How to Enable and Use Windows “Ultimate Performance” Power Plan

If you want every ounce of speed from your Windows PC, especially for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, there’s a hidden feature you should know about: the Ultimate Performance power plan. Built for high-end workstations, it removes power-saving measures that slow you down. Here’s how to unlock and use it.

What is the Ultimate Performance Power Plan?

The Ultimate Performance plan is a special setting in Windows that minimizes micro-latencies, or the tiny delays between your PC’s hardware and the software asking it to work. It keeps your system running at peak performance, but it comes with a trade-off: your computer will use more power, and battery life will suffer (if you’re on a laptop).

Who should use it?

• Power users with desktop PCs.
• Anyone running demanding applications (3D rendering, heavy multitasking, etc.).
• Not recommended for most laptops, as it drains batteries quickly.

How to Enable the Ultimate Performance Power Plan

It’s not always enabled by default. Here’s how to activate it:

For Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise/Education

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the Command
   • Copy and paste this line, then press Enter:
     powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
   • You’ll get no message, but it’s now unlocked.
3. Select the Ultimate Performance Plan
   • Right-click the battery icon or search for “Power Options” in the Start menu.
   • Go to Power Options.
   • Click Show additional plans if you don’t see Ultimate Performance.
   • Select Ultimate Performance.

For Windows 11/10 Home Edition

The above steps work on most editions. If you don’t see “Ultimate Performance,” use the same command in step 2, and it should show up in Power Options.

Using Ultimate Performance

After enabling it, your PC will prioritize speed over energy savings:

• Fans may run more often — expect higher noise.
• More power use — not ideal for laptops or energy-conscious users.
• Everything feels snappier — ideal for big workloads.

You can always switch back to Balanced or High Performance in Power Options if you want to save power.

Final Thoughts

If you’re chasing every bit of performance from your Windows PC, the Ultimate Performance plan is worth a try. Just remember: more speed means more power consumption. Use it when you need the boost, and switch back when you don’t.

Have questions or need help? Leave a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!