How to Change Maximum Processor Frequency in Windows

Knowing how to change maximum processor frequency allows IT professionals to ensure the processor runs at its optimal speed while still maintaining efficiency. Adjusting the CPU frequency in Windows systems helps reduce power usage and control device temperatures.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand maximum processor frequency, break down all the different methods to adjust CPU frequency, and give you the best processor settings for performance on Windows systems.

Benefits of changing maximum processor frequency in Windows

1. Improving system performance

Adjusting CPU frequency in Windows allows the system to increase CPU speeds for more demanding tasks. Exceeding the recommended manufacturer settings or applying excessive limits can cause system instability or negatively impact system performance. Balancing performance versus efficiency will help you find the best processor settings for performance in Windows.

2. Power efficiency

Limiting CPU speed in Windows devices reduces power consumption and helps extend battery life.

3. Prevents overheating

Overheating can occur when the processor runs at higher clock speeds, particularly in systems with limited cooling. Setting a lower processor frequency can reduce heat generation in systems.

4. Longer lasting hardware

Consistently high CPU speeds put stress on device hardware, which can lead to wear and tear, reducing the device’s lifespan. This is because thermal stress and increased power draw typically degrade components faster.

How to limit CPU speed in Windows for battery life and device performance

Windows allows users to control the CPU speed in Windows to suit their needs. You can change maximum processor frequency through the Control Panel app, Command Prompt, Group Policy Editor, and Windows Registry. Each method suits different levels of expertise and system requirements.

Change maximum processor frequency using the Control Panel app

This is the simplest way to set processor frequency on Windows 10/11. However, this setting may not appear in the Control Panel app for some systems or Windows versions. If this is the case, you can use one of the other three methods instead.

1. Open the Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options
2. Choose the active power plan and click on “Change plan settings”.
3. Click on “Change advanced power settings”.
4. Locate “Processor power management” in the list and expand it.
5. Next, click on “Maximum processor frequency,” then adjust the values for “Plugged in” and “On battery”* (for laptops) in MHz.
6. Click Apply and then “OK” to save the changes.

Change maximum processor frequency using Command Prompt

Windows Command Prompt offers an alternative way to set processor frequency for Windows 10/11 devices that don’t have this in their Power Options. However, you will need administrator-level access to follow these steps.

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Enter one of the two codes below to adjust CPU frequency in Windows

• Battery

[code block]powercfg -setdcvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT 54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00 75b0ae3f-bce0-45a7-8c89-c9611c25e100 <MHz>[/code block] 

• Plugged in

[code block]powercfg -setacvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT 54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00 75b0ae3f-bce0-45a7-8c89-c9611c25e100 <MHz>[/code block] 

Change maximum processor frequency using Group Policy Editor

The Local Group Policy Editor enables users managing multiple devices to deploy processor frequency settings at scale. However, the Group Policy Editor is only available on Windows Professional, Enterprise, and Education, but not in Home editions. That being said, this method can be a good choice for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) that need to change the maximum processor frequency across multiple systems.

1. Press Win + R, then enter “gpedit.msc”.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Processor Power Management
3. Configure the Maximum Processor Frequency policy by enabling it and entering a value in percentage rather than MHz.
4. Restart the device to apply the changes.

Change maximum processor frequency using Windows Registry

Using Windows Registry to make changes is only recommended for advanced users because incorrect modifications using Windows Registry can lead to system instability or crashes. Before using this method, use reliable backup software to prevent any data loss.

1. Press Win + R, then enter “regedit”.
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\User\PowerSettings
3. Locate the subkeys that correspond to “Processor power management”.
4. Inside “Processor power management”, find another subkey with a GUID that corresponds to the “Maximum processor state”.
5. Change the “Value Data” within the “Maximum processor state” subkey. This data is usually represented as a percentage. Be careful with this step as the format and meaning of the “Value Data” can differ, depending on the system and processor.
6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart the device.

Troubleshooting and common issues with maximum processor frequency

Processor frequency not changing after adjustments

Some changes may not take effect if overridden by BIOS/UEFI settings. Follow these steps to fix this error.

1. Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI interface. Typically, you can do this by pressing F2, but this button varies between manufacturers and models, so look up the specific process for your device.
2. Check CPU-related settings, such as “CPU Configuration”, “Advanced CPU Control” or “CPU Clock Ratio”.
3. Modify the values according to your CPU’s rated specifications or higher if you intend to overclock. Some model-specific features, like SpeedStep on Intel, dynamically adjust processor frequency so they do not limit maximum frequency.
4. Save changes and reboot.

Missing processor power management options

Some versions of Windows will not show processor frequency controls in the Control Panel’s Power Options. The easiest way to enable the hidden option is to enter the following command into Command Prompt:

• [code box]powercfg -attributes SUB_PROCESSOR CPMAXFREQ -ATTRIB_HIDE.[/code box]

This should enable options to change maximum processor frequency in Power Options.

If the issue persists, try checking for any system updates via Windows Update to ensure compatibility with newer power settings features.

Compatibility issues with certain processors or Windows versions

Not all hardware or Windows editions support custom settings for processor frequency. Confirm processor support for frequency control by checking the CPU manufacturer’s documentation before making these changes

CPU frequency is limited

Check if your device is overheating. Windows systems can sometimes automatically throttle processor frequency to prevent damage to the hardware. To prevent this issue, monitor CPU temperatures with remote monitoring tools.

Why is my CPU frequency fluctuating in Windows?

Your processor frequency changes in Windows systems because of the power management feature, which adjusts CPU speed based on workload. When the system is idle or performing light tasks, the CPU slows down to save power and reduce heat. For heavy tasks, it speeds up for better performance.

Best processor settings for performance in Windows

1. Use higher frequencies for workstations running high-demand applications, such as databases, heavy multitasking, video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming.
2. Limit CPU speed on Windows devices running long-term tasks, such as file downloads or system monitoring, to save energy.
3. Create specific power plans to guarantee power consistency and system temperatures across devices. You can also use an endpoint management tool to push out configurations
4. Monitor background processes and identify any unnecessary programs running in the background. These can consume resources and make high-frequency settings less effective.

Gain granular control of Windows system settings with third-party software

Following the steps outlined in this guide to change maximum processor frequency. IT teams should balance performance, efficiency, and hardware health. Make use of IT monitoring tools to keep track of CPU usage, clock speeds, and hardware temperatures. A third-party Windows endpoint management software such as NinjaOne centralizes device monitoring while enabling you to push out custom CPU speed settings across multiple devices, streamlining your IT operations.

Named as G2’s no.1 choice for endpoint management, NinjaOne offers a full suite of tools that allow IT teams to monitor, manage, and secure their Windows devices. Boost IT efficiency, optimize device performance, and apply custom settings at scale with NinjaOne. On average, IT administrators spend 95% less time on manual tasks thanks to NinjaOne’s powerful automation capabilities. See how NinjaOne can help you manage Windows devices at scale. Watch a demo or get started with a 14-day free trial.