How to Choose Which GPU an App Uses in Windows 11 for Maximum Performance

Modern gaming laptops, creative workstations, and desktop PCs frequently feature two graphics processing units: a power-efficient “integrated GPU” (iGPU) embedded directly inside the Intel or AMD processor, and a powerful “discrete GPU” (dGPU) manufactured by NVIDIA or AMD. By default, Windows 11 dynamically switches between these adapters to balance battery life and performance.

However, Windows 11’s automated detection sometimes misjudges workloads. Demanding video editors like DaVinci Resolve, 3D modelling suites like Blender, or newly installed PC games may accidentally default to the weak integrated GPU, causing stuttering frame rates, slow export times, and sluggish performance. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes a central Graphics Settings panel that lets you permanently bind any app to your high-performance graphics card.

Step 1: Open Windows 11 Graphics Settings

GPU preferences are configured directly through the main Settings app:

1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
2. In the left sidebar, click System.
3. In the right-hand pane, click Display.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the Display panel and click Graphics (under Related settings).

Step 2: Locate or Add Your Application

In the Graphics settings menu, Windows 11 displays a list of detected desktop software and Microsoft Store apps:

1. Scroll through the list to find your application.
2. If your application is missing from the list, click the Add an app dropdown menu at the top.
3. Choose Desktop app (for traditional .exe software) or Microsoft Store app.
4. Click Browse, navigate to the program’s installation folder (typically inside C:\Program Files), select the primary executable file, and click Add.

Step 3: Assign the High-Performance Discrete GPU

Once your desired application appears in the list:

1. Click on the application name to expand its properties, then click the Options button.
2. A modal dialogue titled Graphics preference will pop up, presenting three options:

• Let Windows decide: Windows will balance battery and power dynamically.
• Power saving: Forces the app to run on your integrated processor GPU (e.g. Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Graphics) to minimize electricity consumption.
• High performance: Forces the app to utilize your dedicated, high-speed graphics card (e.g. NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX).

3. Select the High performance radio button. Notice that Windows explicitly names your dedicated GPU model beneath the option.
4. Click Save.

Restart your application. The software will now bypass the weak integrated chip and harness the full compute capabilities and VRAM of your dedicated GPU every time it launches.