead of High Performance.

Pros and Cons of Stopping Overclocking

Pros Cons
Stable system performance Lower gaming benchmark scores
Reduced heat and fan noise Slightly slower in CPU-heavy tasks
Extended hardware lifespan Less performance headroom
Lower energy consumption Enthusiast features unused

Conclusion

Overclocking can be fun and rewarding, but it’s not always worth the instability or heat. If you want a cooler, quieter, and more stable system, learning how to stop overclocking CPU in Windows 11 is essential.

Whether you do it through BIOS/UEFI, Intel XTU, AMD Ryzen Master, or by uninstalling third-party tools, restoring your CPU to factory settings is straightforward and safe.

FAQs

1. Will stopping overclocking damage my CPU?

No — reverting to stock speeds is safe and often improves system health.

2. Does Windows 11 allow disabling overclocking directly?

No, you must use BIOS/UEFI or vendor tools.

3. Can I disable overclocking without entering BIOS?

Yes, if you used Intel XTU, AMD Ryzen Master, or third-party software.

4. Will I lose performance after disabling overclocking?

Yes, but only slightly — your system will be more stable and cooler.

5. How do I know if my CPU is overclocked?

Check Task Manager > CPU Performance or use tools like CPU-Z to compare speeds with the base clock.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top