Here’s how to enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows 10 and 11

If you want to learn how to enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Windows 10 and 11, then we’ve got you covered right here.

Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling is a feature that many Windows users don’t know about. It can help reduce the burden on the CPU and make the GPU do all the work. This can help you out in many ways, but since the option is tucked away within a maze of settings, it can be challenging for you to locate it.

This is where we come in. In this guide, we’ll go over two easy methods that can help you quickly enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling.

How to enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling using the settings

The quickest way to enable this feature is by going to the Display settings. Make sure to restart your PC after enabling it.

Step

1

Go to System settings

First, go to the Windows Search bar and type ‘Settings.’ Click on the first option that appears and go to System.

Step

2

Access Graphics settings

Next, click on Display and then select Graphics settings. Click on the toggle button under ‘Hardware-accelerated’ GPU scheduling to enable the feature.

If you’re on Windows 11, then you’ll need to go to ‘Change default graphics settings’ from Graphics settings to enable the feature.

In case you want to turn it off, simply return to the graphics settings and click on the toggle button again.

How to enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling using the Registry Editor

Alternatively, you can also enable the feature through the Registry Editor. However, make sure to not make any changes other than the ones mentioned below, as messing up the files in Registry Editor can put you in a tight spot.

Step

1

Access the Registry Editor

Type ‘Run’ in the Windows Search bar and click on the first option that appears.

Next, type ‘regedit’ in the box, click on ‘OK,’ and then click ‘Yes’ to allow the app to make changes to your device.

Step

2

Go to Graphics Drivers

Instead of going through several folders, simply type Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers in the path box. This will take you straight to the Graphics Drivers.

Step

3

Make changes to HwSchMode

On the right side, double-click on HwSchMode to open the Edit Value box. Then, change the Value Data to 2, select Hexadecimal in Base, and click OK.

Once done, restart your PC to enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU scheduling.

If you want to disable the feature, simply return to the Registry Editor and change the Data Value to 1 again.

Should you enable Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling?

Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling is a great feature that proves useful in scenarios where you want to shift the load from the CPU to the GPU. This reduces CPU utilization and results in less input lag as the GPU handles all graphical processing. Additionally, if you’re constantly facing CPU overheating issues, enabling this feature can help solve them. This is because when the CPU isn’t handling everything, it runs slower, resulting in less heat.

However, while there are certain benefits attached to it, Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling also comes with a few drawbacks. For instance, when you’re placing all the burden on the GPU, it will consume more power, which can ultimately lead to GPU overheating. You can try different methods to cool the GPU, but the constant load will still negatively affect it in the long run. Also, with this feature enabled, the graphics card will struggle during GPU-intensive games at high settings, as it will now be doing the job of the CPU as well.

In short, Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling is useful for those who have a low or mid-tier card. But if you have one of the latest GPUs packed inside your system, then there’s no need for you to enable it.

Is it time to upgrade your GPU?

If you find yourself struggling with GPU-intensive tasks, it might be a sign that it’s time to consider upgrading your GPU. If you’re having trouble selecting a suitable GPU for your rig, feel free to explore some of the options below that we’ve personally reviewed and tested.

Conclusion

As you can see, enabling Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling isn’t difficult, but locating the option to do so can be tricky. Hopefully, thanks to our guide, you now know how to turn it on quickly and determine whether it’s worth it for you or not