Windows 11 brings a sleek design and smooth performance, but did you know it also has a hidden power mode designed for maximum speed and efficiency? It’s called the Ultimate Performance Power Plan—and it’s especially handy if you’re a gamer, video editor, or heavy multitasker.
The catch? Microsoft doesn’t enable it by default on all devices. But don’t worry—I’ll show you exactly how to unlock it in just a few simple steps.
What Is the Ultimate Performance Power Plan?
Think of it like putting your car into sport mode. This power plan pushes your hardware to its limits by reducing micro-latencies and ensuring that your CPU, GPU, and other components always run at full throttle.
Key Benefits:
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Maximum system performance
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Reduced input lag for gaming
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Faster rendering for video and 3D work
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No throttling during heavy tasks
When Should You Use It?
Best Scenarios
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Gaming PCs that need every frame per second
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Workstations for video editing, animation, or 3D rendering
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High-performance laptops when plugged in
When to Avoid It
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Everyday browsing and office work (it drains battery life fast)
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On older laptops (may cause overheating)
Step 1: Check Your Current Power Plans
Before enabling Ultimate Performance, see what power plans you already have.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to System → Power & Battery.
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Under Power mode, check if “Ultimate Performance” is already listed.
If you don’t see it, keep reading.
Step 2: Enable Ultimate Performance via Command Prompt
If the plan isn’t visible, you can unlock it manually.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
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Type cmd in the Start menu.
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Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
2. Enter the Unlock Command
Copy and paste this command, then hit Enter:
3. Confirm It’s Enabled
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Go back to Settings → System → Power & Battery.
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Under Additional power settings, you should now see Ultimate Performance.
Step 3: Switch to Ultimate Performance Mode
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Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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Select Ultimate Performance.
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Done—your PC will now prioritize speed over efficiency.
Step 4: Create a Desktop Shortcut for Easy Switching
Don’t want to dig through settings each time? Here’s a neat trick.
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Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut.
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Paste this command:
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Name it Ultimate Performance and click Finish.
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Double-click it whenever you want to switch instantly.
Step 5: Customize Ultimate Performance Settings
Even though it’s powerful out of the box, you can tweak it further.
Adjust Sleep Settings
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Set your PC never to sleep while gaming.
Change Processor Power Management
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Ensure Minimum Processor State = 100% for max speed.
Fine-Tune Display Settings
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Keep brightness at comfortable levels to avoid unnecessary heat.
What If You Don’t See the Plan Even After Enabling?
Sometimes, Windows 11 hides it depending on your hardware.
Fix 1: Use PowerShell Instead
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Open PowerShell as administrator.
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Run the same command:
Fix 2: Update Windows
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Go to Settings → Windows Update and install the latest patches.
Fix 3: Enable High Performance First
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Sometimes switching to “High Performance” first makes “Ultimate Performance” appear.
Pros and Cons of Ultimate Performance Mode
Pros
✅ Maximum speed and responsiveness
✅ Great for heavy workloads and gaming
✅ Reduced lag and stutter
Cons
❌ Higher power consumption
❌ May cause overheating on laptops
❌ Not necessary for casual use
Tips for Safe Use
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Use it only when plugged into power on laptops.
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Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures with tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner.
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Switch back to Balanced mode for everyday tasks to save energy.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Ultimate Performance Power Plan on Windows 11 is like giving your PC a turbo boost. It’s easy to enable with a single command, and it can make a huge difference for gamers, video editors, and power users. Just remember—it’s best for performance-heavy tasks and should be used wisely to avoid overheating or draining your battery too quickly.
So, next time your PC feels sluggish, flip the switch and let it roar.
FAQs
1. Is Ultimate Performance available on all Windows 11 PCs?
Not always—by default, it’s hidden on many laptops and home systems, but you can enable it manually.
2. Does Ultimate Performance improve gaming FPS?
Yes, it can help reduce stuttering and maximize FPS, especially in demanding games.
3. Will it damage my laptop battery?
It won’t damage the battery, but it will drain it much faster. Best used when plugged in.
4. Can I disable Ultimate Performance anytime?
Absolutely—just switch back to Balanced or Power Saver mode in Power Options.
5. Is Ultimate Performance safe to use long-term?
Yes, but if you’re on a laptop, monitor temps closely. On desktops, it’s usually fine.