Enable or Disable Integrated Graphics Card from Windows Device Manager

Properly managing your computer's graphics card can make a difference in the performance and stability of your favorite programs and games. Many users have questions about how to enable or disable the integrated graphics card from the Device Manager. Windows, especially if your computer also has a dedicated graphics card. If you're looking to optimize your computer's performance or resolve graphics issues, this detailed guide is for you.

In the world of home and professional computing, today's computers typically have two graphics processing options: a card integrated into the processor (common in chips Intel and AMD) and a more powerful dedicated graphics card, such as those in the series NVIDIA or AMD Radeon. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to know when to enable or disable integrated graphics and, above all, how to do it correctly to avoid problems.

What is an integrated graphics card and why should you disable it?

La integrated graphics card It is a graphics chip built into the main processor (CPU) or motherboard. It is designed to consume less power and save resources, so it is Ideal for simple tasks such as browsing the Internet, playing videos or working with office applications. However, when it comes to video games demanding applications, such as video editing or graphic design, the dedicated card usually offers better results.

Disabling the integrated graphics card makes sense if you want to ensure that your computer always uses the dedicated GPU. to maximize performance in demanding tasks, avoid graphical errors or free up system resources, such as RAM, which the iGPU normally uses as video memory.

Precautions and tips before disabling integrated graphics

Before making any changes to your graphics components from Device Manager or the BIOS, there are a few things you should be aware of:

• Make sure your computer has a working dedicated graphics card and the monitor is connected to it. If you only have integrated graphics, disabling it will leave your screen black until you manually re-enable it.
• Save all your work before performing the process, as you may need to restart your computer after making the changes.
• Back up important data in case your system experiences any unexpected problems.

In what situations is it advisable to disable the integrated graphics?

There are several scenarios where disabling integrated graphics can be beneficial:

• When you have performance issues in games or applications that require a lot of graphics power and you want to make sure the dedicated card is always used.
• If your system allocates too much RAM to the integrated graphics, which may limit the memory available for other programs.
• When you experience graphical conflicts, artifacts, or crashes because the system automatically switches between both GPUs.
• En portable or desserts where energy management is not a priority and you are looking for maximum performance.

Steps to disable the integrated graphics card from Windows Device Manager

The simplest and most direct method is to use the Windows Device Manager itself. Follow these steps:

1. Press the key combination Windows + X to open the advanced menu and select “Device Manager.”
2. Find and expand the “Display Adapters” section in the window that appears.
3. Locate the integrated graphics card, usually identified as Intel HD Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics, Vega Graphics, etc. If you're not sure, dedicated GPUs usually have names like "NVIDIA GeForce" or "AMD Radeon."
4. Right click on the integrated and choose the option "Deactivate device" in the context menu.
5. Confirm the action when the warning window appears and, if necessary, restart your computer.

Note that Some laptops and motherboards may not allow you to completely disable the iGPU from Windows. and could be reactivated after certain updates. drivers or the system.

Related article:

How to disable Intel HD graphics and enable Nvidia in Windows 10

Disable integrated graphics from the BIOS or UEFI

For a more permanent solution, you can use the motherboard's configuration menu, known as BIOS or UEFI. Disabling the integrated graphics from the BIOS will prevent Windows from automatically re-enabling it. after updates or changes to the system.

General steps:

1. Restart your computer and, during the Boot, repeatedly press the key that gives access to the BIOS/UEFI (usually Del, F2 or Esc).
2. In the BIOS menu, navigate to the advanced options, often titled “Advanced”, “Peripherals” or similar options.
3. Search for parameters with names like «Integrated Graphics», «Onboard Graphics», «iGPU», «Primary Display» and select “Disabled” or set the dedicated card as the first option.
4. Save your changes and exit the menu, usually using the “Save & Exit” option.

Each manufacturer may present a slightly different menu, so it's a good idea to consult your motherboard manual if you're having trouble. If you disable the integrated graphics without having a dedicated one, the computer will lose the video signal, forcing you to reset the BIOS by removing the battery or using a specific jumper.

How to choose the preferred graphics card for your applications?

On some systems, especially laptops with NVIDIA Optimus or AMD Switchable Graphics technology, Windows allows you to decide which GPU will be used in each application. This is useful for forcing the dedicated power supply to be used only in programs that require it, saving power the rest of the time. More information at This article on GPU management.

You can do it like this:

1. Right-click on the Desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel” (or your GPU manufacturer’s software).
2. Go to the “3D Settings” section and select “Control 3D settings.”
3. In the “Global Settings” tab, choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor” or a similar option for your dedicated graphics card.
4. Alternatively, in “Program Settings,” you can customize GPU for specific applications or games.
5. Don’t forget to click “Apply” to save your changes.

This way, only demanding programs will use the dedicated graphics card., while the rest will work with the integrated one, optimizing battery and performance according to your needs.

Advantages and disadvantages of disabling integrated graphics

How to check which graphics card is active

After making changes, it is critical to ensure that your system is using the correct graphics card. You can check this in several ways:

• Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to "Processes" and look for the "GPU Engine" column. It shows the GPU used by each application.
• DirectX Diagnostic Tool: press Windows + R, writes dxDiag and go to the “Display” tab to see the details of the active GPU.

Frequently asked questions about disabling the integrated graphics card

• What happens if I disable the built-in one without having a dedicated one? The computer will lose its display signal. In this case, you'll need to reset the BIOS or manually enable the iGPU.
• Can the integrated graphics be re-enabled? Yes, by repeating the process in reverse, either in Device Manager or from the BIOS. Turn on the computer with the monitor connected to the correct port.
• Will it increase computer performance? It is possible, especially in graphics-intensive tasks, but the effect will depend on your hardware and configuration.
• Are there any features that depend on the integrated graphics? Yes, some features like video output to certain monitors may require the iGPU. If you're no longer seeing an image on some ports, check your settings.

How do I know if my monitor is connected to the correct port?

It is important to connect the monitor to the graphics card port you want to use:

• The dedicated GPU port is usually located on the bottom rear of the case and is labeled with the model name (e.g., GeForce RTX, Radeon).
• The integrated graphics port is usually located on the rear panel of the motherboard, identified by the motherboard manufacturer (e.g. ASUS, MSI, etc.)

If you have any questions, please consult your equipment's documentation. A poor connection is a common issue and can cause your computer to use the wrong GPU.

Related article:

How to check if you're using a dedicated graphics card in Windows 11

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.