When a laptop with both a discrete GPU (dGPU) and an integrated GPU (iGPU) defaults to using the iGPU instead of the dGPU for certain tasks, including web browsing, it's often due to a combination of factors related to power management, system settings, and software behavior.

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1. Power Efficiency

• Battery Life: Laptops prioritize power efficiency to extend battery life. Integrated GPUs are more power-efficient than discrete GPUs, which consume significantly more power. Therefore, the system may automatically use the iGPU for less demanding tasks, like browsing, to conserve battery life.

2. System Settings and Optimus Technology

• NVIDIA Optimus (or similar technologies from other manufacturers) is a common solution that dynamically switches between the iGPU and dGPU based on the workload. If the system detects that the task (e.g., web browsing) doesn't require the power of the dGPU, it will default to the iGPU.
• Manual Settings: Users can manually configure which GPU to use for specific applications in the GPU control panel. If the browser is set to "power-saving mode" or if "automatic" is selected, the iGPU will likely be used.

3. Browser Optimization

• Hardware Acceleration: Some browsers use hardware acceleration for rendering content. However, this doesn't always trigger the use of the dGPU, especially if the browser is optimized to work efficiently with the iGPU.
• Browser Profile Settings: Certain browser settings might be configured to prioritize the iGPU, especially in profiles that are set to be power-conscious.

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How to Force the Use of the Discrete GPU:

• Windows Graphics Settings: Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings, and set the browser to use the "High performance" mode, which will force it to use the dGPU.
• NVIDIA Control Panel: Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, navigate to Manage 3D settings, and set the preferred GPU for your browser.
• AMD Control Panel: Similar settings can be found in the AMD Radeon Settings, where you can assign applications to use either the iGPU or dGPU.

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By understanding these factors, you can better manage when your laptop uses the discrete GPU versus the integrated GPU, optimizing for either performance or power efficiency based on your needs.

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