SetPriority is a lightweight native Windows tool to set and manage CPU priority for specific applications via the Windows Registry, particularly using Image File Execution Options (IFEO) PerfOptions, built with C++ (Win32 API).
- View applications with custom CPU priority settings.
- Set the CPU priority of any application
- Mark apps as managed by SetPriority.
- Filter display:
- Show system apps (optional)
- Show existing (non-SetPriority managed) apps
- Double-click to edit any app's priority.
- Safe deletion with system app protection.
- Auto prompts for Administrator privilege.
- Minimal dependencies (pure Win32 API + common controls).
- Status bar summary of user, system, and managed apps.
- Visual indicators via colored priority labels.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Insert | Add a new app |
| Delete | Remove selected app |
| Double-click | Edit priority |
| Alt + F4 | Exit |
SetPriority modifies:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\<AppName>\PerfOptions
Setting the CpuPriorityClass DWORD defines the CPU priority for that app globally when launched.
Example:
CpuPriorityClass = 0x00000003 // High
- Windows OS
- Administrator rights
- Idle
- Below Normal
- Normal
- Above Normal
- High
- Realtime (
⚠️ not recommended for most apps)