Is "Force MSI for USB & NVMe" safe to switch on?

Useful on the systems that need it and a no-op on the rest. It needs a restart. The main cost: Most modern controllers already use MSI, so there is often nothing to change.

Does it need a restart?

Yes, the change applies after a restart.

Is "Force MSI for USB & NVMe" 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.

MSI mode for USB and NVMe controllers: what message signaled interrupts change

Frost LIVEGPUProUndo: YesUpdated Oct 8, 2026View as Markdown

Short answer

Updated Oct 8, 2026

Devices tell the processor they need attention through interrupts. The older line-based kind can be shared between devices; message signaled interrupts (MSI) cannot, and are handled faster. This tweak switches MSI on for the USB and NVMe controllers that report they support it.

What it does

In the app the switch is called "Force MSI for USB & NVMe", described there as: Enables MSI on the USB and NVMe controllers that report support for it, to cut ISR/DPC latency (reboot).

When it helps, and when it hurts

When it helps

Systems where a USB or storage controller still runs on a shared line-based interrupt, which can show as high DPC latency.

When it hurts

Most modern controllers already use MSI, so there is often nothing to change.
A controller that claims support but handles it badly can misbehave, which is why the app only touches devices that report support and saves their own setting first.

What it writes

Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

This tweak has no fixed list of registry values to print here: it works through a driver's own settings, scheduled tasks or values that differ from PC to PC (per device, per adapter or per installed game). The app reads what your PC has and changes only that.

How to undo it

In the app: Yes

Switching it off restores each controller's previous MSI setting, which the app saves before changing it.

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks.

Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.

Verdict

Useful on the systems that need it and a no-op on the rest. It needs a restart.

Questions

Is "Force MSI for USB & NVMe" safe to switch on?: Useful on the systems that need it and a no-op on the rest. It needs a restart. The main cost: Most modern controllers already use MSI, so there is often nothing to change.
How do I undo it?: Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off restores each controller's previous MSI setting, which the app saves before changing it.
Does it need a restart?: Yes, the change applies after a restart.
Is "Force MSI for USB & NVMe" 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.

In the app