How to Enable DLSS in Games

What DLSS does

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is a suite of AI-powered technologies from NVIDIA that improves gaming performance and image quality. It works by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using AI to reconstruct a higher-resolution image. This can free up the graphics card to deliver higher frame rates, especially at demanding resolutions like 1440p and 4K.

The DLSS suite includes several features. Super Resolution reconstructs high-resolution images from a lower-resolution input. Ray Reconstruction improves the quality of ray-traced scenes. Frame Generation creates additional frames to increase smoothness. On GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, DLSS 5 introduces 3D-Guided Neural Rendering and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, which can generate up to five frames per rendered frame.

DLSS is available on GeForce RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series graphics cards. Each generation supports different DLSS features. For example, DLSS Frame Generation is available on RTX 40 and 50 series, while DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction are available on RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series. Check your GPU's specifications to see which features it supports. If you're unsure about your GPU, see our guide to choosing a graphics card.

Check your GPU compatibility

Before enabling DLSS, confirm that your graphics card supports it. DLSS requires a GeForce RTX GPU. The RTX 20 series was the first to support DLSS, followed by the RTX 30, 40, and 50 series. If you have a GTX series card, DLSS is not available.

You can identify your GPU by checking the system information in Windows. Press Windows Key + R, type 'dxdiag', and look under the Display tab. The name of your graphics card will be listed there. Alternatively, you can check the specifications of your prebuilt gaming PC if you didn't build it yourself. For a deeper look at what to check in a prebuilt, read what to check before buying a prebuilt gaming PC.

If you have an RTX GPU, make sure you have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed. Drivers are available through the NVIDIA app or the NVIDIA website. Keeping drivers current ensures that DLSS works correctly and that you have access to the latest optimizations. For more on driver updates, see how to update graphics drivers.

Enable DLSS in the game settings

The exact steps to enable DLSS vary by game, but the general process is the same. Open the game's graphics or display settings menu. Look for an option labeled 'DLSS', 'Upscaling', or 'Image Scaling'. Select it and choose a mode: Quality, Balanced, Performance, or Ultra Performance.

Quality mode prioritizes image fidelity, while Performance mode prioritizes frame rate. Balanced mode sits in between. Ultra Performance is available for very high resolutions like 8K. Some games also offer a 'DLAA' option, which uses DLSS for anti-aliasing without upscaling, improving image quality at the native resolution.

If the DLSS option is not visible, the game may not support DLSS. Not all games include DLSS. You can check the game's official documentation or the NVIDIA website for a list of DLSS-supported titles. Also, ensure that the game is running in fullscreen or borderless windowed mode, as some games only show DLSS options in certain display modes.

Adjust DLSS settings for your setup

Once DLSS is enabled, you can fine-tune the settings to match your preferences and hardware. If you have a high-refresh-rate monitor, you might prefer Performance mode to maximize frame rates. If you prioritize image quality, Quality mode is a better choice.

DLSS works best when combined with other graphics settings. For example, enabling ray tracing can be demanding, but DLSS can help offset the performance cost. On RTX 40 and 50 series GPUs, you can also enable Frame Generation to further increase frame rates.

Remember that DLSS is a per-game setting. You may need to enable it separately in each game you play. Some games allow you to set DLSS to 'Auto', which lets the game choose the best mode based on your hardware. For more on how DLSS compares to other upscaling technologies, see NVIDIA DLSS vs AMD FSR.

Troubleshooting common DLSS issues

If DLSS is not working, first check that your GPU drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause DLSS options to be missing or grayed out. You can update drivers through the NVIDIA app or by downloading them from the NVIDIA website.

If the DLSS option is still missing, verify that your GPU supports DLSS. As mentioned, only RTX series GPUs support DLSS. If you have an RTX GPU and the option is missing, the game may not have DLSS support.

Some games require you to restart the game after changing DLSS settings. If you experience visual artifacts or performance issues, try switching to a different DLSS mode. You can also disable DLSS and re-enable it to see if that resolves the issue. For more on optimizing your system, see how to configure NVIDIA Control Panel for gaming.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Does DLSS work on all NVIDIA graphics cards?

No, DLSS requires a GeForce RTX GPU. It is not available on GTX series cards. RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series GPUs support DLSS, but the specific features vary by generation.

How do I know if a game supports DLSS?

Check the game's graphics settings menu for a DLSS or upscaling option. You can also consult the game's official documentation or the NVIDIA website for a list of DLSS-supported titles.

What is the difference between DLSS Quality and Performance modes?

Quality mode renders at a higher internal resolution, preserving more detail. Performance mode renders at a lower internal resolution, which increases frame rates but may reduce image sharpness. Balanced mode is a middle ground.

Can I enable DLSS if I have an RTX 50 series GPU?

Yes, RTX 50 series GPUs support DLSS 5, which includes 3D-Guided Neural Rendering and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation. These features are exclusive to the 50 series and can significantly boost performance.

Why is the DLSS option grayed out in my game?

The DLSS option may be grayed out if your GPU does not support DLSS, if the game does not support DLSS, or if your drivers are outdated. Update your drivers and check your GPU model.