Windows 11 comes packed with performance-enhancing features, and one of the most powerful is the High Performance mode. It pushes your system to run at maximum capacity by prioritizing speed over energy efficiency. Sounds great, right? But here’s the thing—running your PC at high performance all the time isn’t always necessary. It can drain your battery faster, generate more heat, and even reduce the lifespan of your hardware.
If you’ve enabled High Performance mode and now want to switch it off, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you step by step through how to turn off High Performance mode in Windows 11, why you might want to do it, and the best alternatives you can use.
What is High Performance Mode in Windows 11?
High Performance mode is a power plan in Windows that prioritizes system performance. Instead of saving energy, it ensures your CPU and hardware run at maximum speed.
Think of it like driving a car in sport mode—it’s fast and powerful, but it burns through fuel quicker. Similarly, High Performance mode in Windows 11 consumes more electricity and battery.
Why You Might Want to Turn It Off
High Performance mode isn’t always the best choice. Here’s why you may want to disable it:
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Battery Life – If you’re on a laptop, this mode drains your battery much faster.
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Heat & Noise – Running at high performance can make your fans spin like crazy.
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Longevity – Constantly pushing your CPU to the limit may reduce hardware lifespan.
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Unnecessary for Light Tasks – Browsing, writing, or watching videos doesn’t need maximum power.
Different Power Modes in Windows 11
Before diving into how to turn it off, let’s look at the alternatives:
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Best Power Efficiency (Battery Saver) – Ideal when you want the longest battery life.
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Balanced (Recommended) – A middle ground between performance and energy saving.
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High Performance – Maximizes speed but sacrifices efficiency.
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Ultimate Performance (Workstations only) – For heavy workloads, like 3D rendering.
How to Turn Off High Performance Mode in Windows 11
Now, let’s go through different methods to disable High Performance mode step by step.
Method 1: Change Power Mode from Settings
This is the simplest way for most users.
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to System → Power & Battery.
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Under Power Mode, click the dropdown.
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Select Balanced or Best Power Efficiency instead of High Performance.
That’s it! You’ve switched off High Performance mode.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
Some users prefer the old-school Control Panel method.
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Press Win + R, type
control, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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You’ll see your active power plan (High Performance).
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Select Balanced or Power Saver instead.
Method 3: Via Quick Settings
Windows 11 also allows quick changes.
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Click the battery/wifi/sound icon on the taskbar.
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Select the battery icon (Power mode).
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Choose Balanced or Best Power Efficiency.
Method 4: Using Command Prompt
For advanced users, you can switch power plans with commands.
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
This shows all power plans with unique GUIDs.
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Copy the GUID of Balanced or Power Saver.
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Type:
Replace
[GUID]with the actual code.
Method 5: Using Windows Terminal (PowerShell)
PowerShell works similarly to Command Prompt.
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Open Windows Terminal.
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Run:
or
Method 6: Disable Ultimate Performance (If Enabled)
If you’ve enabled Ultimate Performance mode, here’s how to turn it off:
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Open Control Panel → Power Options.
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Select Balanced or another plan.
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To remove Ultimate Performance completely, run:
What Happens After You Turn It Off?
When you switch from High Performance to Balanced or Power Saver:
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CPU doesn’t run at max speed all the time.
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Fans become quieter.
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Laptop battery lasts longer.
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System may feel slightly slower under heavy loads, but for everyday tasks, you won’t notice much difference.
Best Power Mode for Everyday Use
For most people, the Balanced mode is perfect. It adjusts performance based on what you’re doing. Writing emails? It saves power. Playing games? It boosts performance when needed.
When Should You Use High Performance Mode?
There are times when High Performance makes sense:
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Gaming sessions where you need maximum FPS.
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Video editing, 3D rendering, or other heavy workloads.
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When your PC is plugged in and heat isn’t an issue.
But once you’re done, it’s best to switch back.
Tips for Managing Power Modes in Windows 11
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Create shortcuts to quickly switch power modes using
powercfg. -
Use Battery Saver when traveling.
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Plug in your laptop when using High Performance.
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Monitor temperatures with tools like HWMonitor.
Troubleshooting: Can’t Find High Performance Mode?
Sometimes, the High Performance plan is hidden. To restore it:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
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Check Power Options again—it should reappear.
Is Turning Off High Performance Safe?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better for your device in the long run. Windows 11 automatically adjusts resources, so unless you’re running resource-heavy apps, you won’t lose much performance.
Final Thoughts
Turning off High Performance mode in Windows 11 is simple and smart if you’re looking to save battery, reduce heat, and keep your system healthy. For everyday use, Balanced mode gives the best of both worlds.
Think of High Performance like sprinting—it’s powerful, but you can’t (and shouldn’t) run at full speed all the time. Switching to a balanced approach will keep your PC efficient, quieter, and longer-lasting.
FAQs
1. Does turning off High Performance make my PC slower?
Not really. For light to moderate tasks, you won’t notice much difference. It only matters for heavy workloads.
2. Can I still game without High Performance mode?
Yes, but for maximum FPS, High Performance or Balanced while plugged in is recommended.
3. Will my laptop overheat in High Performance mode?
It can generate more heat, especially during gaming or editing. That’s why many users turn it off when not needed.
4. How do I know which mode I’m currently using?
Go to Settings → Power & Battery → Power Mode or check Control Panel → Power Options.
5. Is Balanced better than High Performance?
For most users, yes. It balances speed and efficiency, extending battery life and reducing wear on your system.