How To Enable Multiple Processor Cores on Windows 7 Startup (2022)

GET 27 AMAZING WINDOWS 10 PERFORMANCE BOOSTING TIPS, MY 400 PAGE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE!

Right out of the packaging the Windows 7 operating system does not come configured to boot up with multiple processor cores. This means that users of multi-core processors are not utilizing the full potential of their processor when their computer boots up. Modifying the number of processors used on startup is an extremely easy thing to do and in many cases can shave a few seconds off of your startup time.

Unfortunately, if you do not have a multi-core processor this tip will not do you much good. If you are unsure of how many processor cores you have on your operating system, these steps will show you how many cores you actually have. Multiple processor cores allow tasks to be distributed to different sections, or "cores" of your processor so they can be processed simultaneously.

The processor is one of the most powerful aspects of a computer system, it is also the least likely to be bottlenecking your performance. For those who are struggling with memory or graphics card issues, this tip may help with startup, but will not give a significant boost to other performance areas.

Enable Multiple Processors on Startup Configuration

1. Click the 'Start Button'

2. Enter 'msconfig' into the run box.

3. Press 'Enter'

4. Select the 'Boot' Tab

5. Select 'Advanced Options'

6. Check the box titled "Number of processors"

7. Choose the maximum number of processors from the dropdown

8. Select 'Ok'

9. Select 'Apply'

10. That's it!

Next time you reboot your computer there should be an increase in your startup time. A great way to test how much of an improvement you have made is to time your startup with a stopwatch before you make this change and then time it again after making it. Stay tuned for more Faster 7 speedup tips.

[CraigChamberlin]

An i5 Intel Processor should have 4 cores total. Did you check your task manager by pressing CTRL ALT DEL and looking at the CPU Tab?

[CraigChamberlin]

Sometimes power saver does this, does it not work when your computer is not plugged in?

[MicrosoftsourceCode]

so the only advatage is the boot up time?. I remember trying this a while ago and it just froze my computer. Maybe the other settings are for testing.

[CraigChamberlin]

I would just skip this, have you checked your task manager (ctrl alt del) and gone to CPU to see if all the cores are detected?

[iaof]

Hi, in the resource monitor, under the CPU tab, to the right I have several graphs, 4 are labelled: cpu0, cpu1, cpu2, cpu3, respectively. 2 happen to be parked, incidently. Does this mean, I have a quad-core, because when I refer to my system information, it says I have a dual core processor? What do those 4 cpu graphs mean?
I have an Intel CPUN2600 1.6gHz processor.

[CraigChamberlin]

It depends on the system configuration, set it back to the original settings if cores get disabled.

[GhostHawk]

hi, please could you answer my questions ! i have four processors on my laptop i checked before and i used one now when i saw your video i decide to use four but now I'm surprised it show only two !! why and how do i get my four back !!? the other question will send it by message no enough place here, thank you.

[airwicku]

can you do one for windows 8 also? im stuck with it and i cant find any advice online

[HALOZXX]

I have an intel i7 quad core, under number of processes I have 8 should I select that or 4? Also what about intel's turbo boost technology should I leave that on or disable it?

[skelomania]

Hi, as usual thumbs up. having an issue and asking for your help. I used imagex and by mistake i installed win7 on external drive, instead of copying all the 475gb of data to my pc and format the external drive, is there another way to delete only the windows and programs files. Anything would be really appreciated right now and thank you.

[Hardcorehamilton]

I have a Quad Core Amd, but my option for processor only says 2.. Shouldnt I have 4 as Well?

[aaxyz]

I have used multicore processors for many years now and now with my six core processor this definitely made a difference! Thank you and I will pass along to my IT buddies : )

[ICheekyI]

are there any downsides in doing this? is it possible it can harm me in the future?

[Hariszzz]

I have a quad core processor but when i go to msconfig, the only option for number of processor is one is one. can you please help.

[CraigChamberlin]

@TheAngryAmericanwon If you have more than one core the dropdown will only show how many cores you have. If it shows 4 then you have 4, otherwise it will only show 1 or 2.

[kalimlkoyoutubetwitch]

I got 4 processors, 1 time I selected 1 processor and then when I came back it only shows one. How can I return to the ancient setting?

[SpyderScope]

what if I have a dual core but 4 threads? would I put 2 or 4?

[Qunion]

please help i have a dual core processor but in the many is only shown one!

[saumikbarua]

I have a question. I have a quad-core processor and when I go there it only shows up to 2.

[cattymakes]

you're little argument amused me greatly. I thank you mister windows fanboy who thinks it's impressive to be able to build a computer with a friend in 30 minutes. You have made my night