Dual GPU setup on Windows
Some Windows computer are configured with dual GPUs. However, usually only one graphics adapter sends a an image signal to your displays. Depending on your system, this can affect graphics performance in Ableton Live.
Whether your PC uses an Nvidia or AMD dual-GPU setup, you may want force Live to use the built-in graphics adapter, instead of the discrete graphics card, or vice versa, depending on which graphics adapter is physically connected to the display outputs. To manually set this behavior:
- Go to Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings. Here, you can add an application and set its preference to Power Saving (usually for the iGPU) or High Performance (for the discrete GPU).
- This method is primarily designed for systems with both an iGPU and a single dGPU, not for dual discrete GPUs.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA preferences can be configured with a custom application profile, via NVIDIA Optimus technology. Learn more about this feature and how to set up a profile for applications in this guide from NVIDIA. For Windows versions older than Windows 10 20H1, refer to this guide: NVIDIA Optimus.
AMD
For a laptop or desktop configured with both integrated and discrete AMD GPUs, you can use AMD Radeon Software (System → Switchable Graphics) to set specific apps to use the iGPU or dGPU. If the option is missing, you may need to adjust BIOS settings or ensure drivers are up to date. You can also force the primary graphics device via BIOS.
- To force the use of integrated graphics, enter your BIOS/UEFI and set the Primary Graphics Adapter to iGPU or Integrated, or disable Auto mode if possible. This ensures the system prioritizes the built-in GPU.
Troubleshooting
If you experience graphics issues in Live when using a dual GPU setup, please try switching from the dedicated graphics card (e.g. NVIDIA) to the integrated card in Program Settings, via the NVIDIA control panel, pictured below. To do this:
- Right-click on the Desktop and select the NVIDIA control panel from the context menu.
- Go to Program Settings, select Ableton Live [version]. If Live does not appear in the list, click Add to add it.
- Select the integrated graphics card.