Timer resolution 0.5 ms and GlobalTimerResolutionRequests on Windows 11, explained
Short answer
UpdatedThe 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.
HKLMSYSTEM\
GlobalTimerResolutionRequestsYour previous value1
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, and when it hurts
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
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.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKLMSYSTEM\ | 1 | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none. |
From the app's source (timer_lock.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v "GlobalTimerResolutionRequests" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v "GlobalTimerResolutionRequests"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off drops the timer request and puts the Windows setting back the way it was.
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.
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
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.
In the app
- Switch
- Lock Timer Resolution (0.5 ms)
- Category
- CPU
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
- Profiles
- Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock and 8 more
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More tweak explainers
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- GPU interrupt affinityBy default Windows may deliver a device's interrupts to any core, and core 0 usually ends up busiest because many drivers and Windows itself favor it.2 min read
- HPET (High Precision Event Timer)HPET is a hardware timer on the motherboard. What the tweak changes, when it helps, when it hurts and how to undo it.3 min read
Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- CPU
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
- Profiles
- Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock and 8 more
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.