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In current Windows 11 versions, the main Graphics page is located at Settings > System > Display > Graphics. From there, you can choose a preferred GPU for supported apps, configure Windows gaming options, and manage features such as optimizations for windowed games and Auto HDR where available.

Open Graphics settings from the Settings app

This is the standard method and works without memorizing a command.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings. You can also right-click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Select System in the left panel.
  3. Select Display.
  4. Scroll down and select Graphics under Related settings.

You should now see the Windows 11 Graphics page. Depending on your hardware and Windows version, the available options can include per-app GPU preferences, optimizations for windowed games, and Auto HDR settings.

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Use the desktop context menu

The desktop shortcut takes you to Display settings first; it does not usually open a separate Graphics settings command.

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  1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
  2. Select Display settings.
  3. Scroll to Related settings.
  4. Select Graphics.

Find Graphics settings with Windows Search

  1. Open Start, or press the Windows key.
  2. Type Graphics or Graphics settings.
  3. Select the result that opens the Windows Graphics settings page.

The wording of the result can vary by Windows update and display language. If Search does not return the page, open it manually through Settings > System > Display > Graphics.

Open the page with a Run command

Windows provides a Settings URI that opens the Graphics page directly.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Enter the following command exactly:
ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics
  1. Press Enter.

Windows should open the Graphics page in Settings. This shortcut may not expose the page on hardware that does not support the relevant advanced graphics options.

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Open Graphics settings from Command Prompt

To launch the same page from Command Prompt, use:

start "" "ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics"

The empty pair of quotation marks is intentional. With the Windows start command, the first quoted value is treated as the window title, so the empty title placeholder prevents the URI from being misinterpreted.

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Open Graphics Default Settings directly

Windows also has a separate page for default graphics options. Open Run with Windows + R, enter the following URI, and press Enter:

ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics-default

This opens Graphics Default Settings, rather than the main page used to configure individual apps.

What you can do in Graphics settings

The exact controls depend on your Windows build, graphics hardware, drivers, and display support. Common options include:

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Option Purpose
Custom options for apps Add an application and assign a Windows graphics preference to it.
Power saving Prefer the GPU that uses less power, usually useful for extending laptop battery life.
High performance Prefer the faster GPU, where the computer has more than one graphics processor.
Let Windows decide Allow Windows to choose a graphics processor for the selected app.
Optimizations for windowed games Apply supported Windows optimizations to compatible windowed or borderless games.
Auto HDR Use Auto HDR features on supported displays, games, and hardware.

Choose a GPU for a specific app or game

On a laptop or desktop with integrated and dedicated graphics, you can assign a Windows graphics preference to an individual program.

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  1. Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
  2. Find the app under Custom options for apps.
  3. If it is not listed, use the app-selection control to add it. For a traditional desktop program, select its actual executable file (.exe), not just a desktop shortcut.
  4. Select the app and choose Options.
  5. Select Power saving, High performance, or Let Windows decide.
  6. Select Save.
  7. Close and restart the app or game.

The available GPU choices are most useful on systems with two or more graphics processors. A single-GPU computer may not show a meaningful Power saving/High performance selection.

Windows Graphics settings versus GPU control panels

The Windows Graphics page is not a replacement for the control-panel software supplied by your graphics-card manufacturer. It manages Windows-level preferences and supported Windows features.

For driver-specific settings—such as detailed 3D profiles, driver-level overrides, and some performance or display controls—use the appropriate vendor application, such as NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Software, or Intel graphics software. Changing a Windows preference does not expose every setting provided by those applications, and it does not guarantee that every program will follow the same GPU rule.

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Graphics settings is missing: possible causes

The Graphics link is not shown

The Graphics page depends on support for advanced graphics options. It may be unavailable or limited on certain virtual machines, unsupported hardware configurations, or systems with restricted graphics capabilities. Install current Windows and graphics-driver updates, then check the page again.

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The URI opens Settings Home instead

On work or school computers, an administrator can use the Settings Page Visibility policy to hide Settings pages. A hidden page cannot necessarily be opened by typing its direct ms-settings: URI; Windows may redirect you to the main Settings page instead. Contact the administrator if the device is managed.

The app is not listed

Windows does not automatically list every installed desktop application. Add the program from the Graphics page and browse to its executable file. If you are unsure which file launches the program, right-click its shortcut, select Properties, and inspect the Target path.

The GPU preference does not appear to work

Save the change and restart the affected app. Some applications choose their own graphics processor or apply settings through their vendor software. Also check that the graphics drivers are installed correctly and that the selected program is the executable you actually launch.

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FAQ

What is the current path to Graphics settings in Windows 11?

Open Settings > System > Display, scroll to Related settings, and select Graphics.

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Can I open Graphics settings with a keyboard shortcut?

Press Windows + R, enter ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics, and press Enter.

Why is there no Graphics settings option when I right-click the desktop?

The desktop menu normally contains Display settings, not a separate Graphics settings command. Select Display settings, then open Related settings > Graphics.

Why can’t I select High performance for an app?

High performance and Power saving choices are primarily used on computers with more than one graphics processor. A single-GPU system may not provide those alternatives.

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Do I need to restart a game after changing its graphics preference?

Yes. Select Save, then fully close and restart the game or application so Windows can apply the new preference.

The Bottom Line

The reliable current route is Settings > System > Display > Graphics. For faster access, run ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics. Use this page for Windows-level app and gaming preferences; use NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel software for manufacturer-specific driver controls.

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