Share this article

Improve this guide

Overwatch is Not Using my GPU: How to Fix It in 5 Steps

Tested fixes for Overwatch if it’s not using GPU

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Several gamers have recently reported that they encountered Overwatch not using GPU error and requested to know how to fix it.

For some, this error occurs because Overwatch orother PC gamesfail to display on the monitor via the GPU; instead, the games run through the CPU.

Why is Overwatch not using GPU?

There can be several reasons you are experiencing the Overwatch not using GPU error. The following are some of the potential reasons reported by some users:

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind the Overwatch not using GPU error, you can proceed to our next section to know how to fix this problem.

What can I do if Overwatch fails to use GPU?

Before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks, you should check the following:

Having confirmed the above checks, you can explore the advanced solutions below.

1. Update your GPU drivers

Updating your drivers once a couple of months will enable you to get the best gaming performance.

We have articles on how to use the dedicated software for updating the AMD and NVIDIA drivers:

The articles will explain how to download, install and use the dedicated driver update utilities for these manufacturers.

Besides all, you can manage all your drivers by using an automated tool that will update the GPU drivers instantly and resolve Overwatch issues.

OutByte

2. Set Overwatch to high performance

Repeating the steps above for your games will make your computer use the graphics card on a per-app basis in Windows.

3. Run an SFC Scan

Running the SFC scan is one of the simplest fixes for several application errors. You can use thecommand-line toolto run the SFC scan to thoroughly check for errors.

4. Close startup programs in your Task Manager

If you still experience Overwatch 2 not using GPU after removing your startup programs, you can re-enable your startup programs as they’re not the cause.

5. Disable Dynamic Render Scale in Overwatch 2

Make sure you work through any of the above solutions to know which one works for you.

If you’re experiencinghigh CPU usage but low GPU usage, you can check our detailed guide to fix the issue.

Some readers also claim they experienceOverwatch black screen on launch/while playing. We’ve provided potential fixes in our dedicated guide.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Overwatch is Not Using my GPU: How to Fix It in 5 Steps#

Why is Overwatch not using GPU?#

What can I do if Overwatch fails to use GPU?#

1. Update your GPU drivers#

OutByte#

2. Set Overwatch to high performance#

3. Run an SFC Scan#

4. Close startup programs in your Task Manager#

5. Disable Dynamic Render Scale in Overwatch 2#