Windows 11 can choose which GPU an individual application should prefer when a PC has more than one graphics processor. This is usually more useful than trying to declare one graphics card the universal default for every program.
Choose a GPU for a specific app
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Display.
- Open Graphics.
- Add or select the application whose graphics preference you want to change.
- Open its graphics options.
- Choose the available power-saving or high-performance GPU preference that fits your goal.
- Save the setting and restart the application.
The labels Windows shows depend on the hardware. On a laptop, the power-saving option is often integrated graphics and the high-performance option is often the discrete GPU.
When the setting does not change performance
Some applications have their own GPU selector, and graphics-driver software may expose additional per-application settings. Also confirm that the monitor is connected to the intended graphics output on a desktop PC.
Avoid disabling the integrated or discrete adapter in Device Manager simply to force applications onto the other GPU. That can affect displays, battery life, video acceleration, or laptop switching behavior.
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.
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