How to toggle between graphics?

[That 1 Guy]

Hello,

How do I toggle between integrated graphics and dedicated graphics on Windows 10?

I want to completely disable the GTX 940mx on my laptop when I am on battery (unless it's automatic, please let me know), and turn it back on when I plug it back in. How do I do this?

 

[Solandri]

Most modern laptops use Nvidia Optimus to switch between integrated and dedicated graphics (right-click the desktop, start Nvidia Control Panel, go to Manage 3D settings and see if it lets you select which GPU is preferred).

The way Optimus works is that the Intel GPU is always on and always drives the screen. The Nvidia GPU shows up as a co-processor. Any games assigned to it uses it to render a screen, then the screen is sent to the Intel GPU for display (vsync is essentially always on).

If you aren't running any programs which use the Nvidia GPU, it is powered down. OTOH the Intel GPU is always on and running, even if you are using the Nvidia GPU.