I noticed my GPU utilization was 0% while gaming. After checking, my system was using integrated graphics instead. Switching to the dedicated GPU in settings and updating drivers fixed the issue.
Your GPU utilization is 0% because your system may be using integrated graphics, running non-GPU tasks, or having driver issues. Check settings and update drivers.
In this article, we’ll discuss “why is my GPU utilization 0, how to check if your GPU is being used and also how to fix GPU utilization 0”.
What Is GPU Utilization?
GPU utilization refers to how much your graphics card is being used for processing tasks. It is shown as a percentage and helps determine if your GPU is working properly. High utilization means it’s handling heavy tasks like gaming, while low or 0% utilization suggests it’s idle or not being used correctly.
Why Is My GPU Utilization 0?
If your GPU utilization is 0%, your computer might be using the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. This can happen due to incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or low GPU workload. To fix it, update your drivers, adjust power settings, and ensure your GPU is selected for high-performance tasks.
Also Read: Why Is My GPU Only At 210 MHz – Causes & Easy Fixes 2025!
How To Check If Your GPU Is Being Used?
If you suspect your GPU isn’t being used properly, here’s how to check:
- Open Task Manager.
- Go to the Performance tab.
- Select GPU 0 (usually the integrated GPU) and GPU 1 (the dedicated GPU).
- Run a game or a GPU stress test.
- Check if GPU 1 utilization increases.
If it stays at 0%, your computer might not be detecting or using the GPU properly.
How To Fix GPU Utilization 0?
1. Set Dedicated GPU:
Sometimes, your system may use the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. You need to manually set the dedicated GPU for high-performance tasks.
✅ Steps to fix it:
- Right-click on your desktop and open Display settings.
- Scroll down and click on Graphics settings.
- Select the application you want to run with the dedicated GPU.
- Choose High performance and save changes.
2. Update GPU Drivers:
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause GPU utilization issues. Updating them ensures your system properly recognizes and uses the GPU.
✅ Steps to update GPU drivers:
- Open Device Manager (Press Win + X and select Device Manager).
- Expand Display adapters and right-click on your GPU.
- Click Update driver and select Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC after updating the driver.
For the latest drivers, visit the NVIDIA or AMD official website and download the newest version.
3. Enable High Performance Mode:
Some systems limit GPU performance to save power, especially on laptops. You need to change your power settings to allow full GPU usage.
✅ Steps to fix it:
- Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
- Select High Performance mode.
- If using a laptop, make sure it is plugged in while running heavy tasks.
4. Check GPU Usage:
If your GPU utilization is 0%, you should check if it is active and working properly.
✅ Steps to check GPU usage:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Click on the Performance tab.
- Select GPU 0 (Integrated GPU) and GPU 1 (Dedicated GPU).
- Run a game or GPU-intensive application and see if GPU 1 utilization increases.
If GPU 1 remains at 0%, your system may not be detecting the dedicated GPU properly.
5. Reinstall GPU Drivers:
If the above methods don’t work, reinstalling your GPU drivers and resetting settings can help.
✅ Steps to reinstall drivers:
- Open Device Manager and uninstall the GPU driver.
- Restart your computer.
- Download and install the latest driver from the NVIDIA or AMD website.
You can also reset the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software to default settings and try running your applications again.
6 Reasons For Why Is My GPU Utilization So Low
1. Integrated GPU Is in Use:
Your system might be using the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. This happens when the system automatically assigns lightweight tasks to the CPU’s built-in graphics. To fix it, go to Graphics Settings and set your applications to use the dedicated GPU.
2. No GPU-Intensive Tasks Running:
If your computer isn’t handling tasks like gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering, the GPU stays idle. This is normal when browsing, watching videos, or doing basic tasks. Run a GPU-heavy application and check if the utilization increases.
Also Read: Is 99% GPU Usage Bad? – Use Monitoring Tools Regularly!
3. Outdated or Corrupt GPU Drivers:
Old or faulty GPU drivers can prevent the graphics card from working correctly. Always update your drivers through NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, or the manufacturer’s website to ensure proper GPU usage.
4. Power-Saving Settings Are Enabled:
Windows and laptops often use power-saving modes that limit GPU performance. Go to Control Panel > Power Options and set your computer to High Performance to allow full GPU usage.
5. CPU Bottleneck:
If your CPU is too slow, it cannot send enough data to the GPU, causing low utilization. This often happens in games where the processor handles AI and physics, while the GPU handles graphics. Upgrading your CPU or optimizing settings can help.
6. Software Not Using GPU Properly:
Some applications may default to CPU rendering instead of the GPU. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software and set your GPU as the preferred processor for all high-performance tasks.
Can A Faulty GPU Cause 0% Utilization?
Yes, a faulty GPU can cause 0% utilization because the system may fail to detect or use it properly. Issues like hardware damage, overheating, power failures, or driver corruption can prevent the GPU from working. To fix it, check connections, update drivers, monitor temperatures, and test with another GPU if possible.
Why Is My CPU At 100% And GPU At 0?
If your CPU is at 100% while your GPU is at 0%, your system is likely using the CPU for processing instead of the GPU. This can happen due to software settings, outdated GPU drivers, or a CPU bottleneck. To fix it, update drivers, change graphics settings, and enable GPU acceleration.
Is 0% GPU Utilization Normal When Idle?
Yes, 0% GPU utilization is normal when idle because your computer isn’t running any GPU-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. The GPU stays inactive to save power and reduce heat. Once you start a demanding task, the GPU usage will increase automatically, ensuring smooth performance when needed.
Why Is My GPU Utilisation 0%?
If your GPU utilization is 0%, your computer may be using the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. This happens due to wrong settings, outdated drivers, or low GPU workload. To fix it, update drivers, set GPU for high performance, and check power settings to ensure proper usage.
How Do I Know If My GPU Is Dying?
If your GPU is dying, you may notice screen flickering, crashes, artifacts (weird colors or lines), overheating, or poor performance in games. Your PC may freeze or fail to detect the GPU. To check, monitor temperatures, update drivers, and test with another PC to confirm if the GPU is failing.
Also Read: How To Use Less GPU Minecraft – Complete Guide 2024!
Why Is My GPU Usage At 0 While Gaming?
If your GPU usage is at 0% while gaming, your system might be using the integrated graphics instead of the dedicated GPU. This can happen due to wrong settings, outdated drivers, or power-saving modes. To fix it, update drivers, change graphics settings, and set your GPU for high-performance gaming.
Why Is My GPU Usage So Low When Playing Games?
If your GPU usage is low while gaming, your system might be using the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one. Other reasons include a CPU bottleneck, outdated drivers, incorrect game settings, or power-saving mode. To fix this, update drivers, change GPU settings, and set your PC to high performance mode.
How To Use GPU 0 Instead Of GPU 1?
To use GPU 0 instead of GPU 1, go to Graphics Settings in Windows, select your application, and set it to Power Saving if GPU 0 is integrated or High Performance if it’s dedicated. Also, check the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software to assign the preferred GPU.
What Does GPU 0 Mean In Task Manager?
In Task Manager, GPU 0 usually refers to the integrated graphics built into the CPU, while GPU 1 is the dedicated graphics card. If your system is using GPU 0, it means tasks are running on integrated graphics. To switch, adjust settings in Graphics Settings or NVIDIA/AMD Control Panel.
Also Read: What Is A Good GPU Clock Speed MHz – Complete Guide 2025!
How Do I Force My Computer To Use The GPU?
To force your computer to use the dedicated GPU, go to Graphics Settings in Windows, select your application, and set it to High Performance. Also, open the NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Software, choose your GPU as the preferred processor, update drivers, and set power settings to High Performance.
FAQs:
1. Why Is My GPU Not Being Used For Gaming?
Your game may be set to use the integrated GPU. Change this in the graphics settings of your OS or GPU control panel.
2. How Do I Know If My GPU Is Working Properly?
Check for artifacts, crashes, or overheating. Use stress-testing tools like FurMark to verify GPU performance.
3. Can Windows Updates Cause GPU Issues?
Yes, a Windows update can sometimes cause driver conflicts. Reinstall your GPU drivers to fix this.
4. What Is The Difference Between GPU 0 And GPU 1 In Task Manager?
GPU 0 is usually the integrated GPU, and GPU 1 is the dedicated GPU.
5. How Can I Test My GPU?
Use tools like GPU-Z, MSI Afterburner, or FurMark to monitor and test your GPU.
6. Why Is My Laptop GPU Not Being Used?
Laptops often default to integrated graphics to save power. Change this in graphics settings.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if your GPU utilization is 0%, your system may be using integrated graphics, have outdated drivers, or be running low-GPU tasks. To fix this, update drivers, change power settings, and set your dedicated GPU for high-performance tasks. Checking Task Manager and adjusting settings ensures your GPU runs efficiently for gaming and other graphics-heavy applications.
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