How to enable AMD graphics card in laptop?

To enable your AMD graphics card in a laptop, you primarily utilize the AMD Radeon Software or Windows' built-in graphics settings to ensure applications run on the high-performance discrete GPU rather than the integrated one.

Most laptops with AMD graphics cards employ a technology called Switchable Graphics (or AMD Enduro/PowerXpress), which intelligently switches between the integrated graphics (for power efficiency) and the more powerful discrete AMD GPU (for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing). Explicitly "enabling" it often means configuring this switching behavior.

Key Steps to Enable Your AMD Graphics Card

Enabling your AMD graphics card typically involves configuring software settings to prioritize its use for performance-intensive applications. Here's a breakdown of the most effective methods:

1. Configure Global Switchable Graphics Settings (AMD Radeon Software)

This method involves setting a system-wide preference for high performance using the AMD control panel.

Before You Start:

• Close Applications: Completely close any demanding applications, especially game launchers or graphic-intensive programs, to ensure changes apply effectively and without conflict.
• Update Drivers: Make sure you have the latest AMD Radeon Software and drivers installed. Outdated drivers can prevent proper detection or functionality of your graphics card.

Step-by-Step Configuration:

1. Open AMD Software: Right-click on your desktop and select AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (or AMD Radeon Settings / AMD Catalyst Control Center, depending on your driver version).
2. Navigate to Graphics Settings:
   • In modern AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, you might find options under the Gaming tab, then Graphics.
   • Alternatively, look for a System or Display section.
   • For older versions or specific configurations, you may need to go to Preferences, then Radeon Additional Settings. This will launch a legacy interface.
3. Access Switchable Graphics:
   • If using Radeon Additional Settings (legacy interface):
     • Expand the Power menu.
     • Click on Switchable Graphics Global Settings.
     • For the Graphic Setting, select High performance.
   • If using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition directly:
     • Look for a section related to Switchable Graphics, GPU Workload, or Graphics Profile. Some versions allow you to set a global profile to "Gaming" or "Standard," which often prioritizes the discrete GPU.
4. Apply Changes: Save your settings if prompted.

2. Configure Application-Specific Graphics Settings (AMD Radeon Software)

For more granular control, you can specify which GPU an application should use. This is particularly useful if you only want certain programs to leverage the dedicated AMD card.

1. Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
2. Go to the Gaming tab.
3. Click on Games (or Graphics).
4. You will see a list of detected games and applications. If your desired application isn't listed, click the three dots (...) or Add Game button and manually browse to its executable file (.exe).
5. Select the desired game or application.
6. Under its profile settings, look for Switchable Graphics, Graphics Profile, or similar options.
7. Set the Graphics Profile or Switchable Graphics Mode to High Performance, Gaming, or Discrete GPU.
8. Save the profile.

3. Use Windows Graphics Settings

Windows 10 and 11 offer a built-in way to assign high-performance GPUs to specific applications, which often overrides AMD's internal settings for that particular application.

1. Open Windows Settings: Press Win + I.
2. Go to System > Display.
3. Scroll down and click on Graphics settings (Windows 10) or Graphics (Windows 11).
4. Add an Application:
   • For desktop apps, select Desktop app from the dropdown menu and click Browse to locate the application's .exe file (e.g., C:\Program Files\GameFolder\game.exe).
   • For Microsoft Store apps, select Microsoft Store app and choose from the list.
5. Once the application is added, click on it and then click Options.
6. Select High performance (this designates your discrete AMD GPU).
7. Click Save.

Quick Reference: AMD Graphics Card Activation

Method	Purpose	Recommended For	Notes
AMD Radeon Global Settings	System-wide preference for discrete GPU	General high-performance use	May require navigating through "Radeon Additional Settings" in older versions.
AMD Radeon App Profiles	Assign discrete GPU to specific applications	Games, video editors, CAD software	Provides fine-tuned control without impacting overall system power.
Windows Graphics Settings	Override AMD's settings for specific applications	Any application, especially if AMD options fail	Universal method available in Windows 10/11. Often reliable. Learn more from Microsoft.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Driver Reinstallation: If you encounter persistent issues, consider performing a clean reinstallation of your AMD drivers. Use the AMD Cleanup Utility to remove old drivers completely before installing the latest version.
• BIOS/UEFI Check: In rare cases, the discrete GPU might be disabled in the laptop's BIOS/UEFI settings. Consult your laptop manufacturer's manual to access BIOS and ensure the discrete graphics option is set to "Enabled" or "Switchable."
• Power Settings: Ensure your laptop is plugged into power and set to a "High performance" power plan in Windows when you need the discrete GPU, as power-saving modes can limit its activation.
• Monitor Connection: If you're using an external monitor, ensure it's connected to the port that is directly linked to your discrete AMD GPU, if your laptop has one.

By following these steps, you can effectively enable and utilize your AMD graphics card for optimal performance in your laptop.