Windows 10 comes with several predefined “power plans” that control how your computer uses energy. These plans balance performance and power consumption depending on your needs.
The “Ultimate Performance” plan goes a step further by eliminating power-saving techniques that can slow down hardware responsiveness. This means your CPU, storage devices, and other components remain fully active, delivering consistent and maximum output.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. This mode may increase power consumption and generate more heat, especially on laptops. That is why it is typically hidden by default on many systems.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to enable Ultimate Performance mode in Windows 10 using easy steps.
How to Enable Ultimate Performance Mode in Windows 10?
To enable “Ultimate Performance Mode” in Windows 10, open Command Prompt as administrator, run the command “powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61”, then go to Power Options in Control Panel and select “Ultimate Performance” from the list.
Now, let us walk through the process of enabling it.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Administrative Access
The first step is to open the “Command Prompt” with administrator privileges. This is necessary because you will be making system-level changes.
Click on the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. When you see “Command Prompt” in the results, right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator”. A confirmation prompt may appear asking for permission, so click “Yes” to proceed.
Once the Command Prompt window opens, you are ready to enter the command that unlocks Ultimate Performance mode.
Step 2: Activate the Hidden Ultimate Performance Plan
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:
“powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61”
After typing the command, press Enter. If everything is entered correctly, Windows will instantly create a new power plan called “Ultimate Performance”.
You will not see any dramatic changes immediately, but the plan is now available within your system settings. Think of this step as unlocking a hidden feature that was previously unavailable.
Step 3: Open Power Options in Control Panel
Now that the plan is activated, the next step is to select it.
Open the Start menu again and type “Control Panel”. Click on it to open. Inside the Control Panel, navigate to “Hardware and Sound”, and then click on “Power Options”.
This section displays all the available power plans on your system. By default, you may see options like “Balanced” or “High Performance”.
If you do not immediately see Ultimate Performance, look for a section labeled “Show additional plans” and expand it.
Step 4: Select “Ultimate Performance” Mode
Once you expand the additional plans, you should see “Ultimate Performance” listed.
Click on it to activate the plan. As soon as you select it, your system will switch to this high-performance configuration.
At this point, your computer is now running at its maximum performance capacity, with reduced latency and fewer power-saving interruptions.
Step 5: Customize Advanced Power Settings
Although the default Ultimate Performance plan is already optimized, you can fine-tune it further if needed.
Next to the selected plan, click on “Change plan settings”, and then choose “Change advanced power settings”. This opens a detailed configuration panel where you can adjust specific parameters.
Here, you can modify settings related to processor power management, hard disk behavior, USB settings, and more. For example, you can ensure that the “Minimum processor state” is set to 100 percent to maintain consistent performance.
Be cautious while making changes in this section, as incorrect settings may affect system stability or energy usage.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer for Best Results
While not always required, restarting your system ensures that all changes are applied properly.
After enabling Ultimate Performance mode and adjusting any advanced settings, save your work and restart your PC. This helps Windows fully transition into the new power configuration.
Once your system boots back up, it will continue operating in Ultimate Performance mode.
Step 7: Verify That Ultimate Performance Mode Is Active
To confirm that everything is working correctly, go back to the Power Options menu.
Check whether “Ultimate Performance” is selected as the active plan. If so, the setup was successful.
You may also notice improvements in responsiveness, especially when running demanding applications or multitasking.
FAQs
What is “Ultimate Performance Mode” in Windows 10?
Ultimate Performance mode is a high-performance power plan designed to maximize system output by reducing power-saving features and latency. It ensures that hardware components run at full capacity.
Is Ultimate Performance mode available on all Windows 10 versions?
It is available on most Windows 10 editions, but it is primarily intended for workstations. Some systems may require manual activation using the Command Prompt.
Does Ultimate Performance mode improve gaming performance?
Yes, it can improve gaming performance by ensuring consistent CPU and GPU usage. However, the difference may vary depending on your hardware.
Will this mode increase power consumption?
Yes, Ultimate Performance mode consumes more power because it disables energy-saving features. This is more noticeable on laptops.
Is it safe to use Ultimate Performance mode?
Yes, it is safe for most systems, especially desktops. However, prolonged use on laptops may lead to higher temperatures and reduced battery life.
Can I switch back to another power plan?
Yes, you can switch back anytime by selecting another plan like “Balanced” or “High Performance” from the Power Options menu.