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How to enable and disable instruction extensions like AVX, AVX2 and AVX512?

Anonymous
2024-09-23T17:57:58+00:00

How to enable and disable instruction extensions like AVX, AVX2 and AVX512 in Windows 11? I have tried to find a PowerShell command to do this without success. Some of these in different processors may be enabled or disabled by default. I would like to be able to see the current state and be able to set it as desired. Thanks, John.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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  1. Aymeric-B 29,090 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-09-23T18:40:57+00:00

    Hello ! I'm Aymeric, an independent advisor, and I'm here to help !

    You cannot enable and disable instruction sets directly from Windows.

    Processor instructions such as AVX, AVX2 and AVX512 are managed in your computer's UEFI (make sure your CPU is compatible first!)

    To enter into the UEFI, you must press a key when your system starts up. Generally, it can be the Del, Esc or F10 key.

    Once you're in, you'll have to find the correct setting to enable the instruction set.

    If you're struggling to find the correct setting, please let me know the make and the model of your PC so that I can help you more effectively.

    Looking forward to your answer !

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  2. Aymeric-B 29,090 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-09-23T20:15:30+00:00

    Thanks for coming back to me !

    This parameter has a software effect only. If the instructions are not enabled in the BIOS, xsavedisable will have no effect.

    (Very) simply put, the XSAVE command allows the CPU to save and restore processor instructions (like AVX, SSE, etc.) that are used by some apps. So, this setting affects how your CPU handles those instructions. It is not just for one set of instructions, but for all of them.

    This command configures a software setting in Windows that either enables or disables access to a hardware feature (XSAVE) of your CPU.

    Please let me know if you need more help to find the options !

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  3. Aymeric-B 29,090 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-09-25T19:35:34+00:00

    Usually, motherboard manufacturers enable every set of CPU instructions available. Nowadays, it is rare to find a PC which has these CPU instructions disabled.

    Many PC programs use these instructions, they've become indispensable...

    Also, if you're referring to AVX-512, it is not available on these AMD CPUs. It became available later, with Ryzen 7000 series.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2024-09-24T20:13:41+00:00

    Thanks again, Aymeric. I built this machine, it is based on a a Gigabyte TRX40 DESIGNARE. Here is a screenshot of CPU-Z which I run as needed. I had hoped W11 could tell me. Thanks, John.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-09-23T19:13:28+00:00

    Thanks, Aymeric. I have found this to enable/disable AVX in Windows ( https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=enable+avx+in+bcdedit )

    using BCDEDIT:

    bcdedit /set xsavedisable 0

    Does this apply to all AVX2 and AVX512?

    This is a general question and does not apply to a specific system.

    I will look in my BIOS soon to see if it has the necessary function. Thanks, John.

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