How to use Windows 11’s Efficiency Mode to minimise resource use

A new Windows 11 feature called Task Manager Efficiency Mode is intended to restrict the consumption of system resources (mainly CPU) by background processes that are either idle or not actively being used by application programs. It is comparable to the Eco mode that Microsoft introduced in Windows 10.

Less system resources are available to the programmes that use them when idle processes continue to demand system resources, which causes poorer foreground response, a shorter battery life, louder fan noise, and higher temperatures. Efficiency Mode makes an effort to address this problem by lowering CPU priority and power usage for specific processes. Additionally, it aids in locating applications that may already be operating in efficiency mode, such as Microsoft Edge, which does so by default.

In this post, we’ll look at how to use Windows 11’s Efficiency Mode to save resources. This feature is a part of the Windows 11 2022 version 22H2 update and is accessible in the new Task Manager of Windows 11.

How to use Windows 11’s Efficiency Mode

Every Windows process has a “priority,” which is used to assess its importance and to determine how much CPU is allotted to it. To avoid interfering with other running processes that have a higher priority, efficiency mode for a process lowers its basic priority. The process is also placed in “EcoQoS” mode by the efficiency mode to allow for more power-efficient operation. The procedure uses the least amount of CPU power when using EcoQoS. This makes sure that a “thermal headroom” is kept available for other crucial operations that must be carried out first.

Activating Efficiency Mode

The following describes how to activate Efficiency Mode on your Windows 11 PC:

  1. Activate Task Manager.
  2. Activate the Processes tab.
  3. By pressing the expand/collapse (>) symbol, you can expand the process tree for the specified application.
  4. Choose a process, then select Efficiency Mode from the Task Manager window’s top menu. As an alternative, you can choose Efficiency Mode by performing a right-click on the relevant process.
  5. In the confirmation window that displays, select the Turn on Efficiency mode button.


The chosen process will then have Efficiency Mode enabled.

The “Status” column will show you which processes are employing the Efficiency Mode. Processes that have this feature turned on will have the label “Efficiency Mode” next to them. If any of its child processes have Efficiency Mode enabled, the parent process will likewise display a leaf icon.

The Efficiency Mode option may be disabled for specific operations. These are fundamental Windows functions, and altering their default priority may have a severe effect on your computer.

Activating Efficiency mode

The Task Manager’s Efficiency mode option functions as a toggle button. Therefore, you may disable it for any task by simply choosing it and choosing Efficiency mode from the Task Manager window’s command bar. You may also accomplish this by deselecting Efficiency mode from the process’ context menu.

This is how Windows 11’s Efficiency Mode might help you use resources more sparingly. I sincerely hope this post is helpful. For more Windows advice, keep checking this space.

What does Windows Task Manager’s Efficiency mode entail?

Efficiency mode is a brand-new feature in Windows 11 that enables users to perform inactive background tasks with low priority while using less CPU power to optimise foreground responsiveness, lengthen battery life, reduce thermal noise, and lessen CPU stress. It resembles the Eco mode seen in the Windows 10 operating system. The Sustainable Software project from Microsoft includes both of these aspects.

Should I enable Windows 11’s Efficiency mode?

The purpose of efficiency mode is to lessen CPU strain and increase battery life on Windows 11 devices. The performance of your system may be enhanced if some of the background processes that are idle are switched to efficiency mode. However, you might not observe any noticeable changes for a few processes. Some applications might even crash, like SnagIt did with me. Therefore, you must determine whether efficiency mode is compatible with each procedure at your end.

In Windows 11, how can I activate the efficiency mode?

Through Windows Task Manager, you can enable Efficiency mode for specific apps or processes in Windows 11. To access the WinX menu, simply right-click the Start button and choose the Task Manager option. Next, select the Processes tab. By pressing the expand/collapse (>) symbol, you can expand the process tree for an app. Click the efficiency mode button in the command bar area after choosing the required process. Efficiency mode can also be enabled for a process by performing a right-click and choosing that option.

Christopher Woodill

About ME

Enterprise technology leader for the past 15+ years…certified PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt and TOGAF Enterprise Architect. I collaborate with companies to help align their strategic objectives with concrete implementable technology strategies. I am Vice President, Enterprise Solutions for Klick Health.

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