Question Dual graphics laptop only uses Nvidia, never integrated Intel like it used to.

[cdysthe]

Hi,

I have a laptop with Intel integrated graphics and Nvidia. Intel was default and i could set which applications should use Nvidia. Since this is a work laptop using Nvidia all the time uses too much battery. And that is the problem now, the Nvidia card is used all the time, it never switches to Intel at all anymore. Is there something I can do to get this back to how it used to be where Intel was default, and Nvidia was in use only when certain applications were in use?

I'm on Windows 11

 

[Cyberat_88]

You can go to Bios and disable the Nvidia dGPU.
Controlling Windows is a wrestling match left to professionals.

 

[cdysthe]

You can go to Bios and disable the Nvidia dGPU.
Controlling Windows is a wrestling match left to professionals.

Great answer! But, I would like to use the Nvidia card for video playback and the occasional game. This used to work fine and I could set the applications I wanted to use Nvidia. The rest used Intel. After some recent Windows update this must have broken, and the settings for this in Windows have changed too and even if I set it the way I want it's Nvidia all the way, except for when the laptop is in standby! On top of that in the Nvidia control panel it says "Windows now manages the selection of graphics processor". Control my a**!

 

[Cyberat_88]

Leshcat (I think it was) used to build drivers for mixed GPU laptops, not sure if in business anymore, but you still need to re-flash Bios with the Unlocked version to use it (from questionable sources). That was 2014 when MS introduced Green Fleece Eco and no software switch in the OS would maintain your choice of GPU.
It's time to separate work & pleasure, so as to avoid damaging your work laptop. Long as you have a job, save the money for a gamer PC. $1800 would buy you a nice Gen 5 that can play anything on the market for the foreseeable 10yrs.. Just stick with Win 10 for now, 11 is the Experiment, 12 will be the finished product.

 

[cdysthe]

This worked perfectly for two years until a recent Windows update. I guess I have to wait for the next update hoping it has been fixed. Thanks!