---
title: "Timer resolution 0.5 ms and GlobalTimerResolutionRequests on Windows 11, explained"
description: "The Windows timer decides how precisely a program can sleep, by default in steps of 15.6 ms. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/timer-resolution-0-5-ms
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "CPU"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# Timer resolution 0.5 ms and GlobalTimerResolutionRequests on Windows 11, explained

**Short answer:** The Windows timer decides how precisely a program can sleep, by default in steps of 15.6 ms. Since Windows 10 version 2004 a request for a finer timer only applies to the program that made it. GlobalTimerResolutionRequests set to 1 restores the old behavior on Windows 11, so one program's 0.5 ms request reaches every program. This tweak sets that value and holds a 0.5 ms timer while the app runs. In the registry it sets GlobalTimerResolutionRequests to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel.

## In the app

- Switch: Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms) (CPU, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off drops the timer request and puts the Windows setting back the way it was.
- Game profiles that switch it on: Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock and 8 more
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1027

## What it does

The Windows timer decides how precisely a program can sleep, by default in steps of 15.6 ms. Since Windows 10 version 2004 a request for a finer timer only applies to the program that made it. GlobalTimerResolutionRequests set to 1 restores the old behavior on Windows 11, so one program's 0.5 ms request reaches every program. This tweak sets that value and holds a 0.5 ms timer while the app runs.

In the app the switch is called "Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms)", described there as: Holds a 0.5 ms timer while the app runs and lets it reach games on Windows 11 (reboot once).

## When it helps

- Games and frame limiters that sleep between frames: a finer timer makes their timing more exact, which can smooth frame pacing.

## When it hurts

- More timer interrupts mean slightly higher power use, which matters on a laptop.
- The value needs a restart, and it only works on Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 or newer.
- Many games already ask for a 1 ms timer themselves, and for them the gain is small.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values:

| Key | Value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel` | `GlobalTimerResolutionRequests` | `1` | Your previous value (saved before the change, or deleted if there was none) |

Source: Tweaks/timer_lock.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v "GlobalTimerResolutionRequests" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
```

See what it is set to now:

```bat
reg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v "GlobalTimerResolutionRequests"
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.

## Verdict

A real effect on frame pacing for some games and nothing for others. Measure it; do not assume it.

## Questions

### What does the "Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms)" tweak change in Windows?

In the registry it sets GlobalTimerResolutionRequests to 1 under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel.

### Is "Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms)" safe to switch on?

A real effect on frame pacing for some games and nothing for others. Measure it; do not assume it. The main cost: More timer interrupts mean slightly higher power use, which matters on a laptop.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off drops the timer request and puts the Windows setting back the way it was.

### Does it need a restart?

Yes, the change applies after a restart.

### Is "Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms)" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [How to Reduce Input Lag on PC: The Whole Latency Chain](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/reduce-input-lag)
- [How to Fix Stuttering and Frame Drops: Diagnose Before You Tweak](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/fix-stuttering-frame-drops)

## More tweak explainers

- [MSI mode for HD audio](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/msi-mode-hd-audio)
- [GPU interrupt affinity](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/gpu-interrupt-affinity)
- [HPET (High Precision Event Timer)](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-hpet)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/timer-resolution-0-5-ms