To check whether Photoshop is using integrated or dedicated graphics, open Edit > Preferences > Performance (on a Mac, Photoshop > Settings > Performance). The Graphics Processor Settings area names the GPU Photoshop detected. If it lists the integrated chip on a Windows laptop with two GPUs, set Photoshop to High performance in Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics, then restart Photoshop.
Quick Answer
Preferences > Performance shows the detected GPU. To switch, use Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Photoshop > High performance.
Steps to Check the GPU
- Open Photoshop.
- Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
- Under Graphics Processor Settings, read the detected graphics processor name.
- Make sure Use Graphics Processor is ticked.
- For more detail, recent versions include Help > GPU Compatibility, which lists the GPU and which features are available.
Steps to Make Photoshop Use the Dedicated GPU (Windows)
- Close Photoshop.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Find Photoshop in the app list, or add it with Browse.
- Select it, choose Options (or the GPU preference menu) and pick High performance.
- Reopen Photoshop and check the Performance panel again.
Integrated vs Dedicated
| Type | Typical names | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated | Intel UHD/Iris, AMD Radeon Graphics (in the processor) | Uses shared memory; lower power |
| Dedicated | NVIDIA GeForce/RTX, AMD Radeon RX | Own video memory; faster for GPU features |
Troubleshooting
- Graphics processor not detected: Update the graphics driver from the GPU maker, then restart.
- Setting doesn’t stick: Some laptops also have a graphics switching option in the GPU maker’s control panel; set Photoshop there too.
- Confirm while working: Open Task Manager’s Processes tab and check the GPU engine column for Photoshop.
- Not sure which GPUs you have: See checking your graphics card in Windows 11 and hardware acceleration in Windows 11.
- Check your version: Feature names vary by release; see finding your Photoshop version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is integrated graphics enough for Photoshop?
For basic editing it often is, provided the GPU meets Adobe’s current requirements. Heavy filters and large files benefit from a dedicated GPU.
Does this apply to Macs?
Apple silicon Macs have a single built-in GPU, so there’s nothing to switch. Some older Intel Macs with two GPUs switch automatically.
Why is the Use Graphics Processor box greyed out?
Photoshop didn’t find a compatible GPU or driver. Updating the driver usually helps.
Summary
- Open Preferences > Performance.
- Read the detected GPU name.
- Set High performance in Windows graphics settings if needed.
- Restart Photoshop and check again.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.