Windows graphics settings control different parts of the experience: which GPU an app prefers, how compatible games are presented in windowed mode, whether HDR is used, how Windows processes some video, and the display’s refresh rate. Choose based on the app, available hardware, and whether responsiveness or battery life matters more; none of these options guarantees a performance increase on every PC.
Where Windows graphics settings are—and what they control
In Windows 11, the main controls are in Settings > System > Display. The Graphics page contains per-app GPU preferences and the windowed-game optimization. HDR and resolution are also display settings, while refresh rate is under Advanced display. Video playback options affect only apps that use Windows’ built-in video platform.
These controls have different scopes: a GPU preference applies to an app, while refresh rate and HDR are configured for a selected display. Availability and behavior depend on the Windows version, graphics drivers, GPU, monitor, and laptop design.
Choose which GPU an app prefers
On a PC with more than one GPU, Windows can offer Let Windows decide (Power saving), Power saving, and High performance for an app. These are preferences, not promises that a particular GPU will be used in every circumstance or that a program’s frame rate will rise. Microsoft describes integrated GPUs as generally more power-efficient and discrete GPUs as better suited to demanding graphics work, while using more power. [Microsoft: All about GPUs]
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- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Select an app, or add it if it is not listed.
- Open the app’s Options, choose a graphics preference, and select Save.
Use Power saving as a sensible starting point when battery life matters. For a graphics-intensive app, High performance is a reasonable preference if the PC has a discrete GPU. On many laptops, integrated graphics handle lighter work and a discrete GPU is used for heavier tasks; the best choice depends on what the app does and how long you need to run on battery. [Microsoft: Graphics preferences and windowed games] [Microsoft: Battery-saving tips]
What Optimizations for windowed games does
This Windows 11 option is for compatible DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games running in windowed or borderless-windowed mode. Microsoft says it changes compatible games from the legacy blt presentation model to flip model, which can reduce frame latency and enable features such as Auto HDR and variable refresh rate on supported displays. It is not a setting for every game or every display mode. [Microsoft: Optimizations for windowed games]
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Find it under Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default graphics settings. Restart the game after changing the option. Auto HDR can enable this optimization automatically; to turn the optimization off when Auto HDR has enabled it, first turn off Auto HDR.
When to use HDR
HDR is useful only when the PC and selected display support the relevant HDR capabilities. Windows’ HDR settings include a display selector and HDR and SDR brightness controls; HDR10 and wide-color-gamut support are among the requirements described by Microsoft. Treat HDR as a capability-dependent display configuration, not a universal picture-quality switch. [Microsoft: HDR settings in Windows]
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If a brightness adjustment does not appear in an app, restart that app. If colors look wrong, Microsoft recommends checking that the graphics driver is current and supports the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).
Set refresh rate for smoother motion or lower power use
Refresh rate is how often the display updates its image. Microsoft’s example is that a 60 Hz display updates 60 times per second. A higher rate can make motion look smoother; a lower rate can reduce display power consumption. Available rates depend on the display and may interact with resolution. [Microsoft: Change the refresh rate]
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- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- If more than one display is connected, select the display you want to configure.
- Choose a refresh rate from the rates Windows lists for that display.
Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) can adjust refresh rate based on activity, but requires compatible hardware: Microsoft specifies a display that supports variable refresh rate (VRR) and at least 120 Hz. DRR can limit the maximum refresh rate in some games; if a game appears to run at a lower rate, Microsoft suggests disabling DRR as a troubleshooting step. [Microsoft: Refresh rate and DRR]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust video playback processing only for supported apps
Windows’ Video playback settings apply to some apps that use its built-in video platform, including Photos, Movies & TV, and some third-party Store apps. Depending on the hardware, Windows can process video to enhance it or allow lower-resolution playback to reduce network bandwidth. These controls do not necessarily govern every browser or desktop video player. [Microsoft: Video playback settings]
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If playback stalls or repeatedly starts and stops across multiple monitors, Microsoft notes that differing refresh rates can contribute to the problem. Matching the displays’ refresh rates is its suggested adjustment for that symptom.
Keep resolution separate from graphics preferences
Resolution is an adjacent display control, not a GPU preference. Microsoft generally recommends choosing the resolution marked Recommended. A lower-than-native resolution can make text less sharp or produce an image that is small, centered, bordered, or stretched. Select the intended display before changing resolution on a multi-monitor setup. [Microsoft: Screen resolution and layout]
Check Windows version and hardware before troubleshooting
Feature availability depends on the Windows build and device. Microsoft documents Optimizations for windowed games and Dynamic Refresh Rate as Windows 11 features. Its refresh-rate guidance states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; readers still using Windows 10 should account for that support status and check current Microsoft guidance. [Microsoft: Refresh rate and Windows support]
Quick Recap
- For a game setting change, restart the game.
- For HDR brightness changes that do not appear, restart the affected app.
- For incorrect HDR colors, check for a current WDDM graphics driver.
- For multi-monitor video playback stalls, try matching refresh rates.
- If an option is absent, confirm that the Windows version, GPU, driver, app, and display meet its requirements.
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