Enable the Hidden Ultimate Performance Power Plan

Unlock Windows' hidden Ultimate Performance power plan with powercfg -duplicatescheme for maximum responsiveness in games and heavy workloads.

WindowspowercfgperformancePower & SleepLow risk
Run powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa66-1f090dbc8b53 in an admin Command Prompt, then pick "Ultimate Performance" in Control Panel > Power Options.

01Command

Command
$ powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa66-1f090dbc8b53

02What it does

Windows hides the Ultimate Performance plan because it's aimed at workstations — it removes micro-latencies in power management so the CPU ramps up instantly. The plan isn't visible in Settings even though the ability to create it is built in, so you duplicate it by GUID with powercfg. After duplicating, select it in Power Options; the command prints the new plan's GUID, which you can use with powercfg -delete to remove it later.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsRun Command Prompt as administrator. The plan GUID is printed after the command runs.
!Warning: This plan keeps the CPU at high states constantly, so laptops will run hotter, drain the battery fast, and reduce battery lifespan. Use it mainly on desktops or when plugged in.

04Undo

Undo
$ powercfg -delete <new-plan-guid>

05Sources

  • powercfg - SS64
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Lists powercfg -duplicatescheme usage and confirms the Ultimate Performance plan GUID can be duplicated to create an activatable scheme.
  • powercfg Command-Line Options
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents powercfg -duplicatescheme and the GUID e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa66-1f090dbc8b53 for the Ultimate Performance power scheme.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings

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