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

Decentraland is a popular virtual reality platform that relies heavily on your computer’s GPU for smooth performance. Sometimes, users notice that Decentraland is not using their GPU on Windows 11, leading to lag or poor graphics. This guide will help you fix that issue step-by-step.

Using your GPU correctly is essential for a better Decentraland experience. It improves graphics quality and reduces lag. If Decentraland is not using the GPU, it may be defaulting to the integrated graphics instead of your dedicated GPU.

This guide is designed for beginner users. Each step is explained in detail to make it easy to follow. By the end, you should have Decentraland running smoothly with your GPU on Windows 11.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixing steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check GPU Drivers: Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause GPU detection issues.
  • GPU Type: Confirm you have a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD) installed alongside integrated graphics.
  • Windows 11 Updates: Ensure your system is updated. Sometimes Windows updates improve GPU management.
  • Decentraland Version: Use the latest version of Decentraland or your browser if accessing via web.

Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Graphics drivers are software that allow Windows to communicate with your GPU. If these are outdated, Decentraland might not recognize or use your GPU properly. Here’s how to update them:

  1. Press Windows + S and type Device Manager, then open it.
  2. Expand the category labeled Display adapters.
  3. Right-click your dedicated GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon) and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will find and install any available updates.
  5. Restart your PC after the update.

If you want, you can also visit the official NVIDIA or AMD website to download the latest drivers directly, which sometimes offer better updates.

Step 2: Set Decentraland to Use the Dedicated GPU via Windows Graphics Settings

Windows 11 has a feature that lets you specify which graphics processor an app should use. If Decentraland is running on integrated graphics, forcing it to use your dedicated GPU can solve the problem.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Display.
  3. Scroll down and click on Graphics under the “Related settings” section.
  4. Click Browse and locate the Decentraland executable file (Decentraland.exe or your browser if using web access).
  5. Add the app, then click on it in the list and select Options.
  6. Choose High performance to force the use of your dedicated GPU.
  7. Click Save.

Restart Decentraland to see if it now uses the GPU correctly.

Step 3: Check NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings

If you have an NVIDIA or AMD GPU, their control panels allow you to set preferred GPUs for specific applications.

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. In the left menu, click on Manage 3D settings.
  3. Select the Program Settings tab.
  4. Click Add and find Decentraland.exe or your browser.
  5. Under “Select the preferred graphics processor for this program,” choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
  6. Click Apply and close the panel.

For AMD Users:

  1. Right-click the desktop and open AMD Radeon Software.
  2. Go to Graphics > Switchable Graphics.
  3. Find Decentraland or your browser in the list or add it manually.
  4. Set its mode to High Performance.
  5. Save changes and restart the app.

Step 4: Disable Integrated Graphics (Optional and Advanced)

This step is more advanced and should be done only if the previous steps didn’t help. Disabling integrated graphics forces Windows to use your dedicated GPU but can have other side effects.

  1. Open Device Manager (Windows + S, then type and open).
  2. Expand Display adapters.
  3. Right-click the integrated GPU (usually Intel HD Graphics) and select Disable device.
  4. Confirm any warnings and restart your computer.

Note: If you experience display issues after this, re-enable the integrated GPU by following the same steps and choosing Enable device.

Step 5: Make Sure Decentraland Has Proper Permissions

Sometimes, Windows security settings or antivirus software can limit GPU access for applications. To avoid this:

  • Add Decentraland to your antivirus exceptions or whitelist.
  • Run Decentraland as an administrator by right-clicking its icon and selecting Run as administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Decentraland not using my dedicated GPU?

This usually happens because Windows defaults to integrated graphics to save power. Setting Decentraland to use the high-performance GPU manually solves this.

How do I check if Decentraland is using my GPU?

You can open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab, and watch GPU usage while running Decentraland.

Does updating Windows 11 help fix GPU issues?

Yes, sometimes Windows updates fix bugs related to GPU management, so it’s important to keep your system updated.

Can browser versions of Decentraland use my GPU?

Yes, but browsers sometimes need settings adjusted or hardware acceleration enabled. Check your browser’s settings to ensure hardware acceleration is turned on.

Will disabling integrated graphics improve performance?

It can help but may cause other issues like reduced battery life or system instability. Only disable it if other methods fail.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Decentraland still isn’t using your GPU, consider the following:

  • Reinstall Decentraland: Sometimes corrupted files cause issues.
  • Check Official Forums: Visit the Decentraland Documentation or community forums for updates or similar issues.
  • Contact Support: Reach out to Decentraland support for personalized help.
  • Test GPU with Other Apps: Confirm your GPU works correctly with other games or 3D apps to rule out hardware problems.

Conclusion

Ensuring that Decentraland uses your dedicated GPU on Windows 11 is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Start by updating your graphics drivers and setting Decentraland to use the high-performance GPU through Windows settings or your GPU’s control panel. If needed, disable integrated graphics or adjust permissions. Checking hardware acceleration in your browser is also important if you use Decentraland online.

Following these simple, step-by-step instructions will help you fix most GPU usage issues, improving your Decentraland gameplay and graphics performance. Always keep your system and drivers updated, and don’t hesitate to seek help from official resources if problems persist.

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