Microsoft Windows‘ Efficiency Mode is a feature that helps improve battery life by reducing the CPU usage of background apps.
However, in some situations, this feature can slow down system performance — especially during gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
If you want to turn off Windows Efficiency Mode, the methods below are safe and official.
What is Windows Efficiency Mode?
Efficiency Mode is a power management feature in Windows that:
Reduces the CPU priority of background processes
Controls battery consumption
This feature is more useful for laptops and battery-powered devices.
Ways to Turn Off Windows Efficiency Mode
Turn Off Efficiency Mode from Task Manager
This is the easiest and safest method.
Steps:
1. Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Or Windows + X → Task Manager
2. Go to the Processes Tab
All running apps will be displayed here.
3. Disable Efficiency Mode
Right-click on the app for which you want to turn off Efficiency Mode
If “Efficiency Mode” is enabled, uncheck it
> This setting will apply only to that specific app.
Adjust Power Settings from Windows Settings
Steps:
1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I
2. Go to System → Power & Battery
3. Check Battery Saver settings
4. Keep Battery Saver off for high-performance tasks
> Note: Efficiency Mode in Windows does not come as a complete global toggle; it’s an app-level feature.
Group Policy Editor (For Advanced Users)
This method is only available in Windows Pro / Enterprise versions.
Steps:
1. Windows + R → `gpedit.msc`
2. Go to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Power Management
3. Review power-related policies
Registry Editor (Advanced Method – Caution Required)
Incorrect changes in the Registry can cause system issues.
Steps:
1. Press Windows + R → type `regedit`
2. Navigate to:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power`
3. Only change registry values if you have complete knowledge of the process.
4. Restart your system after making the changes.
Advantages of disabling Efficiency Mode:
Better system performance
Smooth experience in gaming and video editing
More CPU power for heavy applications
Disadvantages of disabling Efficiency Mode:
The battery may drain faster
The laptop may overheat
Not ideal for portable devices
When to disable Efficiency Mode?
While gaming
During video editing or graphic design
When the system is not running on battery power
Conclusion
Windows Efficiency Mode is a useful feature for extending battery life, but it’s not necessary for every user.
If your system feels slow or you are performing high-performance tasks, you can selectively disable it.
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Windows Efficiency Mode
Question 1: What is Windows Efficiency Mode?
Answer: It is a feature that limits CPU consumption of background applications, thereby increasing battery life and saving energy.
Question 2: When do you need to turn off Efficiency Mode?
Answer:
When your system is slowing down.
During gaming, video editing, or high-performance tasks.
When battery dependence is low.
Question 3: What is the simplest way to turn off Efficiency Mode?
Answer: The simplest way is to use Task Manager. Right-click on the process and uncheck Efficiency Mode.
Question 4: Will turning off Efficiency Mode affect the battery?
Answer: Yes, turning off Efficiency Mode may drain the battery faster as the CPU will consume more energy.
Question 5: Can I turn off Efficiency Mode permanently?
Answer: Yes, you can turn it off permanently using the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor.
Question 6: In which Windows versions is Efficiency Mode available?
Answer: This feature is available in some versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Question 7: Does Efficiency Mode apply to every application?
Answer: No, it only applies to certain applications running in the background.
Question 8: What is the effect of turning Efficiency Mode on or off on the system?
Answer:
Turning it on: Reduces power consumption and increases battery life.
Turning it off: Improves system performance, but may drain the battery faster.
Question 9: Does administrative access need to be given to turn off Efficiency Mode?
Answer: Yes, administrative access is required to make changes via Task Manager, Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor.
Question 10: Do I need to restart the system after turning off Efficiency Mode?
Answer: Making changes via Task Manager does not require a restart. However, a system restart may be necessary after using the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.

