How to enable Ultimate Performance power mode on Windows 11, 10

• To enable Ultimate Performance power mode on Windows 11 (or 10), open PowerShell (admin) and run the powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 command.
• Finally, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select the “Ultimate Performance” option.

Windows 11 (and 10) includes a special power plan called “Ultimate Performance,” which is designed to provide the highest possible performance for high-demand tasks like gaming or content creation. This plan optimizes your system to reduce micro-latencies (small delays that can result from power management adjustments), ensuring smooth performance even under heavy workloads.

The “Ultimate Performance” plan builds on the existing “High Performance” plan by introducing further tweaks to minimize power management delays, which can reduce stuttering and improve performance stability. This plan is particularly beneficial for resource-intensive tasks, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and other workloads requiring maximum CPU power and responsiveness.

Originally, this power scheme was limited to the Windows 10 Pro for Workstations edition, but it can be manually enabled on any edition of Windows 10 and Windows 11 using the PowerCFG command.

In this guide, I’ll teach you how to enable the Ultimate Performance power plan on Windows 10 and 11.

• Enable Ultimate Performance from PowerShell
• FAQs about enabling Ultimate Performance on Windows 11

Enable Ultimate Performance from PowerShell

To enable the Ultimate Performance power plan on Windows 11 (or 10), use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to enable the Ultimate Performance in the Control Panel and press Enter:

   powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61

   

4. Open Control Panel.

5. Click on Hardware and Sound.

6. Click on Power Options.

7. Select the Ultimate Performance option under the “Hide additional plans” section.

   

Once you complete the steps, restart the computer, then test the new power plans to see if you notice performance improvements when running demanding workloads on your high-end computer.

When using this power plan, you should only expect minimal improvements. If you’re dealing with performance issues, you may want to consider performing a clean installation or upgrading the hardware, such as the processor, memory, and storage.

This power plan is not recommended for everyday use, as it can increase hardware wear and tear. It’s best suited for tasks that require maximum performance, such as gaming or video editing. Also, remember to switch back to a “Balanced” power plan when you’re not using your computer for demanding tasks to conserve power and reduce noise. Finally, the Ultimate Performance power policy is currently unavailable when running on battery.

FAQs about enabling Ultimate Performance on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about enabling the Ultimate Performance power plan on Windows 11 (and 10).

What is the Ultimate Performance power plan in Windows 11?

The Ultimate Performance power plan is a high-performance mode on Windows 11 and 10 that maximizes system responsiveness by minimizing power-saving delays. It’s designed for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, where consistent processor performance and reduced micro-latency are critical to smoother operation.

How do I enable Ultimate Performance mode on Windows 11 using PowerShell?

To enable Ultimate Performance mode, open PowerShell as an administrator and run the powercfg -duplicatescheme command with the provided GUID. Then navigate to Control Panel > Power Options and select the plan. Restart your computer to ensure the new power settings are fully applied.

Is Ultimate Performance better than High Performance on Windows?

Ultimate Performance is more aggressive than High Performance because it eliminates additional power management delays. While both aim to boost speed, Ultimate Performance further reduces micro-latency, offering slightly better consistency under heavy workloads. However, the difference is usually minimal for everyday tasks.

Does Ultimate Performance mode improve gaming performance?

Ultimate Performance mode can improve gaming stability by reducing micro-stutters caused by power-saving features. However, the actual FPS gains are often minimal. It’s most beneficial for high-end systems running CPU-intensive games, where consistent performance matters more than raw frame-rate increases.

Why can’t I find the Ultimate Performance power plan on my computer?

The Ultimate Performance plan is hidden by default and must be manually enabled using a PowerShell command. It may also not appear on battery-powered devices like laptops. Once activated, it will show under “additional plans” in the Power Options section of the Control Panel.

Should I use Ultimate Performance mode all the time?

Ultimate Performance mode should not be used all the time. It increases power consumption, heat, and hardware wear. It’s best reserved for intensive workloads like rendering or gaming. For daily use, switching back to the Balanced plan helps conserve energy and extend hardware lifespan.

Does Ultimate Performance work on all versions of Windows 10 and 11?

Ultimate Performance is available on Windows 10 version 1803 and later, as well as Windows 11. Although originally limited to Pro for Workstations, it can now be enabled on most editions using a PowerShell command, making it accessible to a broader range of users.

Update April 6, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.