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GeForce graphics cards must be activated if you are also using an on-board GPU. Assigning the GPU to an application is usually sufficient.
Activating a GeForce graphics card: Assigning the GPU to an application
First, check whether your GeForce graphics card is active in the BIOS. You can then assign your graphics card to an application.
- To do this, open the Nvidia Control Panel in Windows. Simply use your computer’s search function and type in Nvidia Control Panel on your keyboard.
- In the Nvidia Control Panel, navigate to the Manage 3D Settings option. This will give you an overview of the currently primary GPU used under Preferred Graphics Processor.
- In most cases, either the on-board graphics card (integrated graphics) or automatic selection is activated there. In the latter case, the program itself decides which GPU to use for the respective application.
- To activate your Nvidia graphics card, click in the field and select NVIDIA high-performance processor in the global settings. This will make primary use of the Nvidia GPU.
- Alternatively, click on the Program Settings tab. There you can select individual applications and run them with the NVIDIA high-performance processor.
- Note: Also check whether you have installed the latest driver for your GeForce graphics card. This is possible, for example, via the device manager or GeForce Experience.
Activate GeForce graphics card in the BIOS: Instructions
If your operating system does not access the graphics card at all, you have to restart your computer and open the BIOS.
- To do this, press the appropriate key during the boot process. This varies depending on the manufacturer, but in most cases it is [F2], [F5] or [F12].
- In the BIOS, locate the settings for your system graphics. The instructions for your mainboard or notebook will help you with this.
- Activate your GeForce graphics card. This is usually done by selecting the correct PCI or PCI-E slot.
- Save the settings and exit the BIOS. You can then repeat the steps in the first paragraph.
