Configure a specific GPU for ArcGIS Pro in Windows 10 and 11

Summary

On systems with multiple graphics processing units (GPUs), such as laptops with integrated Intel graphics and a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD GPU, ArcGIS Pro may default to the integrated GPU. This can result in degraded 2D or 3D rendering performance, slow scene navigation, or unexpected display behavior.

This article provides the workflow to manually configure the GPU used by ArcGIS Pro for Windows 10 and 11 devices.

Procedure

Note:
• Confirm the device's GPU meets ArcGIS Pro system requirements.
• Ensure the GPU driver is up to date.
• To install the latest driver for NVIDIA, navigate to the NVIDIA website, download the NVIDIA App, or use the Manual Driver Search search box.
• To install the latest driver for AMD, navigate to the AMD website, and click Download Windows Drivers under Windows 10/11 Drivers or search for the appropriate driver using the Search or Browse Drivers and Support by Product search box.

Configure GPU preference in Windows

1. In the Windows search bar, type settings, and click Settings to open the Settings window.
2. Click System > Display.
3. Scroll down and under Related settings, click Graphics.
4. For Add an app, click Add desktop app to open File Explorer.
5. Browse to the ArcGIS Pro application file through the following directory below:

C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Pro\bin\ArcGISPro.exe

6. Select the file, then click Add or double-click the file.
7. Click the drop-down arrow next to ArcGIS Pro under Custom settings for applications to expand the settings menu.
8. For GPU preference, click the drop-down menu and change Let Windows decide to High Performance (dedicated GPU).

9. Restart ArcGIS Pro.

Configure NVIDIA GPU using NVIDIA Control Panel

1. Download and install the NVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Once installed, type NVIDIA into the Windows search bar and click NVIDIA Control Panel.
3. Under 3D Settings, click Manage 3D settings and select Program Settings.
4. Under Select a program to customize, click Add and select ArcGISPro.exe.
5. Under Select the preferred graphics processor for this program, select High-performance NVIDIA processor.
6. Click Apply.
7. Restart ArcGIS Pro.