How to Turn Off Overclocking on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Overclocking is a technique used by PC enthusiasts to push their CPU, GPU, or RAM beyond factory-set speeds for better performance. While it can make your computer run faster, it also comes with risks like system instability, overheating, and reduced hardware lifespan.

If you’ve overclocked your system but are now experiencing crashes, blue screens, or simply want to return to safer settings, this guide will show you exactly how to turn off overclocking on Windows 11.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Overclocking can improve performance but may cause instability and damage hardware.

  • You can disable overclocking in BIOS/UEFI settings, Windows software, or GPU tools.

  • Resetting your system to default settings ensures stability and safety.

  • Windows 11 does not have a built-in overclocking feature — it’s usually enabled via BIOS or third-party apps.

Why Should You Turn Off Overclocking?

While overclocking may sound tempting, there are several reasons why you may want to disable it:

  • ⚠️ System instability – Random crashes, blue screens, or freezes.

  • 🔥 Overheating – High temperatures that can damage components.

  • 💻 Shorter hardware lifespan – Components wear out faster when pushed beyond limits.

  • 🎮 Gaming stutters – Some games perform worse on unstable overclocks.

  • 🛡️ Warranty concerns – Some manufacturers void warranty if overclocking is detected.

Method 1: Turn Off Overclocking in BIOS/UEFI

Most overclocking is applied through BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. Resetting them restores default clock speeds.

Steps:

  1. Restart your computer.

  2. While booting, press the BIOS key (commonly F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC) — it varies by manufacturer.

  3. Once in BIOS, look for:

    • Advanced Settings

    • Performance or Overclocking tab

  4. Locate options like:

    • CPU Ratio / Multiplier

    • Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)

    • GPU Overclocking

  5. Set them to Default or Auto.

  6. Save changes and exit (usually F10).

✅ Your system will reboot with factory default clock speeds.

Method 2: Disable Overclocking via Windows Power Options

If your CPU is automatically boosting beyond normal levels, adjusting power settings can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type powercfg.cpl, and hit Enter.

  2. Select your current power plan → click Change plan settings.

  3. Click Change advanced power settings.

  4. Expand Processor power management.

  5. Set Maximum processor state to 99%.

💡 This prevents Windows from pushing your CPU to maximum turbo/overclock speeds.

Method 3: Disable GPU Overclocking in Software

If you used a tool like MSI Afterburner, ASUS GPU Tweak, or EVGA Precision X1 to overclock your GPU:

Steps:

  1. Open the overclocking software.

  2. Reset all settings to default.

  3. Click Apply and restart your PC.

✅ This ensures your GPU runs at stock speeds.

Method 4: Use System Restore

If overclocking was applied via software and caused problems, a System Restore can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type “System Restore,” and select Create a restore point.

  2. Go to System Protection → System Restore.

  3. Choose a restore point from before overclocking was enabled.

  4. Follow on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Method 5: Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default

If you can’t find overclocking options manually, you can reset the entire BIOS to defaults.

Steps:

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI (restart → press BIOS key).

  2. Find an option like Load Optimized Defaults or Load Setup Defaults.

  3. Confirm and save changes.

🔄 This wipes all BIOS customizations, including overclocking.

Troubleshooting After Turning Off Overclocking

  • 🔄 PC still unstable? → Update BIOS and drivers.

  • ⚡ Temperatures still high? → Clean fans, replace thermal paste, or improve cooling.

  • 🎮 Games stuttering? → Check if GPU reverted to default speeds.

  • 🛠️ Still detecting overclock? → Fully reset BIOS or reinstall Windows if software conflicts persist.

Comparison of Methods

Method Difficulty Affects CPU Affects GPU Safe?
BIOS/UEFI Reset Medium ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Safe
Windows Power Options Easy ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Safe
GPU Software Reset Easy ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Safe
System Restore Easy ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Safe
Full BIOS Reset Medium ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Very Safe

Conclusion

Turning off overclocking in Windows 11 is crucial if you’re facing system crashes, overheating, or instability. You can do this by:

  • Resetting BIOS/UEFI settings

  • Adjusting Windows power options

  • Resetting GPU software settings

  • Using System Restore

If you’re not a heavy gamer or power user, running your PC at default settings ensures the best balance of performance, stability, and lifespan.

❓ FAQs About Turning Off Overclocking in Windows 11

1. Does Windows 11 automatically overclock my CPU?
No, but some CPUs boost performance with Intel Turbo Boost or AMD Precision Boost. This is safe and factory-enabled, not manual overclocking.

2. Will disabling overclocking improve system stability?
Yes. Turning off overclocking prevents overheating and random crashes.

3. Can I disable GPU overclocking without uninstalling MSI Afterburner?
Yes. Just reset settings to default inside the app.

4. Will I lose performance after disabling overclocking?
Yes, but only slightly. Stability and safety are worth the trade-off.

5. What if my PC keeps crashing even after disabling overclocking?
Update BIOS, check cooling, or reset Windows — hardware damage from overclocking may also be a cause.

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