Speed Up Your Slow Laptop by Disabling Throttling

Step 1: Adjust Power Plan Settings for Maximum Performance

To maximize your laptop’s performance, switch the Power Plan to “High Performance” and adjust necessary settings.

1. Search for power plan in Windows Search and select Edit Power Plan.
2. Select the High-performance power plan and click on Change advanced power settings.
3. Configure the following options:

• Intel(R) Graphics Settings : Maximum Performance
• Switchable Dynamic Graphics : Maximum Performance
• Graphics Power Settings : Maximum Performance

Pro Tip: If your laptop has a dedicated graphics card, ensure it’s fully utilized by confirming these settings.

Step 2: Disable Throttling in Windows

Windows throttles background processes to optimize heat management. You can disable this to enhance app performance:

1. Open Windows Search, type group policy, and select Edit group policy.
2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Power Management → Power Throttling Settings. Set Turn off Power Throttling to Enabled.

Pro Tip: If performance doesn’t improve, revert this setting to Not Configured to benefit foreground processes.

Step 3: Use a PC Power Control App for Enhanced Settings

Utilize a third-party app like ThrottleStop to manage throttling settings and undervolt your CPU:

• Power Plan: High Performance
• Clock Mod: Checked and set to 100%
• Set Multiplier: Maximum available
• Speed Shift – EPP: > 0
• SpeedStep: Unchecked (Checked if Speed Shift is unavailable)
• BD PROCHOT: Unchecked
• C1E: Unchecked

Pro Tip: Unchecking BD PROCHOT disables thermal throttling due to secondary components, which is important for maintaining performance.

Step 4: Update GPU Driver for Optimal Performance

Outdated GPU drivers can lead to performance issues. Use a reliable third-party driver updater:

1. Run IObit Driver Booster to scan for outdated drivers.
2. Click Update to download and install any necessary updates.

Pro Tip: Additionally, install the latest version of your GPU manufacturer’s software to ensure full compatibility.

Step 5: Set App Performance Preference for Better Resource Allocation

For apps that might run on integrated graphics by default, change their settings to utilize the dedicated GPU:

1. Open Settings and navigate to System → Display.
2. Click on Graphics Settings and select Browse to add the app/game executable; set it to High performance.

Step 6: Optimize BIOS/UEFI Settings for Enhanced Laptop Performance

An often-overlooked method to improve performance is adjusting BIOS settings. Check for these options:

• CPU Power Limit: Ensure it’s not set too low.
• PCIe Link Speed: Set it to the highest supported speed.
• Intel Turbo Boost: Ensure it’s enabled.
• Disable Integrated Graphics: Only if your laptop consistently uses the integrated GPU.

Pro Tip: Look for any additional power-saving settings and adjust them to favor performance instead of efficiency.

What is resource throttling?

Will disabling throttling affect my laptop’s lifespan?