Ever wondered why your laptop struggles to run a game or heavy software even though it has a powerful graphics card? That’s probably because Windows 11 isn’t using the right GPU by default. Many laptops and desktops come with two graphics cards—an integrated one (like Intel UHD or Iris Xe) for light tasks and a dedicated one (like NVIDIA or AMD) for gaming or video editing.
The good news? You can easily tell Windows 11 which graphics card to use for each app or game. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know in simple steps.
Why Change the Default Graphics Card in Windows 11?
By default, Windows tries to automatically pick the best GPU for each task. But it doesn’t always get it right. Changing the default graphics card helps when:
- Gaming feels slow because your system is using integrated graphics instead of NVIDIA/AMD.
- Video editing software lags when it should be using your dedicated GPU.
- Battery drains fast because the dedicated GPU runs when you only need integrated graphics.
How Windows 11 Handles Graphics Cards
Before diving into the steps, here’s how things work:
- Integrated GPU → Great for everyday tasks, web browsing, and saving battery life.
- Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA/AMD) → Best for gaming, 3D rendering, and graphic-intensive apps.
Windows 11 lets you decide per app which GPU should be used. That means you can set your games to always use the dedicated card, while lighter apps stick with integrated graphics.
Method 1: Change Default Graphics Card via Windows Settings
This is the easiest way, no extra software required.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Display Settings
- Navigate to System > Display.
- Scroll down and click Graphics.
Step 3: Choose an App
- You’ll see a list of apps.
- If your app isn’t listed, click Browse and manually add the .exe file.
Step 4: Set Graphics Preference
- Click the app > Options.
- Choose one of the following:
- Let Windows Decide (default)
- Power Saving (uses integrated GPU)
- High Performance (uses dedicated GPU)
- Click Save.
And that’s it—the next time you run that app, Windows will use the GPU you selected.
Method 2: Change Default GPU via NVIDIA Control Panel
If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you can control things directly through its control panel.
Step 1: Open NVIDIA Control Panel
- Right-click your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Step 2: Manage 3D Settings
- Go to Manage 3D settings in the left sidebar.
- Under the Global Settings tab, choose your preferred graphics processor:
- Auto-select
- Integrated Graphics
- High-performance NVIDIA processor
Step 3: Set Per-App Preferences
- Switch to the Program Settings tab.
- Pick a specific program and assign a GPU.
Method 3: Change Default GPU via AMD Radeon Settings
If you’re on AMD, the process is similar.
Step 1: Open AMD Radeon Software
- Right-click your desktop and choose AMD Radeon Settings.
Step 2: Go to Graphics Settings
- Navigate to System > Switchable Graphics.
Step 3: Assign a GPU
- Choose the app from the list.
- Assign Power Saving (integrated GPU) or High Performance (dedicated GPU).
Method 4: Using BIOS/UEFI (Advanced Users Only)
Some laptops allow you to completely disable integrated graphics from the BIOS/UEFI.
- Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually F2, Del, or Esc during startup).
- Look for Graphics Configuration.
- Set your dedicated GPU as the primary one.
⚠️ Warning: This option isn’t available on all systems and may reduce battery life.
How to Check Which GPU an App Is Using
Not sure if Windows is actually using your chosen GPU? Here’s how to check:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Performance tab > GPU.
- Or under the Processes tab, right-click a column header and enable GPU Engine to see which GPU is in use.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues
Even after changing settings, some users face issues. Here’s how to fix them:
- App not showing in list → Add it manually via “Browse.”
- Still using wrong GPU → Update your graphics drivers.
- Laptop battery drains too fast → Set non-gaming apps to use integrated graphics.
- Settings not saving → Run Windows Update and GPU driver updates.
When to Use Integrated vs. Dedicated GPU
- Integrated GPU → Browsing, watching movies, working on documents.
- Dedicated GPU → Gaming, 3D modeling, video editing, machine learning tasks.
Think of integrated graphics as your “fuel-efficient car” and dedicated graphics as your “sports car.” You wouldn’t drive a Ferrari to buy groceries, right?
Pro Tips for Managing Graphics Cards
- Keep your drivers updated (NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin).
- Use per-app settings instead of global changes for better balance.
- Monitor GPU usage with Task Manager or third-party tools like MSI Afterburner.
Conclusion
Changing the default graphics card in Windows 11 is surprisingly simple once you know where to look. Whether you prefer tweaking settings in Windows, NVIDIA Control Panel, or AMD Radeon, you can make sure your PC uses the right GPU for the right job.
The key takeaway: use integrated graphics for battery life, dedicated graphics for performance. With the right setup, you’ll get the best of both worlds—smooth gaming and efficient everyday use.
FAQs
1. Can I force all apps to use my dedicated GPU?
Yes, in NVIDIA/AMD settings you can set the global preference to always use the dedicated GPU.
2. Will disabling integrated graphics improve performance?
Not necessarily. It just forces everything onto the dedicated GPU, which may reduce battery life.
3. Can I switch GPUs on the fly?
Yes, apps automatically switch based on your settings—no restart required.
4. Why isn’t my PC showing both GPUs?
You may need to update drivers, or your system might only have one GPU.
5. Does Windows 11 automatically choose the best GPU?
It tries to, but it doesn’t always pick correctly—that’s why manual settings help.