Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are powerful tools designed to handle complex computations, primarily related to rendering images, videos, and animations. For gamers, video editors, and users of resource-intensive software, setting the GPU as the primary device is essential for performance optimization.

To set your GPU as primary, open the GPU control panel, select High-performance or Preferred GPU, and apply changes. On macOS, disable Automatic Graphics Switching in settings. Keep drivers updated.

So, If you’re using NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel integrated graphics, this guide will walk you through the process of setting your GPU as the primary device to ensure your system performs at its peak.

Why Should You Set The GPU As The Primary Device?

Choosing your GPU as the primary device allows your system to make full use of its graphics power. Many computers come equipped with both integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU, but the system doesn’t always default to the most powerful option. By setting the GPU as the primary device, you:

• Maximize Performance: Leverage the full power of the GPU for demanding tasks like gaming, video rendering, or 3D modeling.
• Increase Efficiency: Avoid unnecessary lag and improve system responsiveness.
• Enhance Visual Quality: Experience smoother gameplay, faster video rendering, and more fluid animations.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to set your GPU as the primary device on different platforms.

How To Make Your GPU The Primary Device Across Different Platforms?

1. Identify Your GPU

Before configuring your system, you need to know which GPU you have installed. Here’s how to find out:

On Windows:

• Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the menu.
• Expand the Display Adapters section.
• Here, you’ll see both your integrated graphics (like Intel HD Graphics) and your dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA or AMD).

On macOS:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select About This Mac.
• Click on System Report, then choose Graphics/Displays to see details about your installed GPU.

Once you’ve identified your GPU, you’re ready to proceed.

2. Access the GPU Control Panel

Depending on your GPU manufacturer, you’ll have a different method for setting it as the primary device. Below are specific instructions for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics.

For NVIDIA Users:

• Right-click on your desktop and open the NVIDIA Control Panel from the menu.
• In the Control Panel, navigate to Manage 3D Settings on the left.
• Under the Global Settings tab, find the drop-down menu for Preferred graphics processor.
• Choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
• Click Apply to save your changes.

For AMD Users:

• Right-click on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
• In the Radeon Settings window, navigate to System, then click on Switchable Graphics.
• Find the application you want to set for high performance and set it to High Performance.
• Alternatively, you can configure the system-wide settings by going to Graphics and enabling the High Performance Mode.

3. For Intel Integrated Graphics Users:

Intel integrated graphics are often automatically assigned as the default device in many laptops. If your system has both Intel integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD), you can force the system to use the dedicated GPU by adjusting settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings as described above.

4. Configure GPU Preferences for Specific Applications

Sometimes, you might want to assign your GPU only to specific applications (such as a demanding game or video editing software) without making it the default for everything.

On Windows:

• Access Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
• Go to System > Display > Graphics Settings.
• Under Choose an app to set preference, select either a Desktop app or a Microsoft Store app.
• Locate and choose the application from the list.
• Once added, click Options and choose High Performance (this selects the dedicated GPU).
• Click Save.

On macOS:

macOS systems generally handle GPU switching automatically. However, you can go to System Preferences > Energy Saver and enable or disable Automatic Graphics Switching depending on whether you want to force the system to use the dedicated GPU.

5. Ensure Proper Power Settings

Setting your GPU as the primary device can increase power consumption, especially on laptops. To ensure your system is optimized for performance without draining the battery unnecessarily, adjust your power settings:

• On Windows, navigate to Control Panel > Power Options and choose High Performance.
• On macOS, open System Preferences > Energy Saver and disable Automatic Graphics Switching for better GPU performance.

6. Update Drivers

To get the most out of your GPU, make sure you have the latest drivers installed. Outdated drivers can cause performance issues, so it’s important to regularly check for updates.

For NVIDIA:

• Open the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application.
• Navigate to the Drivers tab.
• Click Check for Updates and install the most recent version.

For AMD:

• Open the AMD Radeon Software.
• Go to the Updates section and install any available updates.

For Intel:

Go to the Intel Driver & Support Assistant website to automatically find and download the latest drivers for your system.

By following these steps to set your GPU as the primary device, you’re ready to harness the full power of your hardware. If you’re gaming, editing videos, or running demanding applications, putting your GPU in the driver’s seat ensures you get the best performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

1. The system defaults to integrated graphics:

Ensure that you’ve set the high-performance mode in your GPU control panel or Windows Graphics Settings. If the issue persists, try disabling the integrated graphics in your BIOS settings to force the system to use the dedicated GPU.

2. Game performance remains poor:

Check that your game or application is set to use the dedicated GPU in its own settings. Additionally, make sure your game is updated to the latest version, as some updates optimize GPU usage.

3. GPU drivers are not recognized:

Reinstall the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer’s website. If this doesn’t work, use a driver cleaning tool to remove any corrupted or conflicting driver files before reinstalling.

FAQ’s

1. Will setting my GPU as the primary device drain my laptop battery faster?

Yes, using the GPU for more tasks can increase power consumption. It’s recommended to use this setting when plugged into power for the best results.

2. Can I switch between the integrated graphics and GPU easily?

Yes, many laptops have automatic switching, but you can manually adjust these settings in the GPU control panel or via the system’s power settings.

3. What should I do if my system doesn’t detect the GPU?

First, check that the GPU is properly installed and connected. Then, update the drivers and ensure that the device is enabled in Device Manager.

Conclusion:

Setting your GPU as the primary device can vastly improve the performance of your system, especially for resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your computer uses the full power of its GPU, providing a smoother, more efficient experience. Don’t forget to keep your drivers up to date and adjust power settings accordingly to make the most of your system’s capabilities.