How to Set Graphics Performance Preference in Windows
Short answer: Windows lets you assign a specific graphics processor to each app or game. Open Settings, go to System, then Display, then Graphics. Choose an app, select Options, and pick a performance preference such as High performance. This is useful on PCs with both integrated and discrete graphics, letting you direct demanding games to the stronger GPU.
Why set a graphics preference
Many desktop gaming PCs include two graphics processors: a discrete graphics card for demanding work and an integrated GPU built into the processor for everyday tasks. Windows can decide which one to use, but its automatic choice may not match how you play. A game that needs the full power of a discrete card might end up on the integrated GPU, which can hold back performance.
Setting a graphics performance preference tells Windows which GPU to use for a specific app or game. This is a per-app setting, so you can leave everyday programs on the integrated GPU and reserve the discrete card for the titles that need it. The result is a clearer division of work and fewer surprises when you launch a game.
The setting is part of Windows itself, so it works regardless of which graphics card brand you have. Whether your PC uses a GeForce RTX card or an AMD Radeon card, the same Windows menu applies. For more on how the GPU fits into a gaming PC, see what is a graphics card.
How to find the graphics settings
Open the Start menu and select Settings. From there, go to System, then Display, and then Graphics. This page lists apps that can have a graphics preference assigned. If you do not see the app you want, you can add it by browsing to its executable file.
The exact wording of the options can vary by Windows version, but the location is consistent across recent releases. Windows 11 keeps the Graphics page under System and Display, and the same path works on most systems. If you are unsure whether your PC meets the requirements for the latest Windows, check the Windows 11 specifications on the Microsoft website.
Choosing a performance preference
When you select an app and click Options, Windows shows a list of graphics performance preferences. The choices typically include a power-saving option that uses the integrated GPU and a high-performance option that uses the discrete graphics card. Some systems also show a let Windows decide option, which leaves the choice to the operating system.
For a game that you play at a high resolution or with demanding graphics features, choose the high-performance option. This directs the app to the discrete GPU, which has its own memory and processing resources. For a lightweight app like a web browser or a video player, the power-saving option is often enough and can reduce load on the discrete card.
The high-performance preference is not a guarantee of a specific frame rate or quality level. It only tells Windows which GPU to use. The actual performance depends on the graphics card itself and the demands of the game. For guidance on matching a GPU to your resolution, see what GPU is enough for 1440p gaming or what GPU is enough for 4k gaming.
When to use a high-performance preference
Set a high-performance preference for games that are known to be demanding on the graphics card. Large single-player worlds, games with ray tracing enabled, and titles that use a lot of graphics memory are good candidates. The discrete GPU has dedicated video memory, which is important for these workloads. See how much vram do you need for gaming for more on graphics memory.
Competitive shooters and esports titles also benefit from a high-performance preference, especially if you play at a high refresh rate. Directing these games to the discrete GPU helps ensure they use the full capability of the card. For more on high refresh rate play, see what is a good refresh rate for gaming.
Streaming while playing is another case where a high-performance preference helps. The discrete GPU handles both the game and the video encoding, which keeps the CPU free for other tasks. NVIDIA GPUs include a dedicated encoder for this purpose, as described on the NVIDIA broadcasting page.
What to pick for your play
The right preference depends on the kind of games you play and the hardware in your PC. The table below summarizes the common scenarios and the preference to choose.
If you are unsure which GPU your system has, check the specifications of your prebuilt PC. The graphics card model is usually listed in the product details. For help reading a spec sheet, see what to check before buying a prebuilt gaming pc.
| Scenario | Preference |
|---|---|
| Competitive shooters at high refresh rate | High performance |
| Large single-player worlds with ray tracing | High performance |
| Streaming while playing | High performance |
| Everyday apps like browsers and office tools | Power saving or let Windows decide |
| Older or lightweight games | Let Windows decide or power saving |
Troubleshooting graphics preferences
If a game does not seem to use the discrete GPU after you set a high-performance preference, check that the preference was applied to the correct executable. Some games launch from a launcher, and the preference may need to be set on the game's main executable rather than the launcher.
Another step is to verify that your graphics drivers are current. Windows relies on the driver to communicate with the GPU, and an outdated driver can cause the preference to be ignored. See how to update graphics drivers for the update process.
If the Graphics page does not show the app you want, use the Add an app button and browse to the executable file. The file is usually in the game's installation folder. Once added, you can set the preference just like any other app.
What to pick for your play
| If you | Pick | Buying guide |
|---|---|---|
| You play competitive shooters at high refresh rate | Set a high-performance preference for each shooter | Best Esports Gaming PC in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play large single-player worlds with ray tracing | Set a high-performance preference and use a GPU with enough memory | Best Graphics Cards for 4K Gaming in 2026: 16GB Picks by Stated Specs |
| You stream while playing | Set a high-performance preference for the game and the streaming app | Best Gaming PCs for Streaming in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play at 1440p with a mid-range GPU | Set a high-performance preference for demanding titles | Best 1440p Gaming PCs in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
| You play at 1080p with a budget GPU | Set a high-performance preference for games that need it | Best 1080p Gaming PCs in 2026: Picks by Stated Specs |
Questions
What does the graphics performance preference do?
It tells Windows which GPU to use for a specific app or game. You can choose a power-saving option that uses the integrated GPU or a high-performance option that uses the discrete graphics card.
Where is the graphics performance preference in Windows?
Open Settings, go to System, then Display, and then Graphics. Select the app you want to configure and click Options to choose a preference.
Do I need to set a preference for every game?
No. Windows can decide automatically, but setting a high-performance preference for demanding games ensures they use the discrete GPU. Lightweight apps can stay on the default setting.
Will a high-performance preference improve frame rates?
It can, if the game was previously running on the integrated GPU. The preference directs the game to the discrete GPU, which has more processing power and dedicated memory. Actual performance depends on the GPU and the game's demands.
Does the preference work with any graphics card?
Yes. The setting is part of Windows and works with GPUs from any vendor, including NVIDIA and AMD. The same menu is used regardless of the card brand.
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