How to Set CPU Priority to Prefer Foreground apps in Windows 10

While you’re working on an application in your PC, you might think that your system is just running that alone. But actually, they will be running a number of processes in the background. A priority level is fixed for every one of them, to make it easier to operate them easily.

This priority level is fixed based on factors, like the amount of processor they consume and the time taken to run them. Increased priority levels will eventually increase the processor potential assigned to it. Here, we’re going to see, how to change CPU priority in Windows 10.

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Basically, there are seven types of priority levels, which include Real-time, High, Above Normal, Normal, Below Normal, and Low. With the methods to change the priority in Windows 10, we shall assign the priority as per our wish. This will subsequently pave ways for our favorite apps, to work faster.

But however, keep one thing in your mind. This setting is not a permanent one. And moreover, setting the priority manually may create unnecessary confusion in the processes. This is because the processes which are important right now, won’t receive the same priority every time. You can try the following methods to change CPU priority in Windows 10, to prefer the foreground apps.

Two Methods to Change CPU Priority in Windows 10 to Foreground Apps

Method 1: Adjust the Foreground Apps using Control Panel

First, sign in your Windows 10 using Administrator credentials or with an account with administrative privileges. Now, get into the Control Panel window, by selecting it from the Start menu.

Step 1: Navigate to System Properties settings via Control Panel.

  • Type Control Panel in the Cortana search box and choose Control Panel.

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  • Select System and Security in the Control Panel.

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  • Then click on System.

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  • Then in the System window, select the Advanced system settings option in the left pane, to open System Properties dialog box.

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Step 2: Change Performance settings for foreground apps.

  • Click on the Advanced tab in System Properties dialog box, then select Settings under Performance.

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  • In the popped-up Performance Options dialog box, select the Advanced tab again. Now check the Programs box under Adjust for best performance of. Then click Apply and Ok to save the changes.

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Method 2: Change DWORD Value to Prefer Foreground Apps in Registry Editor

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R keys together, then type regedit in Run box and hit the Enter to open the Registry Editor.

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Step 2: Locate PriorityControl

Paste the following command in Registry Editor and press Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl

Moreover, the Priority Control key will define the foreground priority differential. The default values for Win32PrioritySeparation are REG_DWORD 0, 1, or 2 which will specify the priority given to the foreground applications.

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Step 3: Change Value of Win32PrioritySeparation

Change the value of Win32PrioritySeparation to make the foreground apps to perform well.

You have to double click on the Win32PrioritySeparation in the right pane of Registry Editor. Now, you can able to see the value data. Then you can set the value data as 26 to adjust the performance of the foreground apps.

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The aforementioned steps will help you to change the settings for the foreground apps. But again, remember this is not a permanent fix. This priority change might create unnecessary confusions in the processes.

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