In 2025, Microsoft continues to evolve its operating system features and functionality, one of which is the management of graphics card settings within Windows 10. If you’re a gamer, professional video editor, or simply someone who demands high performance from your computer, understanding how to set your preferred graphics card can significantly enhance your experience. However, since the release of version 2004, Microsoft has introduced changes to how application preferences are managed, meaning some apps may now prioritize the integrated GPU over your dedicated GPU based on Windows’ default settings rather than the manufacturer’s control panel.
To avoid any performance bottlenecks and ensure that your applications are utilizing the powerful hardware you’ve invested in, follow these steps to customize your graphics card assignments:
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Understanding the New System Behavior
Starting with Windows 10 Version 2004 and later releases, Microsoft has implemented new behavior where certain applications will adhere more closely to the performance settings dictated by Windows itself rather than the defaults you might have configured through the manufacturer’s software (such as NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software). For example, if you’ve set up an application to use a specific NVIDIA GPU via the NVIDIA Control Panel but Windows defaults to using an integrated graphics card, then the application might still utilize the integrated card based on Windows’ overall configuration.
Steps for Adjusting Graphics Card Settings
Windows 11 Procedure
If you’re running the latest version of Windows, such as Windows 11, here’s how you can adjust your preferences:
- Open the Start menu and enter “[Graphics Settings]” into the search bar.
- Click [Open] to launch the settings page.
- In the Custom app settings section, expand the dropdown menu to select either a Classic Application or Universal Application category to find your desired program.
- Should you not see the application immediately, click [Browse] to manually locate it.
- Select the application from the list for which you’d like to apply changes.
- Hit [Settings] to proceed.
- Choose the preferred graphics processor you wish to assign to this application.
- Finally, press [Save] to finalize your selection.
Windows 10 Procedure
For those still utilizing Windows 10, follow these instructions:
- Use the Start menu’s search functionality to look for “[Graphics Settings].”
- Launch the settings window by clicking [Open].
- Within the Graphics Performance Preferences section, choose between Classic Application and Universal Application to filter your applications.
- Click [Browse] if needed to find a particular app that isn’t visible in the standard list.
- Select the desired application from the displayed list.
- Press [Settings] to modify its configurations.
- Designate the dedicated GPU as the preferred device for this application.
- Confirm your choice with the [Save] button.
By completing these steps, you ensure that all of your high-demand applications are running on the most powerful hardware available to them, maximizing performance and efficiency.
Troubleshooting Tips
If after following these instructions you encounter issues where Windows continues to prioritize the integrated GPU over your dedicated one, make sure your drivers are up-to-date. As of 2025, both AMD and NVIDIA have released numerous updates aimed at improving system compatibility and performance with Windows 10/11.
Additionally, be aware that Microsoft periodically updates their system to include more apps in the server-side list managed by Windows, which could affect how they use your graphics resources. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly review and adjust your settings based on any new software or OS updates you install.
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Conclusion
Properly configuring your computer’s graphics settings can unlock full potential, especially when working with resource-intensive applications. By following this guide, you should now feel confident in setting up your preferred graphics card in Windows 10, ensuring that each application runs optimally on the hardware best suited to its requirements.
Video:
Windows 10 allows you to set graphics (GPU) preferences per application. You can let Windows decide or choose from high-performance or power-saving. You can also reset apps to the default graphics preferences. Here’s how.
You can make the changes in Settings or reset everything in the registry.
How to Reset Graphics (GPU) Preferences to Default — Settings
Click Start > Settings > System > Display.
Scroll down, and click on Graphic settings.
Click on any app, and click Options.
Click on:
Let Windows decide will reset the GPU preferences.
Click on Save.
How to Reset Graphics (GPU) Preferences to Default — Registry
Download Reset Graphics (GPU) Preferences to Default and extract Reset Graphics (GPU) Preferences to Default.reg.
Double-click Reset Graphics (GPU) Preferences to Default.reg.
Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control.
Click Yes when prompted by Registry Editor.
Click OK when prompted by the Registry Editor.
This tweak is included as part of MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks.
Advanced users can delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectX or open that path, and delete keys for any apps you want to restore to default.
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- To change the default GPU for an app on Windows 10, open Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings, select “Classic app” or “Microsoft app,” choose the app, click “Options,” select the graphics card for the app, and click “Save.”
On Windows 10, computers with multiple GPUs can select the preferred graphics card an app should use within the graphics control panels software available from Nvidia and AMD. However, the Settings app includes a section to select the preferred graphics card for legacy and Microsoft Store apps to improve system performance or battery life.
In this guide, I will teach you the steps to set the GPU an app uses on your Windows 10 laptop or desktop with multiple graphics processors.
Choose preferred GPU for apps on Windows 10
To force an app to use a discrete GPU instead of the integrated adapter, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on System.
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Click on Display.
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Under the “Multiple displays” section, click the Graphics settings option.
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Select the app type using the drop-down menu:
- Classic app — traditional (Win32) desktop programs.
- Microsoft app — apps available through the Microsoft Store.
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If you select the Classic app option, click the “Browse” button to locate the “.exe” file to specify the app. On the other hand, if you select the Microsoft Store app option, you will see a second drop-down menu to select the app.
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Use the drop-down menu and select the app.
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Click the Add button.
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Click the Options button.
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Set the graphics card preference to use for the app:
- System default — (default) Windows 10 automatically decides which GPU to use.
- Power saving — runs the app on the GPU that uses the least power, usually the integrated graphics processor.
- High performance — runs the app on the most capable GPU, usually an external or discrete graphics processor.
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Click the Save button.
Once you complete the steps, the app will use the graphics processor you specified to optimize battery life or performance the next time you launch it.
It is important to note that these settings will take precedence over the same options available in other control panels (which you can continue to use).
While you can manually set the preferred GPU for an app on Windows 10, the app always decides which processor to use. This means that if you change the settings and the app continues to use a different GPU, you may need to change the preferences in the app itself (if applicable).
If you want to stop an app from using this feature, then in the “Advanced graphics settings” page, select the app from the list and click the “Remove” button. Or select the app, click the “Options” button, and select the “System default” option.
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View display settings in Windows 10 Select Start > Settings > System > Display. If you want to change the size of your text and apps, choose an option from the drop-down menu under Scale and layout. To change your screen resolution, use the drop-down menu under Display resolution.
Open the Settings app in Windows 10 using WIN+I. In the Find a setting box, type graphics and select Graphics settings from the list. In the dropdown menu below Graphics performance preference, select either Desktop app or Microsoft Store app, depending on the kind of app for which you want to set a preference.
How do I get better graphics on Windows 10?
Here’s how to optimize Windows 10 for gaming with a few easy tweaks: Turn on Windows Game Mode. Update your GPU drivers. Delay automatic Windows updates. Disable notifications. Tweak mouse settings. Lower your resolution. Tweak your game’s graphics settings. Install DirectX 12 Ultimate.
How do I access graphics settings?
Right click on your desktop and select Graphics Properties, or Intel Graphics Settings. This will open the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel.
How do I change my default graphics settings?
How to set a default graphics card Open the Nvidia Control Panel. Select Manage 3D Settings under 3D Settings. Click on the Program Settings tab and select the program you want to choose a graphics card for from the drop down list.
Why is my GPU not being used?
If your display is not plugged into the graphics card, it won’t use it. This is a very common issue with windows 10. You need to open up Nvidia control panel, go to 3D settings > application settings, select your game, and set the preferred graphics device to your dGPU instead of iGPU.
How do I add Valorant to graphics settings?
Valorant Nvidia Graphics Settings Right-Click Desktop > Nvidia Control Panel. Under Adjust Image Settings, Change Image Settings from 3D Application to Use the Advanced CD Image Settings. Now Go to Manage Settings, and Add Valorant under Program to Customize. Now Change Your Settings from the default to these.
How can I improve graphics on my laptop?
Laptop Gaming Performance: Improved! Regularly clean your laptop. Update your drivers (especially for the GPU). Install the latest version of DirectX. Overclock the GPU. Optimize the power settings. Activate Windows 10’s Game Mode. Close background apps. Check the network speed for online gaming.
How can I improve my computer graphics without graphics card?
Chances are your PC can run it just fine without the Nvidia or AMD GPU. Simply head into the game’s graphics settings, turn on windowed mode, downscale your resolution, and you’re good to go.
How can I improve my computer graphics?
How to increase your computer’s fps Find your monitor’s refresh rate. Find out your current fps. Enable Game Mode in Windows 10. Make sure you have the latest video driver installed. Optimize your game settings. Reduce your screen resolution. Upgrade your graphics card.
Why can’t I find advanced display settings?
If your computer was indeed updated and you found the option missing, it is probably because it was removed by Microsoft. They replaced the options present inside the Advanced Display settings to another location in Windows. We will navigate there and access the text formatting/size settings from there.
How do I change my Intel graphics settings?
On your keyboard, simultaneously press CTRL+ALT+F12. Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) can disable certain hot-key functions. In desktop mode, right-click the Desktop. Then, select Intel® Graphics Settings.
How do I open Intel graphics settings?
The Intel® Graphics Control Panel can be opened from the Windows Start menu or using the shortcut CTRL+ALT+F12.
How do I switch from integrated graphics to GPU?
Right-click on the desktop and select Nvidia Control Panel. Switch to Manage 3D settings in the left-hand pane. Switch to the Program Settings tab. Under Select a program to customize, choose the relevant app. Under Select the preferred graphics processor for this program, choose the GPU you prefer.
Can’t change Nvidia settings Access Denied?
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings. Step 2: Choose Gaming in the main interface. Step 3: Click Game bar in the left pane, and toggle off the switch button of Game bar. After that, you can run your NVIDIA Control Panel again to check if the access denied issue is fixed.
How do I change my default GPU in BIOS?
As the system logo is loading, press the F12 key to get to the system BIOS. Select BIOS Setup. From the BIOS screen, expand the Video group. Select Switchable Graphics.
How do I enable GPU in BIOS?
Open the BIOS menu. Select the “Advanced” tab using the left/right arrow keys. Select the “Video Configuration” option using the “Up/Down” arrow keys. Select the “PCI-Express Graphics” option and press “Enter.” Press “F10” to save the new settings.
Why is my GPU not being used laptop?
When you’re facing the issue of your laptop not using a dedicated GPU, updating the graphics driver should be your go-to option since a faulty or outdated graphics driver can cause many problems. So always make sure you have the latest correct graphics driver for your operating system at all times.
How do I know if my GPU is detected in BIOS?
Detect My Graphics Card (BIOS) Navigate through the setup menu using the arrow keys until you find a section such as On-board Devices, Integrated Peripherals, Advanced or Video. Look for a menu that enables or disables graphics card detection. If it’s disabled, use the menu to enable it; otherwise leave it alone.
How do I reset Valorant graphics settings?
Close the game, press Alt+F4, whatever it takes. Assuming you can close the game client quickly enough, it won’t have time to reset your settings back to default. Beyond these steps, there’s one more thing you can (and probably should) do: Keep a backup of your Valorant settings.
Does GeForce experience lower FPS 2020?
GeForce now is a cloud gaming service. It is a software which allows you to play on Nvidia’s server, through your PC. It needs a good internet connection to play on good graphics. It is not a topic of increasing or decreasing FPS.
Why is my Valorant FPS so low?
The Causes of the “Low Client FPS” issue in Valorant The “Low Client FPS” error usually happens if there is a recording software running in the background, which overlays on top of the game. For non-AMD users affected by this issue, disable Fullscreen Optimization for Valorant.
Windows 10 Set Default Graphics Card: A Comprehensive Guide
As technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, the demand for high-performance computing has never been higher. One essential aspect of achieving optimal performance, especially in tasks such as gaming, video editing, and graphic design, is the proper management of graphics resources on your Windows 10 system. This includes knowing how to set your default graphics card.
With numerous laptops and desktop computers featuring both integrated and dedicated graphics cards, you may find it necessary to specify which card should take priority for certain applications. In this guide, we will explore the significance of graphics cards, the steps required to set a default graphics card, and some troubleshooting tips to help you achieve the best possible performance.
Understanding Graphics Cards: Integrated vs. Dedicated
Integrated Graphics Cards
Integrated graphics cards are built into the CPU and share the system memory (RAM) for graphics processing. They are sufficient for everyday tasks and light gaming, but they may struggle with demanding applications that require extensive graphical resources. Integrated graphics are energy-efficient, which is why they are commonly found in laptops and budget desktops.
Dedicated Graphics Cards
On the other hand, dedicated graphics cards are separate hardware components with their own memory (VRAM). They offer better performance for demanding applications, such as high-end gaming, video rendering, and 3D modeling. Although dedicated graphics cards consume more power, they provide a significant advantage in performance and quality.
Why Set a Default Graphics Card?
Windows 10 allows you to set default graphics cards to optimize performance based on your needs. The system usually handles graphics card selection automatically, but this may not always yield the best results. Here are a few reasons you might want to set a default graphics card:
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Performance Optimization: Assigning demanding applications to a dedicated GPU can significantly improve performance, providing smoother framerates and quicker render times.
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Battery Efficiency: Laptops often switch between integrated and dedicated graphics based on performance needs. By setting a default, you can improve battery longevity by minimizing the workload on the dedicated GPU unless needed.
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Specific Application Requirements: Certain applications may require or perform better with a specific graphics card. Setting it as the default ensures the application functions as intended.
How to Set the Default Graphics Card in Windows 10
Windows 10 provides several methods for users to change their default graphics card settings. Below, we’ll cover these methods in detail.
Method 1: Using Windows Graphics Settings
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Access Graphics Settings:
- Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Scroll down and click on Graphics settings. This will open a new window where you can configure the graphics performance for specific applications.
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Choose the Application Type:
- You can select between two types: Desktop app or Microsoft Store app. Choose accordingly based on the application you want to modify.
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Add the Application:
- Click on Browse to navigate to the application you want to set. For desktop applications, you may need to search through your Program Files or wherever the application is installed.
- Select the desired executable (.exe) file and click Add.
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Set the Graphics Option:
- After adding the application, click on it to reveal options for Options.
- Here, you can select the graphics preference: System default, Power saving (usually integrated GPU), or High performance (dedicated GPU). Choose the option that suits your needs and click Save.
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Repeat as Necessary:
- You can repeat these steps for any other applications you wish to set.
Method 2: Using the NVIDIA Control Panel
If you have an NVIDIA dedicated graphics card, the NVIDIA Control Panel provides specific settings that allow you to prioritize the GPU for certain applications.
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Open NVIDIA Control Panel:
- Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
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Manage 3D Settings:
- In the left sidebar, click on Manage 3D settings.
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Global Settings Tab:
- Under the Global Settings tab, you can choose your preferred graphics processor for general use.
- In the drop-down menu, select High-performance NVIDIA processor for default use or Integrated graphics for lower performance applications.
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Program Settings Tab:
- Switch to the Program Settings tab to adjust settings for individual applications.
- From the drop-down menu, select the application you wish to modify (or add it if it isn’t listed).
- Under Select the preferred graphics processor for this program, choose High-performance NVIDIA processor for applications that demand high resources.
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Apply Changes:
- Click Apply to save changes. Close the Control Panel afterward.
Method 3: Using the AMD Radeon Software
For users with AMD dedicated graphics cards, you can manage your graphic settings via the Radeon Software.
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Open Radeon Software:
- Right-click on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
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System:
- Navigate to the System section and then go to Switchable Graphics.
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Application List:
- You will see a list of applications; if your application isn’t listed, click on Browse and locate it.
- Once found, you can click on it and set the graphics mode—choose High performance for using the dedicated GPU and Power saving for using the integrated GPU.
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Save Settings:
- Save your settings, and the application will utilize the selected graphics card when launched.
Managing Power Settings for Optimal Performance
Alongside setting your default graphics card, it’s crucial to consider your power settings, particularly in laptops. Windows 10 has several power plans that can affect GPU performance:
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Open Power Options:
- Search for Control Panel via the Start menu and navigate to Power Options.
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Select a Power Plan:
- Choose either Balanced or High performance. Avoid Power saver if you want to prioritize graphics performance.
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Change Plan Settings:
- Click on Change plan settings next to your selected power plan if you want to customize it further.
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Adjust Advanced Power Settings:
- Go to Change advanced power settings and look for PCI Express to ensure that settings for Link State Power Management are set to Off for maximum performance.
Troubleshooting GPU Issues
While Windows provides several methods to set the default graphics card, users may sometimes face issues. Below are some common troubleshooting tips.
Drivers and Updates
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Update Graphics Drivers:
- Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. You can do this through the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) or through Device Manager in Windows:
- Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on your graphics card, and select Update driver.
- Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date. You can do this through the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) or through Device Manager in Windows:
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Check for Windows Updates:
- Windows Updates can include important driver updates, so ensure your operating system is up to date:
- Go to Settings, then Update & Security to check for updates.
- Windows Updates can include important driver updates, so ensure your operating system is up to date:
Conflicts Between Integrated and Dedicated GPUs
Sometimes, applications may still run on the integrated GPU despite setting a dedicated GPU as default. This could be due to application-specific settings, and you might need to adjust settings within the application itself if available.
Overheating Issues
If your dedicated GPU is overheating, it may throttle its performance or default to the integrated GPU to manage heat. Ensure that your hardware is adequately cooled, clean, and free of dust to maintain performance.
Reinstall Applications
If an application consistently defaults to the wrong graphics card, consider reinstalling it after making the appropriate selection via Windows settings or the GPU control panel.
Conclusion
Managing your graphics card settings is paramount for optimizing your Windows 10 experience, especially for performance-sensitive tasks. Taking the time to set your default graphics card allows users to leverage their system’s full potential and adapt to their specific workloads. Understanding the nuances between integrated and dedicated graphics, utilizing the tools available through Windows and GPU management software, and maintaining good power settings will ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
By following the outlined methods, you can easily set your preferred graphics card for any application. Regularly check for driver updates and monitor performance for the best experience. Remember that a well-configured system not only enhances productivity but also reduces frustrations arising from performance hiccups. Take charge of your gaming or creative endeavours, and watch your Windows 10 device transform into a powerhouse tailored to your needs.