Intel Turbo Boost (and AMD’s equivalent, Precision Boost) turns on automatically in Windows 11. There’s no Turbo Boost switch in Windows itself. To make sure it’s working, set Power mode to Best performance in Settings > System > Power & battery, make sure Maximum processor state is 100% in Power Options, and check that Turbo Boost is enabled in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Then open Task Manager: if the CPU Speed goes above its Base speed under load, Turbo Boost is working.
Step 1: Check whether Turbo Boost is already working
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click Performance > CPU.
- Compare Speed with Base speed while you open a demanding app or game.
If Speed rises above Base speed, Turbo Boost is on. Your CPU only boosts when it needs to and when it’s cool enough, so it won’t stay at the maximum all the time.
Step 2: Set Windows 11 power mode to Best performance
- Open Settings > System > Power & battery (or Power on desktops).
- Next to Power mode, choose Best performance. On laptops, set it for both Plugged in and On battery if you see separate options.
Step 3: Set Maximum processor state to 100%
- Press Windows + R, type control powercfg.cpl,,3, and press Enter to open advanced power settings. You can also search for Edit power plan and click Change advanced power settings.
- Expand Processor power management > Maximum processor state.
- Set Plugged in (and On battery) to 100%.
- Click Apply and OK.
A maximum of 99% or lower stops Turbo Boost. Some people do this on purpose to reduce heat and fan noise.
Step 4: Make sure Turbo Boost is enabled in BIOS/UEFI
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- Look under Advanced, CPU Configuration, or Performance for Intel Turbo Boost Technology (or Core Performance Boost / Precision Boost on AMD) and set it to Enabled.
- Press F10 to save and exit.
Why your CPU might not boost
- Heat: Dust or a laptop on a soft surface can make the CPU throttle. Keep vents clear.
- Battery saver: It limits performance. Turn it off in Power & battery.
- Manufacturer software: Apps like Lenovo Vantage, Dell Power Manager, or MyASUS have their own performance modes. Set them to performance or balanced.
- Your CPU doesn’t support it: Some older or low-power processors don’t have Turbo Boost. Check your model on Intel’s or AMD’s website.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to leave Turbo Boost on?
Yes. It’s designed to run automatically within safe temperature and power limits.
Can I turn Turbo Boost off to save battery?
Yes. Set Maximum processor state to 99% for On battery, or use a lower power mode.
Is Intel Turbo Boost the same as overclocking?
No. Turbo Boost stays within the limits Intel sets. Overclocking pushes a CPU beyond them and isn’t supported on most laptops.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.