How to Run Minecraft on Dedicated GPU on Laptop?

Minecraft may not always use a dedicated graphics card, leading to low FPS and lag. Many laptops come with an integrated GPU (like Intel UHD) and a dedicated GPU (such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon). Windows may assign Minecraft to the integrated GPU by default to save power.

This guide explains how to force Minecraft to run on the dedicated GPU for better performance.

Why Minecraft May Not Use the Dedicated GPU?

Minecraft can default to the integrated GPU due to:

Power-saving settings that prioritize battery life.
Windows Graphics settings assign Minecraft to the wrong GPU.
Outdated drivers prevent the system from detecting the dedicated GPU.
Incorrect settings in NVIDIA or AMD control panels.

If Minecraft runs on the integrated GPU, performance will suffer. The dedicated GPU handles rendering better, leading to higher FPS and smoother gameplay.

How do you check if Minecraft is using the dedicated GPU?

Before making changes, confirm which GPU Minecraft is using.

1. For Windows Users:

Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the “Performance” tab, and check the GPU usage under “GPU 0″ (integrated) and “GPU 1” (dedicated).
Windows Graphics Performance Monitor: Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar and check GPU activity.

2. Minecraft Java Edition:

Press F3 while in-game. Look for “GPU” in the debug screen. If it shows Intel UHD or something similar, Minecraft uses the integrated GPU.

3. macOS and Linux Users:

Check GPU activity in “Activity Monitor” on macOS under the “Energy” tab.
On Linux, run glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" in the terminal to see which GPU is active.

How do you force Minecraft to use the dedicated GPU?

Minecraft may not always run on the dedicated GPU, which can lead to lower FPS and poor performance. Windows may assign it to the integrated graphics by default to save power. To ensure smoother gameplay and better visuals, you must manually set Minecraft to use the dedicated GPU.

Follow these steps to ensure your system prioritizes the more powerful graphics card.

1. Windows Graphics Settings

Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings.
Click Browse, locate javaw.exe (for Java Edition) or Minecraft.exe (for Bedrock Edition).
Select High Performance, which assigns the dedicated GPU.

2. NVIDIA Control Panel

Opthe en NVIDIA Control Panel (right-click on the desktop).
Go to Manage 3D Settings > Program Settings.
Select Minecraft (javaw.exe or Minecraft.exe).
Under Preferred graphics processor, choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.

3. AMD Radeon Settings

Open AMD Radeon Software.
Navigate to Graphics > Switchable Graphics.
Locate Minecraft and set it to High Performance.

Restart Minecraft after applying changes.

Minecraft Java vs. Bedrock GPU Performance

Minecraft has two main versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, each handling GPU and CPU resources differently.

Java Edition relies more on the CPU for processing game logic, world generation, and physics calculations. While a dedicated GPU improves performance, the game’s optimization limits how much the GPU can enhance FPS. Java Edition benefits more from a strong processor and increased RAM. However, enabling OptiFine and adjusting graphics settings can help offload some tasks to the GPU for better performance.
Bedrock Edition is designed to be more GPU-dependent and optimized for smooth performance across multiple platforms, including consoles and mobile devices. It uses hardware acceleration, making it run efficiently even on lower-end hardware. As a result, Bedrock Edition generally achieves higher FPS and better stability on the same system than Java Edition.

A dedicated GPU is essential for Java Edition if you want higher graphical fidelity with shaders and mods. Bedrock Edition uses GPU power better for smoother performance without much tweaking.

Optimizing Minecraft for Maximum GPU Performance

To get the best performance in Minecraft, simply running it on a dedicated GPU isn’t enough. Tweaking in-game settings, using optimization tools, and adjusting system configurations can significantly improve FPS and reduce lag. Whether you’re playing Java or Bedrock Edition, optimizing Minecraft ensures smoother gameplay and better visual quality without unnecessary slowdowns.

Here’s how to fine-tune Minecraft for maximum GPU performance.

1. Best In-Game Settings for High FPS

Changing Minecraft’s settings can greatly improve performance. Lowering the Render Distance to 8-12 chunks reduces the load on the GPU and CPU, making the game run smoother. Setting Graphics to Fast disables high-detail visuals, boosting FPS. Turning off VSync minimizes input lag, making controls more responsive. Disabling Smooth Lighting further reduces GPU strain, ensuring a stable frame rate.

2. Using OptiFine for Better Performance

OptiFine optimizes Minecraft by enabling multi-core rendering, allowing the game to run more efficiently. It also provides better control over shaders, helping players balance performance and visual quality. Disabling or using lightweight shaders can prevent FPS drops while keeping the game visually appealing.

3. Allocating More RAM to Minecraft

Java Edition can lag if it doesn’t have enough memory. To fix this, open the Minecraft Launcher, select Installations, and select the version. Under More Options, locate the JVM arguments and change them -Xmx2G to -Xmx4G or higher, depending on available RAM. Allocating 4GB to 8GB is usually best for smooth performance. However, assigning too much RAM can cause inefficiencies, so it’s important to find the right balance based on your system’s capabilities.

Troubleshooting: Is Minecraft still not using the dedicated GPU?

If Minecraft is still running on the integrated GPU, try these fixes to force it to use the dedicated graphics card.

Outdated GPU Drivers: Update drivers using NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin to ensure compatibility and performance improvements.
Disabled GPU in BIOS: Check your settings to confirm the dedicated GPU is enabled. Some laptops disable it by default.
Windows Power-Saving Mode: Go to Power & Sleep settings and switch to High-Performance mode to prevent Windows from forcing Minecraft to use the integrated GPU.
Windows Overriding GPU Settings: Open the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings, manually add Minecraft, and set it to use the high-performance GPU.
Underperforming GPU: Use MSI Afterburner to slightly overclock the GPU for better performance, but monitor temperatures to avoid overheating.
Limited Laptop GPU Power: If your laptop supports it, consider using an external GPU (eGPU) for higher-end gaming performance.
Battery Mode vs. Plugged-in Performance: Many laptops throttle GPU power when running on battery. Keep your laptop plugged in for maximum performance.
Prevent Overheating: Use a cooling pad, clean air vents regularly, and set an FPS limit to reduce heat buildup and avoid thermal throttling.

Conclusion

Running Minecraft on a dedicated GPU improves FPS and visual quality. Checking GPU usage, adjusting Windows and GPU settings, and optimizing in-game settings can make a big difference. If issues persist, updating drivers and tweaking performance settings can help. Experiment with settings to find the best balance between graphics quality and smooth gameplay.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others and leave a comment with your experience!