What is the Ultimate Performance Plan?
Windows 11 includes several default power plans (Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance) designed to balance energy consumption with system speed. However, Microsoft includes a hidden, fourth power plan called “Ultimate Performance.” Originally designed for high-end workstations and servers, this plan completely eliminates all micro-latencies associated with power management. It prevents hard drives from ever going to sleep, stops the CPU from scaling down its clock speed when idle, and ensures maximum voltage is delivered to PCIe slots at all times. While it will significantly increase your electricity bill and drain a laptop battery in minutes, it is an excellent hidden feature to enable on a desktop PC dedicated entirely to high-framerate gaming or intensive video rendering.
How to Unlock the Hidden Power Plan
Because Microsoft does not want laptop users accidentally enabling this battery-draining profile, it is hidden by default. You must unlock it using a specific command in the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
- Click the Start Menu and type cmd.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt application and select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes on the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
- Copy and paste the following command exactly as written:
powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61- Press Enter.
- The Command Prompt will output a line of text that says
Power Scheme GUID: [string of letters] (Ultimate Performance), confirming the plan is now available.
How to Apply the Ultimate Performance Plan
Now that the plan is unlocked, you need to navigate to the classic Control Panel to actually turn it on.
- Click the Start Menu, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
- Ensure the “View by” option in the top right is set to Large icons or Small icons (not Category).
- Click on Power Options.
- You will likely see the “Balanced” plan selected. Look below it for a downward arrow labeled Show additional plans and click it.
- Click the radio button next to Ultimate Performance.
The changes take effect immediately. Your CPU will now run at its base or boost clock speed continuously, ensuring zero delay when a game demands sudden processing power.