Windows 10: What's the use of the "GPU Preference Policy" power parameter ?

Dear forum readers,

This (hidden) parameter's value can be set either through powercfg.exe, or through the advanced power settings. To see it in the advanced power settings, you have to unhide this parameter, with the following command line :
Code:

This parameter has two possible values : None (default), and Low power.

So I set it to Low power, but I've yet to see any changes : GPU selection seems to still work the same. Is it an unused parameter, or one that doesn't apply to my hardware ? Fwiw, I've a laptop w/ Intel UHD Graphics as iGPU and an Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 as dGPU (and Windows version is 20H2, build 19042.928).

:)

 

GPU-Z what command line parameter ?

Current /? (-?) or / help (-help) parameter is invalid

 

GPU preference not working; what's the workaround?

I have a laptop in a docking station on which I cannot select GPU preference at autostart. The laptop has one integrated Intel GPU and one "extra" Nvidia GPU.

I can select GPU preference clicking the context menu which has the intended effect: my program reports Intel/Nvidia as graphics vendor as expected (using OpenGL API glGetString(GL_VENDOR)). However the application is supposed to be autostarted (semi-embedded scenario) and for what I know I cannot autostart it using a context menu (right?)

I've tried editing the windows registry, both manually and using the "Graphics Settings". Both GPU show up (Intel as Power Saving GPU, Nvidia as High Performance GPU). Despite what I set here the application says it is running the Intel GPU. Editing the registry I've tried setting both the program and system default GPU preference - with no effect whatsoever.

Starting the Nvidia control panel to set GPU preference opens a dialog saying "no display connected" and exits. Looking into dxdiag the display is connected to the Intel GPU, and there is another tab labeled "Render" where the Nvidia GPU is listed as "Render only display device". Maybe important, maybe not.

Google searches pulls me to pages where above solutions are suggested. They are obviously not working out for me.

I suspect the docking station is to blame since it works just fine without it.

Question: How to autostart my application with Nvidia GPU preferred, considering registry and Nvidia Control Panel fails and opening using context menu selection works?

Reading this discussion on docking station GPU issue, I followed the advice of one comment to configure duplicate displays instead of extended and registry GpuPreference=2 as default. Works great, but I'm not to happy about being limited to display duplication, and my program halts when switching between the modes, hence leaving the question open.

 

LGPO-– Local Group Policy Object Utility

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand your concern, as you are using LGPO tool for Group Policy Backup and Restore and similarly you are looking for an option/tool that helps in Registry Settings Backup Parameters list.



However, we would suggest you to post your query in
TechNet forums, where we have experts and support professionals who are well
equipped with the knowledge on Registry settings backup parameters to assist you with the appropriate troubleshooting steps.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator