We propose an idea using a simulated annealing algorithm for amplitude modulation to focus light through disordered media. Using 4096 independently controlled segments of an incident wavefront, the intensity of the target signal is enhanced 73 times over the original intensity of the same output channel. The simulated annealing algorithm and existing amplitude control algorithms for focusing through scattering media are compared experimentally. It is found that the simulated annealing algorithm achieves the highest enhancement when the number of iterations required for optimization is the same. (C) 2018 Optical Society of America