This tutorial will show you how to adjust processor scheduling for best performance of programs or background services in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Processor scheduling refers to the process by which Windows determines which job (task) should be run on the computer processor at which time. Without scheduling, the processor would give attention to jobs based on when they arrived in the queue, which is usually not optimal. As part of the scheduling, the processor gives a priority level to different processes running on the machine. When two processes are requesting service at the same time, the processor performs the jobs for the one with the higher priority.
You can adjust processor scheduling for best performance of Programs (default) or Background services:
- Programs to allocate more processor resources to foreground programs than background services. This will result in a smoother, faster response time for your foreground processes. This is usually best for the average home PC user.
- Background services to allocate more processor resources to background processes (ex: printing) than foreground programs. This could be best for a home or media server.
You must be signed in as an administrator to adjust processor scheduling for best performance.
Contents
- Option One: Adjust Processor Scheduling for Best Performance in System Properties
- Option Two: Adjust Processor Scheduling for Best Performance using REG file
1 Open System Properties (SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe).
2 In the Advanced tab, click/tap on Settings under the Performance section. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on the Advanced tab, select (dot) Programs (default) or Background services for what you want, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
4 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
1 Do step 2 (programs) or step 3 (background services) below for what you want.
2 Adjust Processor Scheduling for Best Performance of Programs
This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4.
Processor_scheduling_performance_for_programs.reg
Download
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl]
"Win32PrioritySeparation"=dword:000000263 Adjust Processor Scheduling for Best Performance of Background Services
A) Click/tap on the download button below to download the REG file below, and go to step 4.
Processor_scheduling_performace_for_background_services.reg
Download
(Content of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl]
"Win32PrioritySeparation"=dword:000000184 Save the REG file to your desktop.
5 Double click/tap on the downloaded REG file to merge it.
6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
7 Restart the computer to apply.
8 You can now delete the downloaded REG file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
