On Windows 11, a computer can have two types of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), integrated or discrete. An integrated GPU is a chip that can be embedded into the system’s processor or a dedicated chip soldered onto the motherboard that uses part of the system’s memory.
On the other hand, a discrete GPU refers to an add-in card with its own processor, memory, and power supply. Usually, discrete graphics come from the leading manufacturers, including AMD and Nvidia, but Intel is getting into the graphics card business with the Intel Arc Graphics.
Understanding the kind of graphics your computer has can come in handy to determine how an app or game will perform. If the device has performance issues running an app or game, it may indicate that you need to upgrade to more capable graphics.
This guide will teach you the steps to check whether your computer uses a discrete or integrated GPU on Windows 11.
Check integrated or discrete GPU on Windows 11
To determine if the computer uses an integrated or discrete GPU, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 11.
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Search for Device Manager and click the result to open the app.
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Expand the Display adapters category.
- Confirm the number of adapters and manufacturer to find the type you have.
The device has integrated and discrete graphics if the list has more than one adapter. If you have a device using Intel hardware, under the “Display adapters” category, you may find the “Intel HD Graphics” reference that indicates that this is an integrated solution. The second adapter is the dedicated graphics adapter.
If you only have one device in the list, and it’s an “Intel HD Graphics” or “AMD Radeon Graphics,” the computer has an integrated graphics adapter. Since AMD has different embedded products, it’s a good idea to research the adapter’s name online to ensure the type of graphics you have on the computer.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.