To disable overclocking, you must address both hardware-level settings in your system's and any software-level adjustments made through tuning utilities
in your operating system. Overclocking can increase performance but often leads to instability, high temperatures, and reduced hardware lifespan. 1. Resetting CPU Overclocking (BIOS/UEFI)
The most reliable way to revert CPU settings is through the motherboard's firmware.
To disable overclocking, you generally need to address three areas: your system's BIOS/UEFI for hardware-level changes, specialized software for manual tweaks, and Windows Power Settings for thermal management. 1. Reset BIOS/UEFI to Defaults
The most effective way to remove any manual CPU or RAM overclocking is to revert your motherboard settings.
Access BIOS: Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually F2, Del, or F10).
Load Defaults: Look for an option like "Load Optimized Defaults" or "Restore Factory Settings". This is typically found in the Exit or Save & Exit tab.
Disable XMP/DOCP: To stop RAM overclocking specifically, navigate to the memory settings and set the XMP, DOCP, or EXPO profile to "Disabled" or "Auto". Save and Exit: Press F10 to save your changes and reboot. 2. Uninstall or Revert Overclocking Software
If you used software to boost performance, simply uninstalling it may not always revert the settings to stock.
CPU Tools: Use Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) or AMD Ryzen Master to manually reset your CPU to "Default" before uninstalling.
GPU Tools: Open tools like MSI Afterburner or ASUS Armoury Crate. Click the Reset (circular arrow) button to return clock speeds and voltages to zero/stock. 3. Tweak Windows Power Settings
You can "soft-disable" overclocking behavior by limiting the processor's power state in Windows. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. how to disable overclocking
Select Change plan settings for your active plan, then click Change advanced power settings.
Expand Processor power management > Maximum processor state.
Set both "On battery" and "Plugged in" to 99% instead of 100%. This prevents the CPU from entering its "Turbo" or overclocked frequencies.
For a quick walkthrough on how to manage these settings directly in Windows without entering the BIOS, check out this tutorial:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to disable overclocking, whether it was applied via software, BIOS, or manufacturer defaults (e.g., GPU or Intel Turbo Boost).
| Component | Where to Disable | Key Setting | |-----------|----------------|--------------| | CPU | BIOS | Core Ratio → Auto | | GPU | MSI Afterburner | Sliders → 0 → Apply | | RAM | BIOS | XMP/DOCP/EXPO → Disabled |
Final tip: If you built your PC from used parts, the previous owner may have overclocked via a physical BIOS switch (some high-end motherboards). Check for a small toggle labeled "LN2" or "OC Switch" and flip it to normal.
Need more help? Reply with your CPU/GPU model and motherboard brand.
Disabling overclocking is a common way to lower system temperatures, improve stability, or return a used PC to its factory specifications. Depending on how the overclock was applied, you can disable it through Windows settings, specialized software, or the system BIOS. 1. Windows Power Settings (No BIOS Required)
This method effectively "throttles" the CPU to its base speed, preventing it from using "Turbo" or "Boost" frequencies. Open Power Options : Search for "Edit power plan" in the Windows taskbar. Advanced Settings Change advanced power settings Adjust Processor State Processor power management Maximum processor state
. This prevents the CPU from reaching its boosted clock speeds. 2. Uninstalling Overclocking Software Quick Summary Table | Component | Where to
If you used a software utility to overclock, the settings often remain active as long as the program is installed or running. Common CPU Tools : Look for Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) AMD Ryzen Master , or brand-specific tools like ASUS AI Suite 3 Common GPU Tools : Tools like MSI Afterburner EVGA Precision X1 : Revert the settings to within the app first, then uninstall the program through Settings > Apps Control Panel 3. BIOS/UEFI Reset (Most Effective)
The most thorough way to remove a CPU or RAM overclock (including XMP/DOCP profiles) is through the BIOS.
Disabling overclocking is a vital troubleshooting step if your system is experiencing high temperatures, frequent crashes, or general instability. Depending on whether you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, there are several ways to revert to factory settings using software tools or your computer's BIOS. 1. Disable CPU Overclocking via BIOS (Recommended)
The most reliable way to remove a CPU overclock is through the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI firmware. This method ensures that the hardware itself is reset to factory specifications before the operating system even boots.
Enter BIOS: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually F2, Del, or F10) as the logo appears during startup.
Load Defaults: Once inside, look for an option like "Load Optimized Defaults," "Restore Defaults," or "Set to Default Settings". On many motherboards, pressing F5 acts as a shortcut for this action.
Manual Adjustment: If you only want to disable specific settings without resetting everything, navigate to the "Advanced" or "Overclocking" section and set the following to Auto or Disabled: CPU Multiplier/Ratio: Set to Auto. CPU Voltage: Set to Auto.
Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) (for AMD users): Set to Disabled.
Save and Exit: Press F10 to save your changes and restart your PC. 2. Disable CPU Overclocking in Windows (Software-Level)
If you used software to overclock your CPU while Windows was running, you should use that same software to revert the settings. How to disable overclocking - ASRock Forums
GPUs are usually overclocked via software, not BIOS. Final tip: If you built your PC from
Using MSI Afterburner (most common):
0.Using AMD Adrenalin:
Using NVIDIA (no direct OC tool):
If your overclock was so unstable that the PC won't boot into Windows (or even into BIOS), you can perform a hardware reset. Clearing the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) resets all BIOS settings to factory defaults, disabling every overclock instantly.
If you followed all the steps but your CPU/GPU still shows boosted speeds, try these fixes:
| Symptom | Likely Fix |
| :--- | :--- |
| BIOS settings won't save | Replace the CMOS battery (it's dead). |
| CPU still runs at max multiplier | Disable Intel Turbo Boost or AMD Core Performance Boost (remember: disabling these reduces speed below stock—try resetting Windows power plan to Balanced). |
| GPU clock is stuck high | Restart graphics driver with Win + Ctrl + Shift + B. Or perform a clean driver reinstall using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode. |
| "Overclocking failed" error on boot | Load BIOS optimized defaults (F5 on many motherboards) instead of exiting. |
| XMP keeps re-enabling | Update your motherboard BIOS. Older versions may have profile auto-load bugs. |
If you’re overwhelmed, follow this universal recipe:
Step 1: Restart PC → repeatedly press Del or F2 (look for “Press [Key] to enter Setup” on first boot screen).
Step 2: Once inside, find the OC, Tweaker, Extreme, or Overclocking tab (names vary by manufacturer).
Step 3: Look for these settings and set them to Auto or Disabled:
Step 4: Press F10 to Save & Exit (or navigate to Exit → Save Changes and Reset).
Step 5: If the PC fails to boot, clear CMOS (see Section 10 below).