What's Causing My CPU to Be So Slow? How Can I Boost CPU Speed? Discover the reasons behind sluggish CPU performance and learn how to enhance CPU efficiency in this article. Keep reading to uncover the steps you should take.

A CPU (central processing unit) serves as a critical component in a computer, executing the instructions of a computer program. Over time, the CPU might not execute tasks as effectively as before because modern applications demand greater computational power or the operating system consumes excessive resources.

Moreover, CPU overheating, dusty heat sinks, and numerous resource-intensive programs running simultaneously can lead to diminished CPU performance. Additionally, high CPU usage, low CPU fan RPM, insufficient CPU capacity, and dried-out thermal paste can contribute to slower CPU speeds, resulting in sluggish PC performance. In such cases, it’s essential to explore ways to boost CPU performance to improve your computer's speed.

Let’s proceed to the next section to explore practical tips for enhancing CPU performance.

How to Enhance CPU Performance on Windows 11/10

Use MiniTool System Booster

As noted earlier, high CPU usage can strain your processor. You may not realize how many resources are being consumed by numerous applications running in the background, leading to a sluggish CPU. One method to improve CPU speed involves disabling background and startup applications.

To boost CPU performance in this manner, consider using MiniTool System Booster. This free, comprehensive PC optimization tool enables you to scan, repair, clean, and enhance your PC across various aspects. Specifically, you can utilize MiniTool System Booster on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 to thoroughly clean your PC, remove unnecessary or deceptive software, disable startup items, terminate intensive processes, select a power mode, and more.

Now, download this PC optimizer for free and install it on your machine. Next, see how to accelerate CPU performance by disabling applications or processes.

Step 1: Launch MiniTool System Booster and navigate to its Performance tab.

Step 2: Select Toolbox from the top menu, then click on Process Scanner and Startup Optimizer sequentially.

Step 3: Proceed to view the associated actions.

In the Process Scanner window, click the Scan now button. Following the scan, tap on the CPU list to sort and swiftly locate processes consuming high CPU resources. Then, disable them by clicking the Terminate Process button.

In the Startup Optimizer window, click Off to disable certain startup items. Consequently, they won’t consume significant CPU resources in the background when you boot up your PC.

Apart from disabling background or intensive processes, MiniTool System Booster provides another feature called OptiCore, which enhances program speed by prioritizing CPU power for the application currently in use. Simply go to LiveBoost and activate this option.

Disable Applications via Task Manager

To enhance CPU performance, you can also opt to disable applications through Task Manager instead of using MiniTool System Booster.

Step 1: Press Ctrl Shift Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager in Windows 11/10.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, identify and end processes that consume substantial resources.

Step 3: Under the Startup tab, disable the application showing High under Startup impact.

Customize Performance Settings for Windows

If your PC lacks a dedicated GPU, the CPU must handle graphical tasks like animations and thumbnail icons, placing a strain on the processor and causing slow CPU performance. Therefore, how can you boost CPU performance? Disabling or customizing visual effects is advisable.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > About > Advanced system settings.

Step 2: Under Performance, click Settings.

Step 3: Check Adjust for best performance.

Step 4: Save the changes.

Modify Processor Power Management Settings

For Intel CPUs, one approach to improving CPU speed is reducing the maximum processor state to 99%, ensuring the process operates optimally at a lower temperature. If the maximum processor state is set to 100%, all resources will be utilized, leading to high CPU temperatures and degraded performance.

Refer to the following steps to enhance processor speed by adjusting the processor power settings.

Step 1: Press Win R, enter powercfg.cpl, and click OK to open Power Options.

Step 2: Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to locate and expand Processor power management > Maximum processor state.

Step 4: Set the value to 99%. For laptops, set both On battery and Plugged in to 99%.

Step 5: Apply the changes by clicking Apply > OK.

Enhance CPU Cooling

As mentioned earlier, CPU overheating is one of the causes of poor CPU performance. When discussing how to boost CPU performance for gaming, maintaining proper CPU cooling is crucial.

Replace Thermal Paste

A CPU with dried-out thermal paste performs poorly in transferring heat from the processor to the cooler. If your CPU isn't functioning as expected, replacing the thermal paste is recommended.

Related post: How Long Does Thermal Paste Last? How to Remove or Clean It?

Clean Heat Sink and Fans

Dust accumulated on the heat sink and cooling fans can impede airflow and trap heat, preventing the CPU from cooling down. Furthermore, if dust infiltrates the heat sink and fan compartments, cooling efficiency worsens. Thus, you can consider enhancing CPU performance by cleaning dust using a can of compressed air.

Overclock the CPU

Another method to speed up the processor is overclocking your CPU. This involves running the CPU at a higher clock speed than its original specifications, thereby improving overall computer performance and increasing frames per second (FPS) in games. However, note that CPU overclocking requires more power and generates more heat.

For detailed guidance on CPU overclocking, refer to our previous articles:

• Is It Good to Overclock Your CPU? Let’s Figure It Out
• AMD Overclocking Guide: How to Overclock CPU AMD?

Final Thoughts

How to increase CPU performance or how to boost CPU speed on Windows 11/10? After reading this article, you’ve found the solution to this question. Follow the provided methods to effortlessly enhance your processor and achieve optimal CPU performance.

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