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What is Win32PrioritySeparation?
Win32PrioritySeparation is a Windows setting that tells the operating system how to share processing power between the program you are using and programs running quietly in the background. It helps Windows decide which tasks should get more attention at any given moment.
The main purpose of this setting is to keep the computer responsive. You can adjust it to give more performance to the program you are actively using or to make background tasks work more smoothly.
How Windows Manages Tasks
This setting works by considering three main factors.
-
Short and Long Tasks:
Some tasks finish quickly and some take longer. Short tasks reduce delay but may use more CPU power if there are many of them. Windows uses this information to decide which tasks to run first. -
Fixed and Variable Timing:
Fixed timing means tasks happen at regular intervals so the timing is predictable. Variable timing can sometimes be faster but may create uneven performance. -
Foreground Boost:
Foreground boost means Windows gives extra processing power to the program you are currently using. This helps active applications, such as games or streaming software, run smoothly.
Imagine you are gaming
You are playing an online shooter while:
- Discord is running for voice chat
- Windows Update is quietly checking for updates
- A big video file is being copied to another drive
Think of the CPU as a fast-moving waiter who serves several tables.
Using the value of 2A as example
-
Short: The waiter gives each table only a quick service before moving on.
- He drops off a few bites of food at the file-copy table.
- He immediately checks the Windows Update table.
- He then swings by Discord.
- He keeps coming back to the game table.
- Fixed: The waiter keeps a steady rhythm, visiting each table after the same short time every round. No table waits longer or shorter than expected.
-
High foreground boost: The game table is the VIP table.
- Every time the waiter completes one round, he spends a little extra time at the game table to keep the players happy.
What you might notice
Your game runs smoothly with stable frame rates and quick input. Discord stays clear. The file copy continues, but it may finish later than if the CPU gave it long, uninterrupted turns.
The CPU is serving all tasks in quick turns, but it gives the active program more attention so you do not see interruptions while you play.
Priority Separation Values
Windows stores the settings as hexadecimal numbers. The most common values are:
Source/Reference: Reddit, Blur Busters
How to change Win32PrioritySeparation Settings
Be careful when making changes. Increasing performance for the program you are using can slow down background processes such as Windows updates or system services. Back up the registry before you continue.
- Click Start and type regedit to open Registry Editor.
- Go to the following path:
The default value for Win32PrioritySeparation is usually 2 (in hexadecimal). This value balances attention between foreground and background tasks.
You normally do not need to restart Windows. In most cases the change works immediately, although you might need to restart the applications you are using.
Changing Win32PrioritySeparation could improve performance for gaming or real-time applications by giving more resources to the active program. However, changes may not always result in noticeable improvements and may impact background processes, so adjust settings cautiously based on your specific needs.