Blog

How to Fix External Monitor Not Using GPU on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Using an external monitor with your Windows 11 PC can boost productivity and enhance your viewing experience. Sometimes, however, the external monitor may not use the dedicated GPU, leading to poor performance or display issues. This guide will walk you through simple steps to ensure your external monitor leverages your GPU properly.

We will start with easy troubleshooting methods and gradually move to more advanced fixes. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end of this guide, you should be able to fix the problem and enjoy smooth performance on your external display. Let’s begin.

Remember, patience and careful following of steps will help avoid any mistakes.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

  • Make sure your external monitor is properly connected to your PC using the correct cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, etc.).
  • Verify that your GPU drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers often cause display problems.
  • Confirm that your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version for best compatibility.
  • Check if your external monitor works on another device to rule out hardware issues.

Step 1: Set Preferred GPU for External Monitor in Windows Settings

Windows 11 allows you to specify which GPU an app or display should use. Setting your external monitor to use the dedicated GPU can improve performance.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to System > Display.
  3. Scroll down and click on Graphics under the “Related settings” section.
  4. Under Graphics performance preference, click Browse and select the application you want to run on the external monitor using the GPU.
  5. Once added, click on the app name and select Options.
  6. Choose High performance to force it to use your dedicated GPU, then click Save.

This step ensures that specific apps use the GPU instead of the integrated graphics, which is important for performance-heavy tasks.

Step 2: Change GPU Settings in NVIDIA or AMD Control Panel

If you have a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, you can manually assign the GPU for your external monitor through their control panels.

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. In the left sidebar, click on Manage 3D Settings.
  3. Go to the Program Settings tab.
  4. Select the program you want to customize or add it if it’s not listed.
  5. Under Preferred graphics processor, choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
  6. Click Apply to save changes.

For AMD Users:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and open AMD Radeon Software.
  2. Go to the Graphics or System tab.
  3. Look for a section called Switchable Graphics or similar.
  4. Find the application you want to assign and set it to High Performance.
  5. Save your settings.

This helps direct your GPU to work with the external display for better graphics processing.

Step 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Drivers act as a bridge between your hardware and software. An outdated or corrupted driver can prevent your GPU from working correctly with external monitors.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your dedicated GPU and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If Windows doesn’t find newer drivers, visit the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest version manually.

Keeping your drivers updated fixes bugs and improves compatibility with external displays.

Step 4: Check Display Settings and Monitor Connections

Sometimes, Windows may not automatically detect or configure the external monitor correctly.

  1. Open Settings > System > Display.
  2. Click the Detect button to force Windows to search for connected displays.
  3. Ensure the external monitor is set as an extended or duplicate display, depending on your preference.
  4. Make sure the refresh rate and resolution are supported by your external monitor and GPU.

Proper detection and configuration can solve many display issues.

Step 5: Use BIOS/UEFI Settings to Prioritize GPU (Advanced)

In some laptops or desktops with both integrated and dedicated GPUs, the BIOS/UEFI can control which GPU is the primary device.

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key during startup (commonly Del, F2, or Esc).
  2. Navigate to the Advanced or Video Settings tab.
  3. Look for options like Primary Display or GPU Priority.
  4. Set the dedicated GPU as the primary device if available.
  5. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Note: BIOS settings vary widely by manufacturer. Only attempt this if you are comfortable, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Power Settings

Windows 11 power plans can affect GPU performance. Setting your PC to High Performance mode can help the system prioritize the dedicated GPU.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Power & battery.
  3. Click on Power mode and select Best performance.

This ensures your GPU runs at full capacity, benefiting external monitor usage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my external monitor not using the dedicated GPU?

By default, Windows or your system may use integrated graphics to save power. You need to manually assign the GPU for specific apps or displays to ensure the dedicated GPU is used.

Can I force all programs to use the dedicated GPU?

Yes, but it depends on your GPU control panel and Windows settings. Forcing all apps can increase power consumption and reduce battery life on laptops.

My GPU drivers are up to date but the problem persists. What next?

Try reinstalling the drivers completely or use the GPU manufacturer’s official driver cleanup tools before reinstalling.

Is it necessary to update Windows 11 to fix this issue?

While not always required, keeping Windows updated improves overall system compatibility and may solve bugs related to GPU and display handling.

Will changing BIOS/UEFI settings void my warranty?

No, adjusting BIOS settings does not void warranty, but be cautious and avoid unnecessary changes to prevent system issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all steps and your external monitor still does not use your dedicated GPU properly, consider these final options:

  • Contact your PC or GPU manufacturer’s support for specialized troubleshooting.
  • Visit official forums such as Microsoft Support or NVIDIA Forums.
  • Perform a system restore to a point where the display worked correctly.
  • Check for hardware faults by testing with different cables, monitors, or GPUs if possible.

Conclusion

Ensuring your external monitor uses the dedicated GPU on Windows 11 helps improve graphics performance and overall user experience. Start by setting your preferred GPU in Windows and your GPU’s control panel, update drivers, and verify display settings. For advanced users, BIOS adjustments can also help.

Following these simple but detailed steps usually resolves the issue. If problems continue, seek professional support or consult official resources.

With patience and careful troubleshooting, you can get your external monitor running smoothly with your GPU in no time.

Leave a Reply