How to reset GPU options for apps to default in Windows 10

Change options for managing graphics performance of applications

Starting with Windows 10 build 17093, Microsoft introduces a new Graphics settings page for multi-GPU systems, allowing you to manage graphics performance options for your applications. You're probably already familiar with similar graphics consoles from AMD and Nvidia (you can of course keep using them). When you set an app option in Windows Graphics settings, that option takes precedence over other Control Panel settings.

This new setting lets you specify which GPU you prefer to use by default for specific Store (universal) and Desktop (classic) apps. Options can provide better application performance or save battery power. The selection may not take effect until the next time the app launches.

In general, the Power Saving GPU (the power saving GPU option) is the GPU integrated on the system, and the High Performance GPU (the High Performance GPU option) is the discrete GPU or the external GPU. If you have both a discrete GPU and an external GPU on your system, then the external GPU is considered a high-performance GPU.

Apps are always allowed to have a final choice of which GPU to use, so you may see many additional apps that don't adhere to the options you've set. In that case, look for the setting in the app itself to select GPU.

Starting with Windows 10 build 19564, Microsoft has updated the Graphics settings page ( Settings> System> Display> Graphics settings ), which gives better control over specifying which GPUs the app runs on.

With this update, the application list and GPU options are pre-filled on the basis of trying to improve the default options management experience in the best way. If your desired app is not already available, you can still add it using the app selection drop-down menu. You'll notice along with this, Microsoft has also added a search box and filter to the list of apps.

Starting with Windows 10 build 20190, Microsoft has made the following improvements:

1. Updated Graphics Settings to allow users to specify default high-performance GPUs.
2. Graphics Settings updated to allow users to select a specific GPU on a per-app basis.

Reset default GPU options for specific apps in Settings

Step 1. Open Settings and click the System icon .

Step 2. Click Display on the left side and click the Graphics settings link on the right side.

Step 3. Click on the default app listed (eg " Camera ") for which you want to reset GPU performance option and hit Reset.

The Reset button will not be available for added apps. It will only be available for apps that are included by default.

Step 4. When done, you can close Settings if you want.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 16 September 2020