Experiencing Helldivers 2 without your GPU’s full power can be frustrating, especially when you know your system has what it takes to unleash the full potential of this graphically intense game. When Helldivers 2 fails to use the dedicated GPU, it results in poor game performance, lower frame rates, and a subpar gaming experience.
Related:
- Fix Helldivers 2 Sound Not Working on PC
- How to Fix Helldivers 2 Friend Code Not Working
- How to Fix Error Code 4 in Helldivers 2?
- How to Fix Helldivers 2 MSVCR110.dll Not Found Error?
- How to Fix Helldivers 2 Login Limit Reached Error
This article is dedicated to helping you resolve this issue, ensuring that Helldivers 2 runs using your dedicated graphics card, thereby enhancing your gameplay with the graphics quality and performance that your system is truly capable of.
Understanding The Issue: Helldivers 2 Not Using GPU
Why Does This Happen?
- Default Graphics Settings: Your system might be defaulting to the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one.
- Outdated Drivers: Old or corrupt GPU drivers can prevent games from utilizing the dedicated graphics card.
- Power Settings: Energy-saving modes on laptops can restrict games to use less power, thus not engaging the dedicated GPU.
Step-by-Step Solutions
Fix 1: Ensure Helldivers 2 is Set to Use the Dedicated GPU
For NVIDIA Users
- Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to Manage 3D settings > Program Settings.
- Find Helldivers 2 in the list, or add it if it’s not there.
- Set the preferred graphics processor to High-performance NVIDIA processor.
For AMD Users
- Right-click on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.
- Navigate to Preferences > Additional Settings > Power > Switchable Graphics Application Settings.
- Select Helldivers 2 or add it if it’s missing, and set it to High Performance.
Fix 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to performance issues.
- NVIDIA/AMD Users: Visit the official NVIDIA or AMD website, find the latest drivers for your GPU, download, and install them.
- Device Manager: Alternatively, you can update your drivers through the Device Manager in Windows.
Fix 3: Adjust Power Settings
On laptops, power-saving modes might prevent the use of the dedicated GPU to save energy.
- Windows Power Options: Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select High Performance.
- Graphics Power Settings: For laptops, both NVIDIA and AMD have control panels where you can adjust power settings for individual applications to ensure they use the dedicated GPU.
Fix 4: Check for BIOS Updates
Sometimes, the BIOS settings or version can affect how your system utilizes the GPU. Updating the BIOS can resolve these issues, but this should be done with caution and preferably by someone familiar with the process.
Fix 5: Configure Game Settings
Within Helldivers 2, adjusting certain graphical settings can sometimes force the game to utilize the dedicated GPU. Experiment with higher settings that the integrated GPU cannot handle, prompting a switch.
Fix 6: Disable Integrated GPU (Advanced Users)
This is a more drastic step and not recommended for all users, as it involves disabling the integrated GPU through the Device Manager. This forces your system to use the dedicated GPU but can lead to other complications, especially on laptops.
Preventing Future GPU Issues
To minimize the chances of encountering such issues in the future:
- Regularly Update Drivers: Keeping your GPU drivers up to date is crucial for optimal game performance.
- Monitor Power Settings: Be mindful of your power settings, especially on laptops, to ensure they’re not limiting your GPU’s performance.
- Stay Informed: Follow forums and community discussions about Helldivers 2 and GPU utilization to stay updated on any potential fixes or workarounds.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if Helldivers 2 is using my dedicated GPU?
A: Many GPUs have activity indicators or software that shows which applications are utilizing the GPU. Alternatively, you can check the Task Manager under the “Performance” tab while running the game.
Q: Can updating Windows improve GPU performance in games?
A: Yes, keeping Windows up to date can improve system performance and compatibility with games and hardware.
Q: What should I do if none of the solutions work?
A: Contacting the support team for your GPU or the game can provide more personalized troubleshooting steps.
When Helldivers 2 fails to use your GPU, it can lead to a disappointing gaming experience. However, by following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and solve this issue, ensuring that Helldivers 2 runs optimally on your dedicated graphics card. Regular maintenance like updating drivers, adjusting power settings, and keeping your system up to date can prevent such issues from arising in the future, letting you enjoy Helldivers 2 and other games the way they were meant to be experienced.
