Enabling hardware acceleration on Windows 10 can help improve the performance of graphic-intensive applications and games. To get it done, you’ll need to tweak some settings in the Display settings or Control Panel of your Windows 10 system. Follow the steps below to enable hardware acceleration effectively.
How to Enable Hardware Acceleration on Windows 10
Hardware acceleration makes your computer run faster by offloading some tasks to your GPU, freeing up your CPU for other operations. Here’s how to enable it.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start button, then select ‘Settings’ from the menu.
Opening the Settings application is your first step. It’s where you’ll find the options to tweak various system settings.
Step 2: Go to Display Settings
Navigate to ‘System’ and then ‘Display’.
Once you’re in the Settings window, you need to locate the display settings. This section contains various options related to your screen display, including hardware acceleration settings.
Step 3: Advanced Display Settings
Scroll down and select ‘Advanced display settings’.
By clicking on advanced settings, you get the option to delve deeper into the configurations available for your display.
Step 4: Graphics Settings
Select ‘Graphics settings’.
In the advanced display settings, you will find additional options to customize the way your graphics work. This is where you need to be to enable hardware acceleration.
Step 5: Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling
Turn on ‘Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling’ and restart your computer.
Enabling this option allows your computer to offload more tasks to the GPU, improving overall performance, especially in graphic-intensive applications.
After you complete these steps, your system will utilize hardware acceleration, making applications run smoother and faster. This can notably improve the performance of games and other software that require heavy graphical processing.
Tips to Enable Hardware Acceleration on Windows 10
- Check for Updates: Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. An outdated driver can hinder the performance benefits gained from hardware acceleration.
- Compatibility: Not all graphics cards support hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling. Verify your hardware supports this feature.
- Monitor Performance: Use Task Manager to monitor changes in CPU and GPU usage after enabling hardware acceleration.
- Disable if Needed: If you experience instability or crashes, consider disabling hardware acceleration to see if it resolves the issue.
- Adjust Settings: Some applications have their own hardware acceleration settings. Make sure they are enabled within those apps as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hardware acceleration?
Hardware acceleration refers to the use of a computer’s hardware to perform some functions more efficiently than possible in software running on a general-purpose CPU.
How do I know if my computer supports hardware acceleration?
Check your GPU specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Compatibility information is usually listed under features.
Will hardware acceleration improve gaming performance?
Yes, enabling hardware acceleration can significantly improve gaming performance by offloading tasks from the CPU to the GPU.
Can hardware acceleration cause problems?
In some cases, hardware acceleration can cause instability or crashes. If you notice issues after enabling it, consider turning it off.
Do all applications benefit from hardware acceleration?
Not all applications are designed to take advantage of hardware acceleration. The benefits are most noticeable in graphic-intensive applications and games.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Display Settings.
- Advanced Display Settings.
- Graphics Settings.
- Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling.
Conclusion
Enabling hardware acceleration on Windows 10 can give your system a much-needed boost, particularly for tasks that are graphics-heavy. While the steps are straightforward, it’s important to make sure your hardware supports this feature and that you keep your drivers up-to-date.
Doing so can bring a noticeable improvement in performance, making your applications and games run smoother and faster. If you encounter any issues, you can always disable the setting to see if it resolves the problem.
Hardware acceleration is a powerful tool in your tech arsenal, and understanding how to enable and manage it can make a significant difference in your daily computing experience. So, give it a try and experience the difference it can make. For more tips and tricks on optimizing your Windows 10 system, stay tuned to our future articles.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.