How Do You switch from Nvidia to integrated graphics to GPU? (Explained)

Switch from Nvidia to integrated graphics to GPU in easy steps. Some laptops include two Graphics Processing Units (GPU).

The first GPU is an integrated GPU, which is often given for standard computer operation that does not require intense graphical processing.

The second GPU is typically a dedicated GPU that is triggered automatically when heavy graphics are required.

This includes 3D movies, games, 3D modeling, and graphic design software such as Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. NVidia offers a variety of graphic adapters for your computer’s specialized graphics processor unit.

Go to Device Manager > Display adapters > you should see your main GPU (e.g. Intel HD Graphics) and NVIDIA if you have a dedicated NVidia GPU.

To use your NVidia dedicated GPU, right-click a blank spot on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel to manually switch between two GPUs under Manage 3D Settings > Preferred Graphics Processor.

When your GPU is not active, you will notice a white or blue light on the side, top, or power button of your laptop. This is true when performing little activities. The main GPU saves more electricity than the specialized GPU.

When you launch a game, 3D movie, or program, the light turns orange to signify that your NVidia GPU is now active. The second GPU is usually more powerful than the main one. As a result, it will take more power to render the ‘power-hungry’ visuals.

Some users report that their PC is constantly using the dedicated NVidia GPU, even when performing simple desktop tasks.

This is indicated by an orange light on the top, side, or power button of the laptop. Here are several reasons and solutions for keeping your NVidia GPU turned on all the time.

Why is your NVidia dGPU always on?

If you have set your chosen GPU processor to switch automatically, there are a couple of other factors that could be keeping your NVidia dGPU powered on.

Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers may cause your dedicated GPU to be selected as the preferred GPU.

As a result, it will be available even for minor tasks. This is true for PCs designed for earlier versions of Windows but upgraded to a later version.

PRO TIP: If the problem is with your machine or laptop/notebook, use Restoro Repair to scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing data. This works in most circumstances if the problem is caused by system corruption. 

The audio frequently engages your GPU, especially if the display is connected through HDMI. Audio driver bugs can keep your dedicated GPU turned on. A flaw in later Windows operating systems was discovered in Nahimic audio software V2.3.7 on an MSI PC. Nahimic audio software provides high-definition sound technology that improves your gaming computer’s audio and voice performance, so it is linked to the GPU.

Related video here 👇👇🏿

Method 1: Update your NVidia GPU drivers and your Integrated GPU (primary GPU).

Both of your GPU drivers must be updated. To accomplish this:

1. To launch the device manager window, use Windows Key + R and type devmgmt. msc.
2. Expand the Display adapter subsection.
3. Right-click the main GPU (for example, Intel HD Graphics) and select ‘update driver software.’
4. Click “Search automatically for updated driver software” in the pop-up.
5. Allow the device manager to seek for and update device drivers online. After installing updates, do not restart the computer.
6. Right-click on the primary dedicated GPU (NVIDIA) and select update driver software.
7. Click “Search automatically for updated driver software” in the pop-up.
8. Allow the device manager to seek for and update device drivers online.
9. Restart your computer.

You can also go online and manually install your GPU drivers from Intel or NVidia.

Method 2: Install the most recent audio drivers.

You must update Nahimic or any other audio driver software on your computer.

1. To launch the device manager window, use Windows Key + R and type devmgmt. msc.
2. Expand the ‘Sound, Video, and Game Controllers’ area.
3. Select ‘Update driver software’ from the context menu when you right-click on the sound device.
4. Click “Search automatically for updated driver software” in the pop-up.
5. Allow the device manager to seek for and update device drivers online.
6. Restart your computer.

Method 3: Switch to a different GPU.

When playing games, your PC is smart enough to switch to an NVidia card. Do the following to allow this behavior:

1. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel by right-clicking on the desktop.
2. Navigate to Manage 3D Settings.
3. Select “Auto-select” as your preferred graphics processor.
4. You should now have the blue power button.

You may customize the graphics card and settings for each application/game under the same panel’s Program Settings.

Final thought 

If none of the Methods worked, we recommend utilizing the Restoro Repair Tool, which can analyze the repositories and repair corrupt and missing files.

This works in most circumstances if the problem is caused by system corruption. Restoro will also optimize your system for maximum performance. 

Related Article: 

How To set Up GPU to Achieve the Desired image quality (Explained)