Overclocking can give your CPU a bit of a punch, but sometimes it’s just easier to dial it back to the default settings, especially if your system’s getting hot or unstable. To do that in Windows 11, you’ll need to jump into the BIOS and tweak a few bits. Yep, that means restarting your PC, hitting the BIOS key (usually Del or F2), and navigating to find the overclocking or performance options so you can set them back to “Auto” or “Default.” Save your changes, reboot, and your CPU should be back to its stock speed. Too easy, right? Well, mostly. The tricky part can be locating the right menu because BIOS layouts differ depending on your motherboard brand—those tabs might be called “AI Tweaker,” “Overclocking,” “Performance,” or something similar.
How to Stop Overclocking Your CPU in Windows 11
Shutting off overclocking isn’t just about stopping the heat — it also helps with system stability, especially if you’re getting crashes or strange behaviour. Hopefully, this helps smooth things out and gets your system running nicely again.
Step 1: Restart Your PC
This is where it gets a bit exciting, because you’ve got to reboot into the BIOS. Basically, save your work, then hit Ctrl + Alt + Del or go to Start > Power > Restart, and keep an eye out for that BIOS prompt. Heads up—on newer systems, you might need to hold down the BIOS key (like Del or F2) during the restart. If that doesn’t work, check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer’s website. Sometimes you need to press F12 or Esc during startup to get into the BIOS menu.
Step 2: Get into the BIOS Setup
When your PC boots up, tap that BIOS key repeatedly—don’t hold it down, or you might miss the window. The aim is to land in the BIOS before Windows loads up. Different brands—like Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, or Dell—use different keys, so check if you’re not sure. Once you’re in, take a deep breath, it can look a bit overwhelming with all those options.
Step 3: Find Overclocking Settings
This is where it can get a little confusing. Inside BIOS, look for sections labelled something like “AI Tweaker,” “Overclock,” “Performance,” or similar. For Asus boards, it’s often under “AI Tweaker”. MSI might call it “OC Settings”. Find the CPU frequency and voltage controls. Sometimes, they’re under an “Advanced” menu. It’s worth poking around or searching for a setting like “CPU Ratio”, “Multiplier”, or “CPU Voltage”.
Step 4: Shut Off Overclocking
Set all CPU frequency or multiplier options to “Auto” or “Default”. You might see options like “CPU Frequency”, “CPU Ratio”, or “Base Clock (BCLK)”. Setting these to auto resets any tweaks you’ve made. If you see voltage controls, set them to “Auto” too. This will bring your CPU back to its factory settings, avoiding instability or overheating caused by overclocking.
Step 5: Save and Exit
Once done, look for “Save & Exit” or press F10. Confirm the save, and your PC will reboot with the CPU at stock speeds. Some BIOSes might throw you a “save failed” message, but usually it sorts itself out. If your BIOS won’t save or keeps sticking, you might need to clear the CMOS—just unplug your PC, then short the CMOS jumper on the motherboard or take out the battery for a few minutes.
After rebooting, check that your CPU’s back to normal speeds. You can do this with tools like CPU-Z or your system info. Under stock settings, your CPU core speed should match the official specs—no more turbo boosts or overclock tweaks.
This process can vary a bit depending on your hardware, and sometimes BIOS updates or manufacturer quirks make it trickier. Some setups work first go, others might need a CMOS reset or BIOS update. Windows can be a bit frustrating sometimes, eh?
Tips for Stopping Overclocking Your CPU in Windows 11
- Check your motherboard manual or online guides for the exact BIOS key—each brand’s different.
- Take a quick screenshot or jot down your current BIOS settings before making any changes, just in case.
- If turning off overclocking doesn’t fix crashes or instability, double-check other BIOS settings like voltage limits or RAM tweaks.
- Keep your BIOS firmware up to date to avoid bugs or funky menu layouts.
- Getting to know your motherboard’s BIOS layout makes troubleshooting in future a lot easier.
FAQs
What is overclocking?
Basically, it’s pushing your CPU beyond the manufacturer’s specs by increasing its clock speed—sometimes to squeeze a bit more performance, other times risking instability or overheating.
Is overclocking safe?
Not always. It can boost performance but also risks overheating, crashing, or even damaging your hardware if you’re not careful. Keep an eye on temps if you decide to give it a go.
How can I tell if my CPU is overclocked?
If your CPU’s running faster than the stock speed in CPU-Z or Task Manager, or if your fans are loudening up, it could be overclocked. Apps like HWinfo or Ryzen Master can also show your real clock speeds.
Can I undo overclocking without going into BIOS?
Some software claims to do it, but honestly, BIOS is your most reliable way. Firmware tweak apps might work, but they can cause issues if they don’t apply properly.
Does stopping overclocking improve system stability?
Most of the time, yeah. Resetting to default speeds reduces the heat and stress on your CPU, helping to keep your system more stable—especially if you’ve been pushing your hardware hard.
Summary
- Reboot your PC.
- Enter BIOS Setup (usually Del, F2, or F12).
- Find overclocking / CPU tuning options.
- Set everything back to “Auto”.
- Save and restart your machine.
Hopefully, that saves you a few hours. Just a heads up—playing around with BIOS can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. Turning off overclocking isn’t a big effort—just a matter of some patience and a few clicks. Good luck, legend!