Overclocking pushes your processor, graphics card, or memory beyond their stock speeds for extra performance, but it can also cause crashes, freezes, blue screens, overheating, and shorter battery life. If your Windows 10 PC has become unstable, or you bought a used PC that was overclocked, returning everything to default speeds is a smart first step. Overclocking is controlled in your PC's firmware (BIOS/UEFI) and in overclocking apps, not in Windows itself, so this guide covers both.
Quick Answer
Restart into your BIOS/UEFI (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings), choose Load Optimized Defaults (often F9), and save with F10. Then open any overclocking app you use, such as a GPU tuning tool, click Reset or Default, and disable its "apply at startup" option.
Where Overclocking Settings Live
| Component | Where it is usually set | How to reset |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | BIOS/UEFI, or apps like Intel XTU or AMD Ryzen Master | Load defaults in BIOS or reset in the app |
| RAM | BIOS/UEFI memory profile (XMP or EXPO) | Set the profile to Disabled/Auto or load defaults |
| GPU | GPU tuning apps (for example, MSI Afterburner, NVIDIA app, AMD Software) | Click Reset/Default in the app |
| Laptop performance modes | Manufacturer control center app | Choose Balanced or Standard mode |
Step 1: Reset CPU and RAM in BIOS/UEFI
- Save your work.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.
- In the firmware, look for Load Optimized Defaults, Load Setup Defaults, or Restore Defaults, usually on the Exit or Save & Exit tab, or press F9.
- Confirm, then choose Save Changes and Exit (often F10).
You can also press the setup key during startup, commonly Del, F2, F10, or Esc.
Only want to turn off specific overclocks?
- Memory: set XMP, EXPO, or DOCP to Disabled or Auto.
- CPU multiplier and voltage: set to Auto.
- Automatic boost features (such as Precision Boost Overdrive or multicore enhancement): set to Disabled or Auto.
Note: loading defaults may also reset boot order, fan curves, virtualization, or Secure Boot settings. Take photos of important settings before resetting, and re-enable anything you need.
Step 2: Reset Overclocking Apps in Windows
- Open the app you used to overclock. Check the system tray for tuning utilities.
- Click Reset, Default, or Restore to return clocks, voltages, and power limits to stock.
- Turn off options like Apply overclocking at system startup or remove saved profiles.
- Optionally, uninstall the app from Settings > Apps > Apps & features and remove it from Task Manager > Startup.
Step 3: Check Laptop Performance Modes
Gaming laptops often have a "Turbo" or "Performance" mode that overclocks components. Open the manufacturer's control app and choose Balanced or Standard. In Windows, you can also choose the Balanced power plan in Control Panel > Power Options.
Step 4: Confirm You Are at Stock Speeds
- Open Task Manager > Performance. Check the CPU Base speed and the current speed. Short boosts above base speed are normal with turbo boost and are not overclocking.
- Check memory speed under Memory. Without XMP/EXPO, RAM usually runs at a standard default speed.
- For the GPU, check clocks in your GPU software.
If the PC Will Not Boot After an Overclock
Many motherboards automatically revert to safe settings after failed boots. If yours does not, clear the CMOS: shut down, unplug the PC, and use the motherboard's Clear CMOS button or jumper, or remove the coin battery for a few minutes, following your motherboard manual. On laptops, contact the manufacturer rather than opening the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 10 have an overclocking setting?
No. Overclocking is set in the BIOS/UEFI or in third-party and manufacturer apps.
Is turbo boost the same as overclocking?
No. Intel Turbo Boost and AMD Precision Boost are built-in, supported features that raise speeds within safe limits. You normally leave them on.
Will resetting to defaults delete my files?
No. BIOS defaults affect hardware settings only.
Summary
- Enter BIOS/UEFI and choose Load Optimized Defaults, then save.
- Or disable XMP/EXPO and set CPU settings to Auto individually.
- Reset and disable startup profiles in overclocking apps.
- Switch laptop performance modes to Balanced and confirm speeds in Task Manager.
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.