Myth: ticking 'Number of processors' in msconfig unlocks more CPU cores — via Microsoft Learn

MythNeeds adminWindows 11Windows 10

The Boot → Advanced options → Number of processors box in System Configuration sets a limit (the numproc boot option, 'uses only the specified number of processors'). Windows already uses every core by default, so this box can only take cores away.

What to do instead

Undo it: Win + R → msconfig → Boot → Advanced options → untick Number of processors → OK → restart.
Or, from an elevated prompt: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} numproc, then restart.

Sources

BCDEdit /set — by Microsoft Learn

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.

msconfigcpu coresnumprocbootmyth

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