Using your dedicated GPU (graphics processing unit) rather than integrated or onboard graphics can significantly improve gaming performance. However, sometimes games don’t automatically detect and utilize the more powerful GPU. Fortunately, it’s usually straightforward to force and assign games to leverage your dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics card in Windows.
Table of Contents
Why Use Your GPU for Gaming
Integrated graphics utilize your CPU (central processing unit) rather than a separate graphics chip and memory. While fine for basic tasks, integrated graphics lack the power for smooth, high fidelity gaming.
Dedicated GPUs have specialized processors and video memory optimized for rendering complex 3D graphics. Using a discrete GPU offloads this demanding work from your CPU. The result is much higher frame rates and graphical details in games.
How To Check If Your Games Are Using GPU
Before forcing GPU usage explicitly, check whether your games are already leveraging the dedicated graphics:
- Task Manager – Open Task Manager while playing a game and switch to the Performance tab. Check whether your dedicated GPU shows high utilization/activity.
- Resource Monitor – Open Resource Monitor, expand the GPU section, and check whether your game appears under “Processes using D3D/Compute”.
If utilization remains low, proceed to force the game to use your GPU using the methods below.
Force GPU Usage in Nvidia Control Panel
For Nvidia GPUs, use the Nvidia Control Panel:
- Open Nvidia Control Panel
- Under 3D Settings, choose “Manage 3D Settings”
- Visit the Program Settings tab
- Select your game executable
- For the preferred graphics processor, select “High-performance NVIDIA processor”
This will force the game to use your Nvidia GPU. Repeat for other games as needed.
Force GPU Usage in Windows Settings
Alternatively, use the built-in Windows graphics settings:
- Open Settings > System > Display
- Scroll down and select “Graphics settings”
- Browse and add your game executable
- Choose “High performance” under options
This assigns the game to your dedicated GPU. Add other games in the same way.
Enable GPU in BIOS
For laptops or PCs with integrated graphics, ensure your dedicated GPU is enabled in BIOS:
- Reboot your computer and enter BIOS (typically by pressing F2, F10 or DEL during startup)
- Find the setting related to dedicated or discrete graphics
- Make sure it’s enabled (settings vary across manufacturers)
If your GPU was disabled in BIOS, games cannot detect it until re-enabled.
Keep GPU Drivers Up-to-Date
Outdated GPU drivers can prevent games from detecting or fully utilizing your graphics card. Keep drivers updated:
- For Nvidia GPUs, use GeForce Experience to automatically update drivers
- For AMD GPUs, use Radeon Software to update graphics drivers
Updated GPU drivers optimize performance and compatibility for new games.
Set Windows Power Plan to High Performance
Windows may throttle GPU performance to conserve notebook battery. Override this in power settings:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
- Click “Show additional plans”
- Select “High performance” plan
This disables power-saving measures that can impact gaming performance.
Monitor GPU Temperature
Overheating GPUs may throttle performance. Monitor temperatures with GPU-Z, HWInfo or a similar utility. Take steps to improve cooling if GPU temperature exceeds 85°C under load.
Lowering temperature allows the GPU to sustain higher performance during prolonged gaming sessions.
Overclock Your GPU
Those comfortable tweaking PC components can overclock their GPU to force even more performance. Use MSI Afterburner or a tool offered by your graphics card manufacturer.
Overclocking pushes your GPU past stock speeds. Do your research first, as overclocking incorrectly can severely damage components.
Conclusion
Assigning games to use your dedicated GPU instead of integrated graphics can provide a major boost to frame rates and visuals. Use the Nvidia Control Panel or Windows graphics settings to force and assign GPU usage explicitly. Additionally, enable your discrete GPU in BIOS, update drivers, utilize a high performance power plan and monitor temperatures. Overclocking allows you to extract even more power, if desired. With these tips, your games will fully harness the power of your graphics card.
