Windows 7 - Priority Level - Set for Applications and Processes

   Information

This will show you how to Set Priority of an application or process in Task Manager to have it run with a Realtime, High, Above Normal, Normal, Below Normal, or Low processor priority level in Windows 7 or Vista.

Windows shares the processor time between all running processes based upon their priority. If a process has a higher priority, it gets more processor time compared to a process having a lower priority.

   Note

The changes you make to the priority level of the current instance of an application or process are only temporary and not set permanently.

Once you close the application or restart your system, Windows forgets your custom priority and automatically assigns the default priority back to this process or application.

1. Right click on a empty space on the taskbar and click on Task Manager, OR press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.

2. If UAC Permission is Required to Run the Application

A) Click on the Processes tab in Task Manager, then click on the Show processes from all users button. (see screenshot below)

B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if administrator) or enter the administrator's password (if standard user).

C) Continue on to step 3 or 4.

3. To Set Priority Level for an Application

A) Click on the Applications tab, then right click on the application that you want to change the priority level of and click on Go to Process. (see screenshot below)

B) Continue on to step 4B.

4. To Set Priority Level for a Process

A) Click on the Processes tab. (see screenshot below)
TIP: It will make it easier to see what the priority levels of the listed processes are currently set as by adding the Base Priority column here.

B) Right click on the process that you want to change the priority level of, then select Set Priority and click on the priority level you want to select (dot) it. (see screenshot below)

5. Click on Change Priority. (see screenshot below)

6. Repeat for any others you wish to change the priority level of.

7. When finished, close Task Manager.