I modern processors they have become so compact that they can accommodate inside them, in addition to the typical components of a CPU, also one integrated video component (also called APU).
The graphics component of these hybrid processors is often unable to compete with dedicated video cards but they offer enough computing power to handle Windows graphics effects and provide hardware acceleration for programs that require it. Furthermore, they save energy.
However, if we also use gods very heavy 3D games and programs and we also have one dedicated video card installed on the PC, it is not advisable to entrust the load to the video chip integrated in the CPU, shifting the priority to the dedicated card.
In Windows 10 and Windows 11 this is possible change the default video adapter for apps to prioritize which apps should use only the integrated video card (lighter and less resource-intensive) and which apps should use the discrete video card (more powerful).
READ ALSO -> Dedicated video card, integrated or external?
1) Change default video card in Windows 11
To change the priority of the video card in use on Windows 11, press WIN+I on the keyboard, click on the menu Systemwe select the menu Screenwe press on Graphics and scroll through the list of apps that will be shown to look for the application we want to change the priority on.
After identifying the program, press on it and click on Options and we select Energy saving to use the integrated video card (or the APU video chip) or we select High performance to use the dedicated video card.
If the app to be modified is not present in the list we can add it manually by taking us to the section Add an appchoosing from the drop-down menu Desktop application o Microsoft Store apps (depending on how we installed the app), by pressing on Browse to select the program executable (from Windows folders) or to choose the Microsoft Store app to add.
2) Change video card in use in Windows 10
Even on Windows 10 we can change the video card in use in a simple and immediate way, adapting to the needs and the need to use one or the other based on the power required.
To proceed, press on WIN+I on the keyboard, let’s go to the menu Systempress on the side menu Screenclick on the item Graphics settingsscroll until we find the app we want to modify and then press on Options and we make the choice, using our voice Energy saving (for the integrated video card or APU video chip) or High performance (for dedicated video card).
Also in this case we can add any apps missing from the list by choosing Desktop application o Microsoft Store apps in the upper drop-down menu and using the button Browse (for applications installed via .exe or .msi) or using the other drop-down menu that will appear (for apps installed from the Microsoft store).
Conclusions
Who owns a computers with two video cards can use one or the other based on needs and the type of program we want to use. Since the integrated card usually consumes less energy, it is the ideal choice for all light programs and is the point of reference on laptops.
Those who play games or use the computer with powerful graphics or video processing programs must immediately use the dedicated video card, setting the right priority for game executables or heavier 3D programs.
For further information we can read our guides on GPU types and Best video cards for PC come on how to quickly restore video card driver.
If we have problems with the dedicated video card or with the integrated chip it is worth restoring the previously modified settings and trying to resolve as seen in our guides on How to restart your video card graphics driver come on how to fix black screen problem Windows 10 and 11.