Laptop Not Using GPU? Fix It in Windows

If your laptop is running games or creative apps sluggishly, or you see low frame rates and stutter, Windows may be sending the workload to the integrated Intel or AMD graphics instead of your dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU. This guide walks you through forcing the high-performance GPU for specific apps, updating drivers, and fixing the power and BIOS settings that cause the problem.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to the laptop
Knowledge of your GPU brand (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel Arc)
An internet connection for driver downloads

Step-by-Step

Check which GPU is actually running. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Performance tab, and look at both GPU entries. The one with high usage during your app is the one being used. Also open the app and see if its process lists “GPU 0� or “GPU 1� under the Processes tab.
Force the dedicated GPU through Windows Settings. Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics. Find your app (or add it by browsing to its .exe file), click Options, choose High performance, and save. This works for both NVIDIA and AMD laptops on Windows 10 and 11.
Set the global default in NVIDIA Control Panel. If you have an NVIDIA GPU, right-click the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel. Go to Manage 3D Settings, and under the Global Settings tab, set Preferred graphics processor to High-performance NVIDIA processor. Click Apply.
Set the global default in AMD Software. For AMD laptops, right-click the desktop and open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Go to Settings > Graphics, and under Graphics Profile, choose High performance. You can also add specific games under Games and assign the high-performance GPU.
Update your GPU drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause the laptop to fall back to integrated graphics. Go to the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver for your exact GPU model. Use the “Clean install� option if available.
Check power settings. In Windows, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Select High performance (or Ultimate Performance if available). Then click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Look for Switchable Dynamic Graphics (NVIDIA) or PowerPlay (AMD) and set it to Maximum Performance.
Update your BIOS and chipset drivers. Laptop manufacturers often release BIOS updates that fix GPU switching issues. Check your laptop’s support page for the latest BIOS and chipset drivers, and install them.
Disable the integrated GPU in Device Manager (last resort). If nothing else works, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the integrated GPU (Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Graphics), and select Disable device. This forces everything to the dedicated GPU. Note: this can reduce battery life and may cause issues if the dedicated GPU fails.

Common Mistakes

Changing the wrong setting in NVIDIA Control Panel. The “Preferred graphics processor� setting is only available on laptops with switchable graphics. If you don’t see it, your laptop may have a MUX switch or the GPU is always on.
Forgetting to restart the app. After changing GPU settings, you must close and reopen the application for the change to take effect.
Using “Power saver� mode. Windows may override your GPU preference when on battery or in a power-saving plan.
Disabling the wrong GPU. Disabling the integrated GPU on some laptops can cause the display to go black if the dedicated GPU is not connected to the internal screen.

Tips

For games, use the game’s own settings to select the GPU if it has that option (e.g., in-game graphics settings).
Keep your laptop plugged in when gaming or doing heavy work—most laptops automatically use the dedicated GPU only when on AC power.
Use the manufacturer’s control panel (NVIDIA/AMD) to set per-app profiles rather than global settings, so you keep battery life for everyday tasks.
If you have an external monitor, connect it to the dedicated GPU’s HDMI/DisplayPort port (if present) to bypass the integrated GPU entirely.

Troubleshooting

Still not using the dedicated GPU? Try these in order:

Reinstall the GPU driver using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode, then install the latest driver from the manufacturer.
Check if the dedicated GPU is disabled in Device Manager. If it shows a down arrow, right-click and enable it.
Run Windows Update and install any optional driver updates.
If the app is a game, check the game’s launcher or settings for a “GPU� or “Graphics adapter� option.
If the laptop has a MUX switch (often in the BIOS or manufacturer’s control center), set it to “Discrete GPU� mode to fully disable the integrated GPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my laptop use the integrated GPU even when I set high performance?
Windows may override your setting if the app is not detected as a game, or if the power plan is on battery saver. Also, some apps require you to set the GPU in both Windows Settings and the manufacturer’s control panel.

How do I know which GPU is being used?
Open Task Manager > Performance tab. The GPU with high usage during your app is the one in use. You can also enable the “GPU� column in the Processes tab to see which GPU each app uses.

Can I permanently disable the integrated GPU?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. It can reduce battery life, increase heat, and on some laptops cause display issues. Only do this if you are comfortable with the risks and have a backup plan.

Does this fix work for AMD and Intel laptops?
Yes, the steps are similar. For AMD, use AMD Software; for Intel Arc, use Intel Arc Control. The Windows Settings method works for all.

Why is my dedicated GPU not showing up in Device Manager?
It may be disabled, the driver may be corrupted, or the GPU may be faulty. Check Device Manager for hidden devices (View > Show hidden devices). If it’s not there, run a hardware diagnostic from the laptop manufacturer.

Will forcing the dedicated GPU damage my laptop?
No, but it will drain the battery faster and generate more heat. Ensure proper ventilation and keep the laptop on a hard surface.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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