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How to Fix Photoshop Not Using GPU on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If you are using Adobe Photoshop on Windows 11 and notice it is not utilizing your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), this can affect performance. Photoshop relies on the GPU to speed up certain tasks, so fixing this issue is important.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to troubleshoot why Photoshop is not using your GPU. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, even if you are not very technical.

By the end, you should be able to get Photoshop running smoothly with proper GPU acceleration. Let’s get started.

No need to worry, as the solutions here are straightforward and commonly fix the problem.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, make sure you have a few things checked:

  • Your GPU is supported: Photoshop supports most modern NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics cards. Older GPUs may not be compatible.
  • Windows 11 is updated: Running the latest Windows updates can fix compatibility issues.
  • Photoshop is updated: Use the latest version of Photoshop for best GPU support.
  • Graphics drivers are installed: Make sure your video card drivers are installed and up to date.

Step 1: Check Photoshop GPU Settings

Photoshop has an option to enable or disable GPU acceleration. Sometimes this setting is turned off accidentally.

  1. Open Photoshop.
  2. Click on Edit in the top menu, then select Preferences and choose Performance.
  3. Look for the section labeled Graphics Processor Settings.
  4. Make sure the box next to Use Graphics Processor is checked.
  5. If it is unchecked, check it and click OK to save.
  6. Restart Photoshop to apply the changes.

Why this matters: If GPU acceleration is off, Photoshop will not utilize your graphics card, causing slower performance.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent Photoshop from recognizing your GPU.

  1. Press Windows + S to open search, type Device Manager and open it.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. If Windows finds a new driver, install it and restart your PC.
  6. Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers directly.

Why this matters: Drivers act as a bridge between your operating system and hardware. Keeping them updated ensures compatibility and performance.

Step 3: Set Photoshop to Use Your Dedicated GPU (For Laptops)

If your computer has both integrated and dedicated graphics, Photoshop might default to the integrated GPU, which is less powerful.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Display > Graphics (scroll down to find this).
  3. Click Browse under “Choose an app to set preference” and find the Photoshop executable file (usually in C:Program FilesAdobeAdobe PhotoshopPhotoshop.exe).
  4. Select Photoshop and click Add.
  5. Click on Photoshop in the list, then click Options.
  6. Select High performance to use the dedicated GPU and click Save.
  7. Restart Photoshop and check if the GPU is now being used.

Why this matters: Laptops often switch between GPUs to save power. Manually forcing Photoshop to use the dedicated GPU ensures better performance.

Step 4: Disable GPU Sniffer and Reset Photoshop Preferences

Sometimes Photoshop’s configuration files can cause GPU detection issues. Resetting preferences can help.

  1. Close Photoshop completely.
  2. Hold down Alt + Ctrl + Shift and then launch Photoshop.
  3. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to delete the settings file. Click Yes.
  4. Photoshop will launch with default preferences.
  5. Check the GPU settings again as in Step 1.

If the GPU is still not recognized, you can try disabling the GPU Sniffer process, which sometimes causes problems:

  1. Navigate to Photoshop’s installed folder. For example: C:Program FilesAdobeAdobe Photoshop
  2. Find the file named sniffer.exe.
  3. Rename this file to sniffer_old.exe. This prevents Photoshop from running the GPU sniffer process.
  4. Restart Photoshop and check GPU usage.

Why this matters: Resetting preferences clears corrupt settings. Disabling GPU Sniffer can resolve false GPU detection issues.

Step 5: Enable 3D and OpenCL Features in Photoshop

Photoshop uses 3D and OpenCL technologies for GPU acceleration. Sometimes these features can be disabled.

  1. In Photoshop, go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
  2. Click on Advanced Settings or Graphics Processor Settings if available.
  3. Make sure options like Use OpenCL and Use 3D Graphics are enabled.
  4. Click OK and restart Photoshop.

Why this matters: Disabling these features can limit Photoshop’s ability to use GPU acceleration fully.

Step 6: Check Windows Graphics Settings for Photoshop

Windows 11 allows you to control GPU preferences per app, which can override Photoshop’s own settings.

  1. Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
  2. Find Photoshop in the list of apps.
  3. If Photoshop is not listed, add it using the Browse button.
  4. Click on Photoshop, then Options.
  5. Select High performance to force use of dedicated GPU.
  6. Click Save and restart Photoshop.

Why this matters: This setting ensures Windows prioritizes your powerful GPU for Photoshop tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Photoshop not detecting my GPU?

This can happen due to outdated drivers, disabled GPU settings in Photoshop or Windows, or incompatible hardware.

How do I know if Photoshop is using my GPU?

Go to Preferences > Performance in Photoshop. If the GPU is active, it will show your graphics card info and the Use Graphics Processor box will be checked.

Can integrated graphics support Photoshop GPU acceleration?

Some integrated GPUs support basic acceleration, but performance will be limited compared to dedicated graphics cards.

Will updating Photoshop fix GPU issues?

Sometimes, yes. Adobe often releases updates to improve hardware compatibility and fix bugs related to GPU usage.

Is it safe to rename or disable the sniffer.exe file?

Yes, it is generally safe. This just disables a process Photoshop uses to detect GPUs. It can help if detection is faulty.

Does Windows 11 affect Photoshop GPU usage?

Windows 11 introduces new graphics management options that can affect GPU usage. Adjusting graphics preferences for Photoshop often resolves issues.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the problem, consider the following options:

  • Reinstall Photoshop: A fresh install can resolve corrupted files or settings causing GPU issues.
  • Check Adobe Support: Visit the official Adobe Photoshop GPU troubleshooting page for advanced help.
  • Contact GPU Manufacturer: Sometimes hardware-specific issues require support from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
  • System Restore: Use Windows System Restore to revert to a point before the issue began, if applicable.

Conclusion

Photoshop not using your GPU on Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable by following a few simple steps. Start by ensuring Photoshop’s GPU settings are enabled, update your graphics drivers, and configure Windows to prioritize the dedicated GPU for Photoshop.

Resetting Photoshop preferences and disabling GPU Sniffer can resolve deeper configuration issues. Always keep your system and software updated to avoid compatibility problems.

By carefully following this troubleshooting guide, you can restore GPU acceleration and enjoy faster, smoother Photoshop performance on your Windows 11 PC.

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