How to Set Nvidia Graphics Card as Default on Windows 11

Objective

This document provides step-by-step instructions for setting your Nvidia graphics card as the default GPU on a Windows 11 PC or laptop.

Steps

1. Open Nvidia Control Panel

   • Right-click on your desktop.
   • Select Show more options.
   • Click on Nvidia Control Panel.
   • Wait for the control panel to load.

2. Adjust 3D Settings

   • Navigate to 3D Settings in the sidebar.
   • Click on Manage 3D Settings.
   • Go to the Global Settings tab.
   • Under the option for preferred graphics processor, select High-performance Nvidia processor instead of Auto-select or integrated graphics.

   Note: If it says "Windows OS manages selection of the graphic processors," you’ll need to adjust these settings using Windows Graphics Settings.

3. Change Default GPU in Windows Graphics Settings (Per App)

   • Go to Windows Graphic Settings (accessible via system settings).
   • You cannot set the default GPU for all programs here, only on a per-application basis.
   • Find the app or game (e.g., "Nier Automata") you want to configure.
   • Click on it and choose Options.
   • Select High performance (your Nvidia GPU) and click Save.

Key Points

• Setting the Nvidia card as default ensures better performance for demanding programs and games.
• The Nvidia Control Panel allows for global settings, but sometimes Windows manages GPU selection, requiring manual per-app configuration.
• For apps not listed, you may need to add them manually to Windows Graphics Settings.

Additional Notes

• Older versions of Windows follow similar processes.
• Always check if your PC or laptop uses an integrated GPU in addition to the Nvidia GPU, as this impacts how graphics cards are managed.

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