How to set default GPU for software on Windows?

If you have a multi-GPU system running Windows 10/11, you can manually specify the preferred graphics processor software should use.

On Windows 10/11, devices with multiple GPUs can select the preferred graphics card software should use within the graphics control panel’s software available from Nvidia and AMD.

Specify preferred GPU for software on Windows 10/11

To force software to use a discrete GPU instead of the integrated graphics, follow these steps:

• Open Settings on Windows 10/11

• Click on System

• Click on Display

• Under the “Multiple displays” section, click the Graphics settings option

• Select the Classic app type using the drop-down menu:

Classic app — traditional (Win32) desktop programs

• Click the Browse button to locate the “.exe” file to specify the software. This can usually be found under C:\Program Files\ADAM Technology.

Set the graphics preference you want to use for the software app:

• System default — (default) Windows 10/11 decides which GPU to use automatically.

• 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.

Click the Save button.

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).