How to Fix Game Not Using GPU Graphics Card in Windows 11/10

We’ve all been there – you fire up a game, ready for an epic adventure, and suddenly, you realize something is off. Your game isn’t using your powerful GPU; instead, it’s stuck on integrated graphics, and the experience is far from smooth. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the dreaded “Game Not Using GPU Graphics Card” issue in Windows 11 or 10.

Why It Happens

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly understand why your game might not be utilizing your dedicated GPU. The most common reasons include driver issues, incorrect settings, or a system configuration that’s favoring integrated graphics to save power.

How to Fix Game Not Using GPU Graphics Card in Windows 11/10

Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are a common culprit. To fix this issue:

1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Display adapters” section.
3. Right-click on your dedicated GPU (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD) and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the prompts.
5. Restart your PC when the update is complete.

Adjust Graphics Settings

Sometimes, the settings within your game or your GPU control panel can be the cause. Here’s how to adjust them:

In-Game Settings:

1. Launch your game.
2. Go to the graphics settings or options menu.
3. Look for a setting that lets you choose the preferred graphics card. Select your dedicated GPU.

NVIDIA Control Panel:

1. Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
2. Under “3D Settings,” click on “Manage 3D settings.”
3. In the “Global Settings” tab, set the “Preferred graphics processor” to your NVIDIA GPU.

AMD Radeon Settings:

1. Right-click on your desktop and choose “AMD Radeon Software.”
2. Click on “System.”
3. Select “Switchable Graphics” and set your game to use the high-performance GPU.

Check Power Settings

Windows has power management settings that might favor integrated graphics to save power. Here’s how to adjust them:

1. Type “Power & Sleep” in the Windows search bar and click on “Power & Sleep settings.”
2. Under “Related settings,” click on “Additional power settings.”
3. Select “High performance” as your power plan.

BIOS/UEFI Settings

In some cases, you might need to delve into your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings to ensure your dedicated GPU is set as the primary graphics device. This process can vary depending on your motherboard, so it’s recommended to consult your motherboard’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.

Disable Integrated Graphics

If you’ve tried the above steps and your game still refuses to use your dedicated GPU, you can disable integrated graphics (not recommended unless you’re sure):

1. Access your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a specific key during startup).
2. Find the option related to integrated graphics and disable it.
3. Save your settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Caution: Disabling integrated graphics can lead to problems if your dedicated GPU ever fails. Use this option only if you’re confident in your hardware and troubleshooting skills.

Final Words

There you have it, gamers! These solutions should help you resolve the “Game Not Using GPU Graphics Card” issue on Windows 11 or 10. Whether it’s updating your drivers, tweaking settings, or adjusting your power plan, you’ll be back to enjoying your games with the full power of your dedicated GPU in no time. Happy gaming!