To choose which graphics processor Windows prefers for an individual app, open Start > Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings, add or select the app, then choose a preference under Options. Windows may call the page simply Graphics on some builds. The available choices and the GPU assigned to each depend on your PC.
Set a graphics preference for an app
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Select Graphics settings. The label may appear as Graphics on some builds. Microsoft’s battery-saving instructions use this route to Graphics settings.
- Under the app-type selector, choose Desktop app for a traditional installed program or Microsoft Store app for a Store app. Microsoft’s Windows 10-specific guidance describes these app types and the preference choices in its answer about selecting a GPU for an app.
- Add or select the app. For a desktop app, browse to its executable file; for a Store app, choose it from the available list.
- Select the app, choose Options, select an available graphics preference, and save.
What the graphics preferences mean
Power saving favors the lower-power GPU. On many hybrid-graphics laptops this is the integrated GPU, but that mapping is not guaranteed. Check the GPU name shown next to the option before saving.
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High performance favors the higher-performance GPU when Windows exposes one. The choices are preferences for the selected app, not a promise that every program will use a particular GPU in every situation.
If the expected GPU or choice is missing
If both preferences name the same GPU, or the GPU you expected is not listed, the dialog alone does not show that Windows is malfunctioning. The available GPUs depend on the computer’s hardware, drivers, and configuration. For model-specific help, consult the PC maker or graphics-device maker; there is no single Windows 10 fix established for every system.
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If you changed a preference but the app does not appear to reflect it, close and reopen the app before checking again. Microsoft’s current Windows 11 instructions also tell users to save the preference and restart the game or app, but that is corroborating guidance—not a Windows 10-specific guarantee. The Windows 11 feature called Optimizations for windowed games is separate and is not the setting described here; see Microsoft’s Windows 11 instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended after that date; see Microsoft’s Windows support information. Changing an app’s graphics preference does not change the operating system’s support status.
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