Configure Windows per-app graphics preferences for integrated and discrete GPUs without adding unnecessary vendor utilities or background startup processes.
Use **Windows Graphics settings** to select a GPU preference for supported applications without installing extra background utilities. Windows preferences are not a guarantee that every application will use a specific GPU, and some workloads remain controlled by the application or driver.
Open **Settings > System > Display > Graphics** and review the available configuration options. Confirm the intended GPU appears in Device Manager and that its supported driver is installed. If the discrete GPU is missing, fix the driver or hardware issue before configuring application preferences.
Under the graphics application list, add the app using its desktop executable or choose it from the available list. Use the actual executable that launches the game or workload, not just a launcher that starts another process. The wrong executable may leave the main application unaffected.
Open the application's options and choose the available preference, such as **Let Windows decide**, **Power saving**, or **High performance**. Select the discrete GPU for workloads that benefit from it, and the power-saving option for compatible applications where lower power use matters. The preference may not override every application's own GPU selection.
Save the preference and fully close and reopen the application. Some applications choose their GPU only during launch, so an existing process may not switch immediately. If necessary, restart Windows after a driver or system configuration change.
Launch the workload and use Task Manager's GPU columns or the GPU performance graphs to observe which adapter is active. Check the engine and process rather than relying only on total GPU utilization. Some applications use both GPUs for different tasks.
If Windows settings meet your needs, do not install additional GPU-switching utilities solely to duplicate the same function. Retain official drivers and essential vendor components when required for device functionality. Removing a vendor utility may disable hotkeys, overlays, performance profiles, or update notifications.
Confirm you added the main executable, restart the app, and inspect GPU activity in Task Manager. Check application-specific GPU settings and the supported driver configuration.
Check Device Manager, the manufacturer's supported driver, and any hardware or firmware settings relevant to your system. Resolve the detection problem before changing per-app preferences.
Restore Let Windows decide or Power saving for that application. High-performance GPU selection can increase power use and heat.
No. It helps when GPU selection is the limiting factor, but performance also depends on CPU limits, drivers, resolution, and the application.
Not always. Windows Graphics settings are sufficient for many per-app preferences, though some driver-specific features require vendor software.
Yes. Some applications and drivers manage graphics-device selection independently or may not fully follow the Windows preference.
Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, select the application, and restore Let Windows decide or remove the custom entry if appropriate. Restart the application and verify GPU behavior again. If you uninstalled vendor software and need its device-specific features, reinstall it from the manufacturer's official support page.
Free · no account needed · tracks your progress