How to Turn Integrated Graphics Off (2026 Complete Guide)
Last updated: July 19, 2026 | Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
How to Turn Integrated Graphics Off in 2026
Integrated graphics have come a long way in recent years, with Intel Iris Xe and AMD Radeon integrated solutions offering respectable performance for everyday tasks. However, if you have a dedicated GPU from NVIDIA or AMD in your system, you might be wondering whether you should disable the integrated graphics to free up resources, reduce power consumption, or troubleshoot performance issues. Disabling integrated graphics is not always straightforward, and doing it incorrectly can lead to display problems, system instability, or even render your computer unusable in some cases. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the safe and effective methods for turning off integrated graphics on your PC in 2026.
Before we dive into the methods, it is important to understand why you might want to disable integrated graphics and the potential consequences of doing so. Some users disable integrated graphics to improve gaming performance, while others do it to resolve driver conflicts or to ensure applications use the dedicated GPU exclusively.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Integrated Graphics
- Why You Might Want to Disable Integrated Graphics
- Check How Your Monitor Is Connected
- Method 1: Disable in BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Method 2: Disable via Device Manager
- Method 3: Configure in NVIDIA Control Panel
- Method 4: Configure in AMD Radeon Software
- Method 5: Set GPU Preference Per Application
- Important Considerations for Laptop Users
- Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics Comparison
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Integrated Graphics
Integrated graphics (also called onboard graphics or iGPU) are graphics processing capabilities built directly into the CPU. Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which are separate hardware components with their own GPU, memory, and cooling system, integrated graphics share the CPU’s resources and system memory. Modern integrated graphics from Intel and AMD are surprisingly capable and can handle everyday computing tasks, video playback, and even light gaming.
Most modern processors come with integrated graphics built in. Intel processors use Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics, while AMD processors with integrated graphics use AMD Radeon Graphics (the G and GE series Ryzen processors include integrated graphics). Having both integrated and dedicated graphics in a system is called a “hybrid graphics” configuration, and it allows the system to switch between GPUs based on workload.
Why You Might Want to Disable Integrated Graphics
There are several reasons why a user might want to disable integrated graphics on their computer:
- Force applications to use the dedicated GPU: Some applications may default to using integrated graphics even when a more powerful dedicated GPU is available. Disabling integrated graphics forces all applications to use the dedicated GPU.
- Troubleshoot driver conflicts: Having two active GPUs can sometimes cause driver conflicts, leading to crashes, graphical glitches, or performance issues. Disabling one GPU can resolve these conflicts.
- Reduce system resource usage: Integrated graphics consume a portion of system RAM. Disabling integrated graphics can free up this memory for other applications.
- Resolve BIOS/display issues: In some cases, having both GPUs active can cause problems during boot or in the BIOS/UEFI interface. Disabling integrated graphics can resolve these issues.
- Optimize for specific workloads: For specialized tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or machine learning, you may want to ensure all graphical processing goes through the dedicated GPU for maximum performance.
However, it is important to note that in most cases, you do not need to disable integrated graphics. Modern operating systems and GPU drivers are quite good at automatically selecting the appropriate GPU for each task. The performance difference between having integrated graphics enabled versus disabled is usually negligible for most users.
Check How Your Monitor Is Connected
Before disabling integrated graphics, you must verify that your monitor is connected to your dedicated graphics card and not to the motherboard’s video output. This is critical because disabling integrated graphics will cause any monitor connected to the motherboard’s video output to stop working.
Look at the back of your desktop computer. You should see two sets of video outputs: one set near the top of the case (connected to the motherboard) and one set lower down, typically near the expansion slots (connected to the dedicated graphics card). Make sure your monitor cable is plugged into one of the lower outputs.
If your monitor is connected to the motherboard video output, simply move the cable to one of the ports on your dedicated graphics card. The ports on the dedicated GPU are typically HDMI, DisplayPort, and sometimes DVI, and they are located in the expansion slot area of your case.
Method 1: Disable in BIOS/UEFI Settings
The most thorough way to disable integrated graphics is through the BIOS/UEFI settings. This method completely disables the integrated GPU at the hardware level, preventing the operating system from detecting or using it.
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key during boot (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc)
- Navigate to the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals section of the BIOS menu
- Look for a setting related to integrated graphics. This may be labeled as “Integrated Graphics,” “iGPU,” “Onboard Graphics,” or “Primary Display”
- Change the setting to Disabled or set “Primary Display” to PCI Express (PEG)
- Save and exit the BIOS by pressing F10 or following the on-screen instructions
The exact location and naming of these settings vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Common locations include:
- ASUS: Advanced > System Agent Configuration > Graphics Configuration
- MSI: Settings > Advanced > Integrated Graphics Configuration
- Gigabyte: Peripherals > Initial Display Output
- ASRock: Advanced > Chipset Configuration
Method 2: Disable via Device Manager
Windows Device Manager provides a straightforward way to disable the integrated graphics driver without accessing the BIOS. This method is easier but less permanent than the BIOS approach, as Windows may re-enable the device after a system update.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
- Expand the “Display adapters” section
- You should see both your integrated graphics (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics) and your dedicated GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX)
- Right-click on the integrated graphics device
- Select “Disable device”
- Confirm the action when prompted
After disabling the device, your system should automatically switch to using the dedicated GPU for all display output. If your screen goes black after disabling the device, wait a few seconds as Windows adjusts to the change. If the display does not come back, restart your computer and the integrated graphics will likely be re-enabled automatically.
To re-enable the integrated graphics, follow the same steps but select “Enable device” instead of “Disable device” in step 5.
Method 3: Configure in NVIDIA Control Panel
If your goal is to force applications to use your NVIDIA GPU instead of integrated graphics, you can configure this in the NVIDIA Control Panel without fully disabling the integrated GPU. This is the recommended approach for most users as it provides the best balance of power savings and performance.
- Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel”
- In the left sidebar, click on “Manage 3D settings”
- Under the “Global Settings” tab, find “Preferred graphics processor”
- Select “High-performance NVIDIA processor” from the dropdown
- Click “Apply” to save the changes
You can also configure individual applications to use the NVIDIA GPU:
- In NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D settings”
- Click on the “Program Settings” tab
- Select the application you want to configure from the dropdown list
- Choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor” for that specific application
- Click “Apply”
This approach is particularly useful because it allows the system to use integrated graphics for light tasks (like desktop rendering and video playback) while switching to the dedicated GPU for demanding applications like games and video editors. This can help reduce power consumption and heat output when the dedicated GPU is not needed.
Method 4: Configure in AMD Radeon Software
If you have an AMD dedicated GPU, you can configure GPU preference using the AMD Radeon Software. The process is similar to the NVIDIA approach and allows you to choose which GPU handles specific workloads.
- Right-click on your desktop and select “AMD Radeon Software”
- Click on the Settings gear icon
- Navigate to the “Graphics” tab
- Under “GPU Workload”, you can configure which GPU handles different types of tasks
- For per-application settings, go to the “Games” or “Apps” tab and add specific programs
AMD also offers a feature called “SmartSHIFT” on supported laptops that dynamically allocates power between the CPU and GPU for optimal performance. This feature works best when both integrated and dedicated graphics are enabled.
Method 5: Set GPU Preference Per Application in Windows
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in feature that lets you choose which GPU each application uses. This is perhaps the easiest method and does not require any third-party software or BIOS access.
Windows 11
- Open Settings and go to System > Display
- Scroll down and click on “Graphics”
- Click “Browse” to add an application, or find it in the list of installed apps
- Click on the application and select “Options”
- Choose “High performance” to use the dedicated GPU, or “Power saving” for integrated graphics
- Click “Save”
Windows 10
- Open Settings and go to System > Display
- Scroll down and click on “Graphics settings”
- Choose “Classic app” or “Microsoft Store app” from the dropdown
- Click “Browse” or find the app in the list
- Click on the app, select “Options”, and choose “High performance”
- Click “Save”
This method is ideal for users who want to use integrated graphics for everyday tasks but switch to the dedicated GPU for specific applications. It provides fine-grained control without completely disabling any hardware.
Important Considerations for Laptop Users
If you are using a laptop, disabling integrated graphics is more complicated and potentially risky than on a desktop. Most laptops use a technology called NVIDIA Optimus or AMD Switchable Graphics that dynamically switches between integrated and dedicated GPUs to save battery life.
Additionally, many laptop manufacturers do not provide BIOS options to disable integrated graphics. This is because the laptop’s design depends on the integrated GPU for basic display functionality, and disabling it could render the laptop unusable.
If you are experiencing performance issues on your laptop, rather than disabling integrated graphics, try updating your GPU drivers, adjusting power settings, or using the per-application GPU preference settings described in Method 5. These approaches can improve performance without the risk of losing your display.
Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics Comparison
| Feature | Integrated Graphics | Dedicated Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 5-15W typical | 75-450W typical |
| Performance | Suitable for office tasks and light gaming | Required for AAA gaming and professional work |
| Memory | Uses system RAM | Has dedicated VRAM (4-24GB) |
| Heat Output | Minimal | Significant under load |
| Cost | Included with CPU | Additional cost ($150-$2000+) |
| Ray Tracing | Limited or none | Full hardware support |
| Video Encoding | Basic encoding support | NVENC/AMF hardware encoding |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Display Goes Black After Disabling Integrated Graphics
If your screen goes black after disabling integrated graphics, it usually means your monitor is connected to the motherboard’s video output instead of the dedicated GPU. Restart your computer and check that the monitor cable is plugged into the dedicated graphics card. On most systems, the BIOS will automatically re-enable integrated graphics after detecting no display output.
Applications Still Using Integrated Graphics After Disabling
If applications continue to use integrated graphics after you have disabled it, try restarting the application or your entire computer. Some applications may cache GPU information and need to be restarted to recognize the change. You can also try updating your GPU drivers to ensure the system properly recognizes the dedicated GPU as the only available option.
System Becomes Unstable After Disabling Integrated Graphics
If your system becomes unstable after disabling integrated graphics, restart your computer and re-enable the device through Device Manager or the BIOS. Instability can occur if some system processes or drivers depend on the integrated GPU. In these cases, it is better to leave integrated graphics enabled and use the per-application GPU preference settings instead.
G-Sync or FreeSync Not Working
If you are having issues with adaptive sync technologies after disabling integrated graphics, check that your monitor is connected to the correct port on your dedicated GPU. G-Sync and FreeSync require specific port types (usually DisplayPort) and proper driver configuration. For more information, read our guide on whether G-Sync affects FPS performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling integrated graphics improve my gaming performance?
In most cases, no. Modern operating systems automatically route demanding applications like games to the dedicated GPU. Disabling integrated graphics will not significantly improve gaming performance and may actually reduce performance on laptops that use NVIDIA Optimus or AMD Switchable Graphics technology. The best approach is to configure GPU preference per application in your graphics control panel.
Can I disable integrated graphics on a laptop?
While it is technically possible on some laptops through the BIOS, it is generally not recommended. Most laptop displays are connected to the integrated GPU, and disabling it can cause the built-in screen to stop working. Additionally, many laptop BIOS versions do not offer the option to disable integrated graphics.
Does disabling integrated graphics save power?
Yes, disabling integrated graphics can slightly reduce idle power consumption. However, the dedicated GPU typically consumes more power than the integrated GPU, so if the dedicated GPU is active, your overall power consumption will increase. The best approach for power savings is to leave integrated graphics enabled and let the system automatically switch between GPUs based on workload.
Will my system still boot if I disable integrated graphics?
If your monitor is connected to the dedicated GPU and the BIOS supports the change, your system should boot normally. However, if your monitor is connected to the motherboard video output, the system will appear to boot but you will not see anything on the screen. In this case, restart and re-enable integrated graphics.
Is it safe to disable integrated graphics through Device Manager?
Yes, disabling integrated graphics through Device Manager is safe and reversible. Windows will automatically re-enable the device if it detects no display output. You can also manually re-enable it at any time through Device Manager. This is the safest method for users who are not comfortable accessing BIOS settings.
Do I need to disable integrated graphics for CUDA or OpenCL work?
No. CUDA and OpenCL applications can be configured to use the dedicated GPU without disabling integrated graphics. Most professional applications have settings to select which GPU to use for computation. Disabling integrated graphics is unnecessary and may cause compatibility issues with some applications.
Why does my computer show two display adapters in Device Manager?
This is normal for systems with both integrated and dedicated graphics. Both GPUs are listed in Device Manager, and the operating system uses both as needed. Having two display adapters does not indicate a problem and is the expected behavior for hybrid graphics systems.
