Game Not Using GPU on Windows 11 Fix (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

Encountering low GPU but high CPU usage while gaming on Windows 11? You're not the only one. Many players face this problem after driver updates, Windows 11 installs, new laptops, or when firing up a fresh game.

When your computer defaults to the integrated graphics instead of your dedicated GPU, expect lower frame rates, muddy textures, and stuttering gameplay.

The good news is, it's usually an easy fix with a few setting tweaks.

Here are some top solutions to try.

1. Set Your GPU as the Default Graphics Processor

Windows 11 sometimes defaults to integrated graphics, especially on laptops.

Steps:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to System

3. Select Display

4. Scroll to Graphics

5. Click the game executable

6. Select High Performance GPU

Restart the game afterward.

2. Force GPU Usage Through NVIDIA Control Panel

If you have an NVIDIA GPU:

1. Right-click your desktop

2. Open NVIDIA Control Panel

3. Go to Manage 3D Settings

4. Under Preferred GPU, choose High Performance NVIDIA Processor

5. Apply changes

3. AMD GPU Fix

1. Open AMD Adrenalin

2. Go to Graphics

3. Find Switchable Graphics

4. Set the game to High Performance

4. Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Corrupt drivers are a common cause.

Use:

• GeForce Experience

• AMD Adrenalin

• Intel Arc Control

Or download directly from the manufacturer website.

If things still don’t work, DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) can help clean-install drivers.

5. Disable Integrated Graphics (Optional)

Only do this if everything else fails.

Steps:

1. Press Win + X

2. Open Device Manager

3. Find Display Adapters

4. Right-click your Intel UHD or Radeon iGPU

5. Select Disable

Your system will now rely solely on the dedicated GPU.

6. Turn Off Windows Graphics Power Saving

Windows sometimes tries to conserve power while gaming.

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Power & Battery

3. Change to Best Performance

4. Ensure your device isn’t in Battery Saver mode

7. Check BIOS GPU Settings

Some systems prioritize integrated GPUs.

Enter BIOS and look for:

• Switchable Graphics

• Hybrid Mode

• dGPU Only Mode

If available, set dGPU only.

8. Verify the Game Is Running in Full Screen

Borderless windowed mode may reduce GPU usage in rare cases.

Switch to:

• Full Screen Exclusive Mode

9. Monitor GPU Usage Correctly

Use tools like:

• MSI Afterburner

• HWiNFO

• GPU-Z

• Task Manager Performance Tab

Sometimes the GPU is being used, just not shown in the wrong tool or measurement category.

Why Does This Happen?

Most common reasons:

• Windows switches to low power mode

• The wrong GPU is assigned to the game

• Outdated drivers

• Hybrid laptop GPU routing

• Corrupt settings from older games

Final Advice

Once everything is configured correctly, most games should automatically use your dedicated GPU. For new Windows 11 installs, new drivers, or newly installed games, verify settings so the issue doesn’t repeat.

FAQ Section

Why is my game using CPU instead of GPU?
Your system is defaulting to integrated graphics. Assigning your GPU manually usually fixes it.

How do I force a game to use my GPU?
Use Windows Graphics Settings or NVIDIA/AMD control panels to set the game to High Performance mode.

Will this issue happen again?
If you update drivers or reset settings, it may return, but setting global preferences prevents it.