How to Enable NVIDIA Image Scaling

Nvidia Image Scaling (NIS) is a brand new feature that is somewhat similar to existing upscaling features like Nvidia's DLSS and AMD's FidelityFX. Image upscaling has become the norm these days as gaming titles become more demanding. For such reason, many people are concerned about enable NVIDIA image scaling.

As a result, technologies are being introduced that allow you to enjoy high image quality while still having the ability to play games properly. It is no secret that as you increase the quality of graphics in your game, the greater the impact on your frame rate. Similarly, increasing the resolution of the game also takes a toll on your FPS and that is a problem.

It turns out that Nvidia Image Scaling is a feature that’s available in the latest driver update from Nvidia. Before we go ahead and show you how to make use of the NIS feature, let’s first discuss how it differs from existing features like DLSS and how it compares to AMD’s FidelityFX. As it turns out, while the functionality of all three may sound the same, there is a difference in how they actually work.

NIS vs DLSS vs AMD FidelityFX

For starters, DLSS uses AI for upscaling, but it's only available on Nvidia 20 or 30 series graphics cards. This is because these cards have dedicated cores for frame rate acceleration. IA which are known as Tensor Cores. The controllers include AI models that use these tensor cores to upscale images.

When it comes to FidelityFX and Nvidia Image Scaling, the way it works is very different. Both features do not use AI, but instead work on the current rendered frame by scaling it up. After the frame is upscaled, a sharpening filter is applied to make the image look like it would at a higher resolution.

On top of that, unlike DLSS, NIS doesn’t require you to have an Nvidia 20- or 30-series graphics card, and you can use it on older GPUs as well. Now, obviously, DLSS is a far superior feature as it uses AI and, as a result, delivers better results. Nvidia Image Scaling is the green version of AMD’s FidelityFX.

With that out of the way, let's get started and show you how you can enable NVIDIA image scalingSo, in order not to go on any longer, it is better to start with this interesting topic right away.

How to enable NVIDIA image scaling?

Enabling NIS on your system is easier than you think, you just need to make sure you apply one of the methods we are going to describe within this post. So keep an eye on this:

Download the latest NVIDIA drivers

As it turns out, the first thing you need to do is install the latest NVIDIA drivers on your computer. NVIDIA image scaling is only included in the new driver that is available now. As such, it is not something you can enable in an older version of the drivers. Downloading and installing the drivers on your computer is really easy and straightforward. To do this, it is important that you follow each of the steps we outline below:

• First, in your browser window, go to the NVIDIA download website clicking here
• Once there, provide the details of the graphics card you have and then download the latest driver available.

• Once you have downloaded the driver, install it on your system.
• After the installation is complete, you are done and continue to the next step below.

Enables NVIDIA Image Scaling

Now that you have installed the latest drivers on your computer, you are ready to get started with NVIDIA Image Scaling. Since this feature is new for now, you may encounter some issues.

As of now, there have been reports that the feature does not essentially improve FPS for users who have an ultrawide monitor. This is apparently because NIS first upscales the image to a 16:9 aspect ratio and then upscales it to 2k or so, resulting in a performance hit.

To enable NVIDIA Image Scaling, follow the instructions below:

• First of all, go to your desk and right click. In the drop-down menu, click on the option of NVIDIA control panel provided.

• Once the Control Panel window is up, on the left side, click on the option Adjust image settings with preview.
• There, make sure that the option Using advanced 3D image settings is selected and then click the button Apply.

• After doing that, on the left side, go to Manage 3D settings.
• Once you're there, you can choose to enable NIS globally or for a specific game. In the case of a specific game, you'll need to switch to the tab Configuration of the SCHEDULE and choose the game you want to enable NIS for from the drop-down menu provided.
• After you've done that, under Settings at the top, you'll find Image scale.
• Highlight the option and change it from Disabled ha Activated.

• In addition to that, you will need to use a sharpness percentage using the slider provided.
• We recommend choosing between a 20 and a 30 percent, as anything more seems too sharp.
• You can also choose to check the checkbox Overlap indicator which will indicate when NIS is in action.
• Finally, click on the button Apply provided.

With that, you have successfully enabled Nvidia Image Scaling. If you want to compare the difference in performance, you can do so by playing with and without NIS enabled. If there is a performance boost, leave it enabled and enjoy the extra frame rate.

I hope that with these simple steps you will be able to successfully enable Nvidia Image Scaling. Thank you for always visiting our portal, see you in a future post. See you soon.