How To Fix the Path of Exile 2 Dedicated GPU Not Detected Issue on PC

This is why you're getting low FPS!

Path of Exile 2 Mercenary
Image via Grinding Gear Games

Compared to the original title, Path of Exile 2 is a major jump in terms of visuals, animation quality, and overall presentation. It’s a stunning title that requires beefier hardware to properly run, but it’s very well-optimized at the same time. However, for some laptop users, Path of Exile 2 refuses to default to the dedicated GPU, which results in massively degraded performance, crashes, and stability issues. Here is how you can force Path of Exile 2 to use the dedicated GPU so you get the right performance.

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Fixing the Path of Exile 2 Dedicated GPU Not Detected Issue

In the graphics settings of Path of Exile 2, players can check which GPU is being utilized by the game, as well as the output monitor.

However, if you don’t see the dedicated GPU here, you need to force Path of Exile 2 externally to ensure that it uses the correct GPU. This can be done directly in Windows.

Switch Preferred GPU in Windows

To make sure Path of Exile 2 uses the correct GPU, follow the steps below:

  • In Windows Search, type Graphics, and open Graphics Settings
  • Under Custom options for apps, select Browse
  • Head over to where Path of Exile 2 is installed, and select the PathOfExileSteam.exe executable file, which is around 65 MB in size.
  • Now select Options under the PathOfExileSteam.exe in the Graphics Settings menu of Windows
  • Here, select “High performance” which should ideally display the correct dedicated GPU.
  • After that, hit “Save”, and you’re done.

Now when you launch Path of Exile 2, the correct GPU will show up in the settings, and you’ll see improved performance and overall stability.

Update GPU Drivers

If you haven’t updated your GPU drivers in a while, it’s a great idea to do this. NVIDIA has already released game-ready drivers specifically for Path of Exile 2, while AMD has also released a new update.

Screenshot by Prima Games

You can download the latest drives from the links below:

If you’re also running into any freezing or crashing in Path of Exile 2, we have a few more tips that can greatly improve the overall experience for you. After you’re in the game though, make sure to find out if you can increase your flask slots, and how to open the map in Path of Exile 2.

Ali Hashmi

Ali Hashmi is a games journalist, reviewer, and guides writer with over eight years of experience covering the gaming industry across news, reviews, features, walkthroughs, and technical guides. He currently writes for Prima Games and GTA 6 Bible, and has previously contributed to Dot Esports, WhatIfGaming, GameTyrant, and The OuterHaven. With a background in Computer Science and years spent covering PC gaming, Ali has developed a strong focus on performance analysis, optimization, troubleshooting, and in-depth game coverage alongside traditional reviews and features. A longtime fan of action games, Ali spends most of his time obsessing over stylish combat systems, difficult boss fights, immersive sims, and retro shooters that feel like they were pulled straight out of the late ‘90s. When he isn’t replaying Dark Souls for the hundredth time or climbing Ascension levels in Slay the Spire, he’s usually hunting for the next indie game to recommend to everyone around him. His coverage regularly includes AAA releases, indie games, Soulslikes, survival titles, live service games, and technical PC focused guides.

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