The Surface Book, especially models with the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GPU in the base, is a powerful 2-in-1 device. However, sometimes it doesn’t automatically utilize the GPU for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, leading to frustrating performance issues. This article will guide you through various methods to force your Surface Book to use the dedicated GPU, ensuring optimal performance for your applications.
Understanding The Surface Book’s GPU Setup
The Surface Book employs a hybrid graphics system, featuring both an integrated Intel GPU within the tablet portion and a dedicated NVIDIA GPU in the keyboard base (on models equipped with a dGPU). The system is designed to intelligently switch between these GPUs to balance performance and battery life. The integrated Intel GPU handles less demanding tasks, conserving power. When running graphically intensive applications, the system should theoretically switch to the NVIDIA GPU for smoother performance.
However, this automatic switching doesn’t always work flawlessly. Sometimes, the Surface Book defaults to the integrated GPU even when the dedicated GPU would be more appropriate. This can manifest as sluggish frame rates in games, slow rendering times in video editors, and overall poor performance in graphically intensive applications.
The primary reason for this behavior is that the operating system or the application itself might not correctly identify the application’s need for the dedicated GPU. Power saving settings can also influence this behavior.
Methods To Force GPU Usage
There are several effective methods to ensure your Surface Book utilizes its dedicated GPU when you need it most. We’ll explore each of these in detail.
Using Windows Graphics Settings
Windows 10 and 11 offer a built-in mechanism for specifying which GPU an application should use. This is arguably the simplest and most straightforward approach.
To access these settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I.
- Navigate to System, then select Display.
- Scroll down and click on Graphics settings.
- In the “Choose an app to set preference” section, select either “Classic app” or “Microsoft Store app” from the dropdown menu, depending on the type of application you want to configure.
- Click the Browse button and locate the executable file (.exe) of the application. This is usually found in the application’s installation directory. For instance, if you want to force the GPU for Adobe Premiere Pro, you would browse to the Premiere Pro executable file.
- Once you’ve added the application, click on its name in the list. A button labeled Options will appear. Click on it.
- A “Graphics preference” dialog box will appear. Here, you have three options:
- System default: Lets Windows decide which GPU to use. This is the default setting.
- Power saving GPU: Forces the application to use the integrated Intel GPU.
- High performance GPU: Forces the application to use the dedicated NVIDIA GPU.
- Select High performance GPU and click Save.
From now on, whenever you launch that specific application, it will default to using the dedicated NVIDIA GPU. This method is application-specific, meaning you’ll need to repeat these steps for each application you want to force to use the GPU.
This method is persistent, meaning the settings will remain in effect even after restarting your computer. However, sometimes updates to the application or the NVIDIA drivers can reset these settings, so it’s a good idea to double-check them periodically.
Using The NVIDIA Control Panel
The NVIDIA Control Panel offers another way to manage GPU usage. This method provides more granular control over various graphics settings and allows you to set global preferences that apply to all applications.
To access the NVIDIA Control Panel, right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the context menu. If you don’t see this option, ensure you have the latest NVIDIA drivers installed.
Within the NVIDIA Control Panel, navigate to 3D Settings > Manage 3D Settings.
Here, you’ll find two tabs:
- Global Settings: These settings apply to all applications unless overridden by program-specific settings.
- Program Settings: These settings allow you to customize graphics settings for individual applications.
To force a specific application to use the NVIDIA GPU, go to the Program Settings tab.
- Click the Add button and select the application you want to configure. If the application isn’t listed, you can browse to its executable file using the Browse button.
- Once the application is selected, you’ll see a list of settings. Look for the setting labeled Preferred graphics processor.
- Click on the dropdown menu next to this setting and select High-performance NVIDIA processor.
This will force the selected application to use the NVIDIA GPU. You can also adjust other settings, such as anti-aliasing, texture filtering, and power management, to further optimize performance.
The Global Settings tab allows you to set default preferences for all applications. You can set the “Preferred graphics processor” to “High-performance NVIDIA processor” globally, but this may negatively impact battery life as the dedicated GPU will be used more frequently, even for less demanding tasks.
It’s generally recommended to configure GPU usage on a per-application basis using the “Program Settings” tab to strike a balance between performance and battery life.
Updating Your NVIDIA Drivers
Outdated or corrupted NVIDIA drivers can often lead to issues with GPU detection and usage. Ensuring you have the latest drivers is crucial for optimal performance and stability.
You can update your NVIDIA drivers in several ways:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience: If you have the NVIDIA GeForce Experience software installed, it will automatically notify you of new driver updates. You can download and install the updates directly through the application.
- NVIDIA Website: You can download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA website. Make sure to select the correct driver for your specific Surface Book model and operating system.
- Windows Update: Windows Update can sometimes provide driver updates for your NVIDIA GPU. However, these updates are often not the most recent versions.
- Device Manager: You can manually update the driver through the Device Manager. Right-click on the NVIDIA GPU under “Display adapters” and select “Update driver.”
After updating your drivers, it’s recommended to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
It’s crucial to download the correct drivers for your specific Surface Book model. Using the wrong drivers can lead to instability and performance issues. Always double-check the driver compatibility before installing.
If you’re experiencing issues after updating your drivers, you can try rolling back to a previous version. This can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.
Checking Power Settings
Your power settings can also influence GPU usage. Windows has different power plans that prioritize either performance or battery life. If you’re using a power plan that prioritizes battery life, the system may be more likely to use the integrated Intel GPU to conserve power.
To check your power settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to System, then select Power & battery (or simply search for “power plan”).
- Choose a power plan that prioritizes performance. The “Best performance” option is usually the most appropriate for maximizing GPU usage. If you don’t see it, click “Show additional plans”.
You can also customize your power plan settings to further optimize GPU usage. Click on “Change plan settings” next to your selected power plan, then click on “Change advanced power settings.”
In the advanced power settings dialog, expand the PCI Express section and then expand the Link State Power Management setting. Ensure this setting is set to Maximum performance. This will prevent the system from reducing power to the PCI Express bus, which can affect GPU performance.
Similarly, expand the Graphics Settings section and ensure the settings are set to favor performance.
Keep in mind that using a power plan that prioritizes performance will consume more battery power.
Detaching And Reattaching The Screen
Sometimes, the Surface Book may not correctly detect the presence of the dedicated GPU in the base, especially after waking from sleep or hibernation. Detaching the screen (effectively turning it into a Surface Tablet) and then reattaching it can force the system to re-initialize the connection to the base and properly recognize the GPU.
To detach the screen, press and hold the detach key on the keyboard until the light turns green, then gently lift the screen from the base. Reattach the screen, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
This method is a quick and easy way to potentially resolve GPU detection issues. It doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying if you suspect the system isn’t recognizing the GPU.
Checking The Task Manager
The Task Manager can provide valuable insights into GPU usage. You can use it to verify whether an application is actually using the dedicated GPU or the integrated GPU.
To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
In the Task Manager, go to the Performance tab and select GPU 0 (usually the integrated Intel GPU) and GPU 1 (usually the dedicated NVIDIA GPU).
Monitor the GPU usage while running the application you want to test. If the application is using the dedicated GPU, you’ll see activity on the GPU 1 graph. If it’s using the integrated GPU, you’ll see activity on the GPU 0 graph.
The Task Manager can also help you identify other processes that may be consuming GPU resources, which could be interfering with the performance of your application. Close any unnecessary applications or processes that are using the GPU.
BIOS/UEFI Settings (Less Common)
In some rare cases, there might be settings in the Surface Book’s BIOS/UEFI that affect GPU configuration. However, Surface Books have limited BIOS options compared to desktop PCs. Accessing the BIOS/UEFI is typically done by pressing a specific key (like Delete, F2, or Esc) during startup, but the Surface Book uses a different method.
To access the UEFI on a Surface Book:
- Shut down your Surface Book completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button.
- Press and release the Power button.
- Continue holding the Volume Up button until the Surface UEFI screen appears.
Once in the UEFI, look for any settings related to graphics or display. The specific options available will vary depending on the Surface Book model. It’s important to note that changing BIOS/UEFI settings incorrectly can cause instability, so only modify settings if you’re comfortable doing so. Usually there is nothing you can adjust regarding GPU.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after implementing these methods, you may still encounter issues with GPU usage. Here are some common problems and their potential solutions:
- Application Not Recognizing the GPU: Ensure the application is compatible with the NVIDIA GPU and that you have the latest drivers installed. Check the application’s settings for any options related to GPU selection.
- Performance Still Poor: Even if the application is using the dedicated GPU, performance may still be poor if the GPU is not powerful enough for the task. Lowering the graphics settings in the application can improve performance. Also, ensure other applications are not hogging system resources.
- Driver Conflicts: Sometimes, driver conflicts can cause issues with GPU usage. Try uninstalling and reinstalling both the Intel and NVIDIA drivers. Use a driver uninstaller tool to completely remove all traces of the old drivers before installing the new ones.
- Hardware Problems: In rare cases, hardware problems with the GPU or the connection between the tablet and the base can cause GPU detection issues. If you suspect a hardware problem, contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
Conclusion
Forcing your Surface Book to use the dedicated GPU can significantly improve performance in demanding applications. By understanding the Surface Book’s GPU setup and utilizing the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure your device is running at its full potential. Remember to keep your drivers updated, check your power settings, and monitor GPU usage to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Experiment with the different settings to find the optimal balance between performance and battery life for your specific needs.
Why Would I Want To Force My Surface Book To Use The GPU?
The Surface Book, particularly models with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU in the base, can intelligently switch between the integrated Intel graphics and the dedicated GPU to conserve battery life. While this is generally beneficial, certain applications, like demanding games or video editing software, perform significantly better with the dedicated GPU. Forcing the use of the GPU ensures optimal performance for these applications, maximizing frame rates and responsiveness.
However, relying solely on the dedicated GPU will substantially decrease battery life. Therefore, it’s essential to only force the GPU usage when necessary for tasks that truly benefit from the increased graphical power. For everyday tasks like browsing the web or using office applications, sticking with the integrated graphics remains the most efficient option.
How Can I Force An Application To Use The NVIDIA GPU On My Surface Book?
The primary method for forcing GPU usage is through the NVIDIA Control Panel. Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.” Navigate to “Manage 3D Settings” and then the “Program Settings” tab. Here, you can select the application you want to control or add it if it’s not already listed. Once selected, choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor” from the drop-down menu for the “Preferred graphics processor” setting.
Alternatively, you can also configure GPU usage within Windows Settings for specific applications. Go to Settings -> System -> Display -> Graphics settings. Click “Browse” to add the executable file of the application. Once added, click “Options” and select “High performance” to force the application to use the dedicated NVIDIA GPU. This method is sometimes preferred for newer applications or those not readily recognized by the NVIDIA Control Panel.
Does Forcing The GPU Affect Battery Life?
Yes, forcing the dedicated NVIDIA GPU to be used constantly will significantly reduce battery life on your Surface Book. The dedicated GPU consumes considerably more power than the integrated Intel graphics. This is because the NVIDIA GPU is designed for computationally intensive tasks, leading to higher power consumption even when the application isn’t actively demanding graphical resources.
Therefore, only enable the dedicated GPU for specific applications that genuinely require its power. Avoid setting the global default to the NVIDIA GPU, as this will drain the battery even during light tasks like web browsing or document editing. Regularly revert back to the integrated graphics for battery-sensitive tasks or when mobile.
How Can I Check Which GPU An Application Is Currently Using?
One straightforward way to check which GPU is being used is through the Task Manager. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), navigate to the “Performance” tab, and you will see separate graphs for both your integrated Intel graphics and the dedicated NVIDIA GPU. As you use the application in question, observe which graph is showing activity. If the NVIDIA GPU graph is actively increasing, the application is using the dedicated GPU.
Alternatively, NVIDIA also offers an “Activity Monitor” within the NVIDIA Control Panel. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, and from the “Desktop” menu at the top, ensure “Display GPU Activity icon in notification area” is checked. This adds a small GPU icon in your system tray. Hovering over this icon will display a list of applications currently using the NVIDIA GPU, providing a quick and easy way to monitor GPU usage.
What If I Can’t Find The Application In The NVIDIA Control Panel Or Graphics Settings?
If an application isn’t listed in the NVIDIA Control Panel, manually add it. In the “Program Settings” tab of the “Manage 3D Settings” section, click the “Add” button. Browse to the application’s executable file (usually a .exe file) and select it. This will add the application to the list, allowing you to configure its GPU preference.
Similarly, if you can’t find the application in the Windows Graphics settings, use the “Browse” button to locate and add the application’s .exe file. Ensure you are selecting the correct executable file, as some applications may have multiple executable files for different purposes. After adding it, you can then select the “High performance” option to force GPU usage.
What Happens If I Detach The Surface Book Screen While An Application Is Using The Dedicated GPU?
Detaching the Surface Book screen while an application is actively using the dedicated NVIDIA GPU can lead to unexpected behavior. Since the dedicated GPU is located in the base of the Surface Book, detaching the screen effectively removes the GPU from the system. This can cause the application to crash, freeze, or experience significant performance degradation.
To avoid these issues, always ensure the application is closed or has switched to using the integrated graphics before detaching the screen. Windows should ideally prompt you to close any applications using the dedicated GPU before detaching, but it’s always best to manually ensure this is the case. Saving your work before detaching is also highly recommended.
Is There A Way To Globally Force The Surface Book To Always Use The NVIDIA GPU?
While it’s generally discouraged due to battery life implications, you can technically attempt to globally force the NVIDIA GPU. Within the NVIDIA Control Panel, under “Manage 3D Settings” and the “Global Settings” tab, you can select “High-performance NVIDIA processor” as the preferred graphics processor. This will theoretically instruct the system to always use the dedicated GPU.
However, some applications or system processes might still default to the integrated graphics, especially for tasks that don’t inherently require the GPU’s power. Furthermore, this can lead to unusual behavior or conflicts as the system is constantly trying to utilize the dedicated GPU, even when unnecessary. It’s strongly recommended to use program-specific settings instead of global settings for optimal performance and battery management.