Windows 10 includes an Ultimate Performance power plan on some editions and systems, but it is not a universal speed boost and may be unavailable on many PCs. It reduces some power-saving behavior at the cost of higher energy use, heat, and potentially more fan noise. Windows 10 passed its standard-support end date on October 14, 2025.
Steps
Step 1: Check the existing power plans
Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and look under the available or additional plans.
Step 2: Select Ultimate Performance only if it is already available
If Ultimate Performance appears and the PC is a suitable plugged-in workstation, select it and test the workload that you are trying to improve.
Step 3: Use High performance or the manufacturer’s performance mode when appropriate
If Ultimate Performance is absent, use a supported power/performance option provided by Windows or the PC manufacturer rather than forcing hidden plans with undocumented tweaks.
Step 4: Measure the result
Compare the actual application performance, temperature, battery use, and fan behavior. Switch back if there is no meaningful benefit.
What Happens Next
Ultimate Performance primarily changes power-management behavior. It cannot overcome CPU, GPU, storage, thermal, or memory limits, and it may make little difference on modern hardware.
Troubleshooting and Useful Details
Do not use copied scripts or Registry modifications that promise to unlock performance by disabling security, updates, thermal protections, or core Windows services. Laptop users should expect substantially higher battery consumption from aggressive performance settings.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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