Testing methodology

Applies to: ✅ Windows 11

This section consolidates the documented steps for running a selection of synthetic benchmarks that Microsoft uses in performance evaluation. The following list shows some of the benchmarks that Microsoft regularly uses for device testing, along with the testing process for each benchmark.

Note

The methodology described on this page applies to internal Microsoft testing conducted between December 2024 and March 2026.

Some tools used in performance evaluations require non-Microsoft benchmarks that have licensing or usage fees. Other tools might require licensing or usage fees to enable offline testing and prevent automatic uploading of results to online databases.

If application or benchmark updates introduce changes that affect the steps documented in this article, or if version information changes, check the official documentation or in-app instructions. They provide the most up-to-date and accurate execution procedures. Don't rely solely on the steps listed in this article.

Device setup

Complete the out-of-box experience, selecting default settings.
Check that the date and time are correct.
In Settings, go to System > Power & battery. Under Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts, select Never for Turn my screen off after and Make my device sleep after.
In Settings, go to Windows Update and check for updates to install them.
In Microsoft Store, go to Downloads > Check for updates and install them.
Open Microsoft Edge browser and complete Edge setup including any available updates.
Install all benchmarks and tests by using default settings.
For Procyon® Office - Microsoft 365 or Office applications are required, and you might need to purchase these applications.
Run a full antivirus scan.
Pause Windows Updates before running any tests.
Don't re-enable networking while the benchmark is running.
Don't launch the benchmark while networking is enabled.
Gather results and exit the benchmark.
Ensure that the device is fully charged before testing.
Restart the device and leave it idle for at least 15 minutes before running any tests.

Required steps before launching benchmarking procedures

Before you launch a benchmark, follow these steps:

Disable Wi-Fi.
1. Go to Device Manager and disable the Wi-Fi device.
Disable Ethernet if your device supports it.
Physically disconnect the Ethernet connection if your device supports it.
Turn on airplane mode.
Reconfirm that networking is disabled.
Reboot the device.
Wait 15 minutes before running any tests.

Note

This procedure is required for all benchmarks except those that require a network connection. For this procedure and all benchmarks, use your best efforts to do the following: (i) purchase a fully licensed version of the test to prevent automatic upload or sharing of test results, or (ii) select the options to disable automatic uploading or sharing of test results.

Cinebench® R24

Download and install Cinebench® R24 from Maxon (link).

Running the test

Launch Cinebench®.
Select Start next to the test you want to run on the top left of the screen.
When the test finishes, record the results.
Wait 15 minutes before rerunning the test.

Procyon® Office

Download and install Procyon® Office Productivity benchmark from UL (link).

This test runs both the Procyon® Office Productivity benchmark and Procyon® Office Productivity benchmark MP (multi-platform). Microsoft recommends running both tests. You can apply the following procedure to both tests.

Setting up the test

Install a licensed version of Microsoft 365 and launch the following applications at least twice, verifying that the applications are signed in and updated: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook.
Launch Procyon®.
Select Settings and enter the Procyon® Office Productivity license key.
Close Procyon®.

Running the test

Launch Procyon® and verify you're using a licensed version.
Select Test Suite.
Select the Office Productivity test.
Select Run to start the test.
When the test finishes, record the results.
Wait 15 minutes before running the test again.

Procyon® AI Computer Vision

Download and install Procyon® AI Computer Vision Benchmark from UL (link)

Setting up the test

Launch Procyon®.
Enter the registration code.
Check for and install any updates.
Close Procyon®.

Running the test

Launch Procyon®.
On My suite, select AI Computer Vision Benchmark.
Select the test that matches your silicon and select Run.
When the test finishes, record the results.
Wait 15 minutes before running the test again.

3DMark®

Download and install the 3DMark® benchmark from UL (link).

Setting up the test

Launch 3DMark®.
Enter the registration code.
Check for and install any updates.
Close 3DMark®.

Running the test

Launch 3DMark®.
On the 3DMark® main page, select Run under the benchmark that you want.
When the test finishes, record the results.
Wait 15 minutes before running the test again.

Geekbench®

Download and install Geekbench® 6 using default settings from Geekbench.

Running the test

Launch Geekbench®.
Select Run on the benchmark that you want.
Record the result.

In-game benchmarks

Setting up the tests

Launch the game.
Find the benchmark settings within the title.

Running the test

Find the benchmarks in the Graphics sections of the settings within the game. For example, check Shadow of the Tomb Raider®: Display and Graphics or Cyberpunk 2077®: Graphics.
Run the benchmark.
Record the results when the test finishes.
Wait 15 minutes before running the test again.