How to Change System Cooling Policy in Windows 11/10

In this article we will explain how to Change System Cooling Policy in Windows 11/10. System Cooling Policy is a Windows setting that lets the user control how the computer cools itself when it is working hard. People might use System Cooling Policy to control how loud their computer is or to make their components last longer by reducing the amount of wear and tear on their cooling systems. Some people do it to save money on energy, too.

You can choose between “Active” and “Passive.” The System Cooling Policy setting might not be in Windows’ Power Options for a number of reasons, like if another program or Windows update changed the settings or if the setting wasn’t turned on by default. People can add the System Cooling Policy setting to Windows by editing the registry or running a command prompt. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.

But it’s important to remember that editing the registry can be dangerous if it’s not done right. Before making any changes, it’s best to make a backup of the registry. This tool fixes common computer errors by replacing the broken system files with the original, working versions. It also stops system errors and blue screens of death (BSoDs) and fixes damage done by malware and viruses. In easy steps, you can see how to Change System Cooling Policy in Windows 11/10.

What is System Cooling Policy?

The system cooling policy is a set of settings that automatically adjusts the CPU’s clock speed and the PC’s fan speed to keep the computer’s internal temperature cool. The system cooling policy is at work when your computer is doing something that uses a lot of processor power and you hear your PC’s fan start to spin faster.

There are two ways to set the cooling policy for a system: Active and Passive. Before it slows down the processor, the Active cooling policy speeds up the fan. Passive, on the other hand, does the opposite. It slows down the processor before speeding up the fan. How you set your policy will depend on whether you want performance or power to be more important. So, if you want to save power on your laptop, for example, you might choose the Passive cooling policy.

Why Change System Cooling Policy?

1. Performance vs. Noise: Many computers‘ default cooling policies are set to keep a balance between performance and noise. By changing the cooling policy, users can choose to focus on either performance (allowing the system to run at higher temperatures, which could make it faster) or quieter operation (keeping temperatures low, which could slow the system down).
2. Overheating Problems: Sometimes, a computer may have problems with overheating, which can cause it to shut down unexpectedly or slow down. Changing the cooling policy to be more aggressive can help get rid of heat more quickly and reduce the chance of it getting too hot.
3. When running demanding programs: like video editing software or video games that use a lot of resources, the CPU and GPU may make a lot of heat. Changing the cooling policy to a higher-performance setting can help keep performance stable during tasks that use a lot of resources.
4. Customization and user preference: Some people may just want more control over how their computer cools. By changing the cooling policy, they can make the system work the way they want it to, based on their needs and preferences.
5. Extending the Lifespan of Hardware: Running at lower temperatures usually puts less stress on computer parts, which could make them last longer. Users who want to take extra steps to protect their hardware might choose a more aggressive cooling policy.

How to Set System Cooling Policy on Windows 11/10

1. Start by going to the Control Panel to set a system policy. Press Win+S to open Windows Search, type “control panel” in the text box, and click on “Control Panel” in the list of results. Read our guide on how to open the Control Panel for more ways to start it.
2. Next, go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Next to the power plan you’re using, click Change plan settings.
3. To open the Power Options menu, click Change advanced power settings.
4. Click the plus sign to the right of Processor power management to open it up, and you will see System cooling policy. Also, explain that.
5. Then, you’ll see how the cooling policies are set. What you see will depend on whether you’re on a desktop computer or a laptop.
6. To change them, click on the link for the cooling policy. For example, if the setting for “On battery” is “Passive,” click on “Passive.” This will turn it into a dropdown menu, so click on that and choose the other cooling policy.

How to Change System Cooling Policy in Windows 11/10

1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located on the bottom left corner of the taskbar.
2. Type “Control Panel” in the search box. Click on the Control Panel app from the search results.
3. In the Control Panel, make sure that the View by option (located on the top right corner) is set to either Small icons or Large icons. This will allow you to see all the available options.
4. Click on Power Options from the Control Panel options.
5. In the Power Options window, you will see your current power plan listed. Click on the Change plan settings link next to the power plan you are using.
6. In the next window, click on the Change advanced power settings link.
7. This will open the Power Options dialog box with various settings. Scroll down until you find the Processor power management option.
8. Click on the plus sign (+) next to Processor power management to expand its settings.
9. Now, you will see the System cooling policy setting. By default, it is usually set to “Active” or “Passive”, depending on your system and power plan.
10. Click on the System cooling policy setting to reveal a dropdown menu with available options.
11. Choose the desired cooling policy from the dropdown menu. The available options are typically “Active” and “Passive”.
    • Active: The system’s fan will run at higher speeds to cool the CPU actively.
    • Passive: The system will try to cool the CPU passively by reducing the fan speed or adjusting other cooling methods.
12. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

What to Expect After Changing System Cooling Policy

1. Improved Thermal Management: Depending on the cooling policy you selected, your system will adjust its cooling behavior to better manage its temperature. This can lead to better cooling performance and prevent overheating.
2. Increased Fan Activity: If you set the cooling policy to a more aggressive mode, you may notice an increase in fan activity. The fans will run at higher speeds to dissipate heat more efficiently.
3. Potential Noise Increase: As a result of increased fan activity, there might be a slight increase in noise levels, especially if you chose a more aggressive cooling policy.
4. Optimized Power Consumption: The cooling policy changes may also impact power consumption. A more active cooling policy might consume slightly more power to maintain lower temperatures.
5. Stability and Performance: In some cases, a more efficient cooling policy can help maintain system stability and prevent thermal throttling. This can result in better overall performance, especially during resource-intensive tasks.

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