What Is Minimum Processor State? Everything You Need to Know

The Minimum Processor State functionality is available under the Power options of windows system settings. In this guide, we will introduce you to the ways to set, add or remove the Minimum Processor State in your Windows 10/11.

What Is Minimum Processor State?

If you are a Windows 10/11 user, Minimum Processor State is an excellent way to max out your Central Processing Unit (CPU). When the processor performs minimal tasks or is inactive, the minimum processor state provides the CPU with the least amount of power.

However, it is not the ideal method to use the system, but it can help you to meet your need for a specific time. You should use this feature on a computer with an adequate cooling system, not if your system produces excessive heat. 

This functionality is available under the Power options of windows system settings. In this guide, we will introduce you to the ways to set, add or remove the Minimum Processor State in your Windows 10/11. 

What Is the Recommended Minimum Processor State?

The default minimum processor state value in Windows 10/11 is 5%, and also the most recommended minimum processor state by many experts. The primary reason to set your Minimum Processor State option to 5% is if you are running minimal CPU programs, they will work well in low CPU states. It enables the system to configure, monitor and conserve battery power. On the other hand, you can set the maximum processor state as 100% when using heavy programs like gaming. 

How to Set Minimum Processor State on Windows 10/11?

The Minimum Processor State setting helps windows users to set the lowest available percentage to utilize. Setting the minimum processor percentage prevents battery life but may result in poor CPU performance. Thus, we recommend you customize the Minimum Processor State feature only if needed. 

This step-by-step guide will help you personalize the power options under Control Panel, and where you can find these options in Windows 10/11.

Step 1: Go to the Search bar, type Control Panel and open the app from the results.

Step 2: Select "Hardware and Sound" and click "Power Options" in the list.

Step 3:  Find and select "Change Plan Settings" from the next screen.

Step 4: Now, select the "power plan" as Change advanced power settings.

Step 5: Under the new window, find Processor power management and expand the menu for the Minimum processor state option. Click the "5%" ratio, and set your desired percentage.

Step 6: To save the changes, click "Apply" and then OK.

How to Add or Remove Minimum Processor State?

To add or remove Minimum Processor State in Power Options, please follow the given steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key and type Notepad on your computer's search bar. Open the Notepad app.

Step 2: Paste the following Registry in Notepad.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\bc5038f7-23e0-4960-96da-33abaf5935ec] "Attributes"=dword:00000001

Step 3: Go to the File menu and click the Save As option.

Step 4: Choose a location on the computer and type a name with the .reg file extension. 

Step 5:  In Save as type, choose "All Files" and click the "Save" button.

Step 6: Go to the location, where you have saved the file and Double-click on it, then select the "Yes" option.

In this article, we have dealt with everything you need to know about Minimum Processor State, but if you still have other quarries, please follow the FAQ section. 

Minimum Processor State FAQ

Here are some additional frequently asked questions to help you.

1. What should be the minimum processor state for gaming?

Usually, Minimum Processor State would not affect the system's CPU while doing heavy tasks like playing games. It impacts the power consumption of your system when it is inactive or handling small processes. So, there is no recommended Minimum Processor State value for gaming. 

2. Can I set the minimum processor state to 0 or 100?

Yes, you can set the Minimum Processor State to 0 or 100, but it is not recommended. The default value of the Minimum Processor State is 5%, and putting it to zero would not help you much. On the other hand, you are recommended to change the value to 100 when you want to utilize the high CPU performance.

3. Will changing my minimum processor state to 100% damage my CPU?

It will not damage the CPU but quickly consume the battery without improving the computer's performance. The time when the high-performance power plan is needed, you can set the minimum processor state to 100%.