Integrated graphics can be enabled through your motherboard’s BIOS or in Windows Device Manager, depending on how it was disabled.
If your computer has a discrete GPU but you need to use the integrated graphics for a second monitor, Quick Sync, or the motherboard video ports, the right fix depends on where the iGPU got turned off. The first step is checking whether your CPU actually has an integrated graphics processor.
Does Your CPU Have Integrated Graphics?
Not every Intel or AMD processor includes an iGPU. Intel models ending in KF (such as the i7‑12900KF and i7‑13700KF) lack the graphics silicon entirely and can’t be enabled no matter what you do in BIOS or Windows. If you own a desktop CPU with a “G” suffix (like AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600G) or an Intel non‑F model, the hardware is there and ready to be turned on.
Enable Integrated Graphics in the BIOS/UEFI
The most reliable method is entering the motherboard firmware, because a BIOS‑level disable hides the iGPU from Device Manager completely.
Power on or restart your PC, then press the key that opens the BIOS setup—usually Delete or F2. Once inside, follow these generic steps (exact labels vary by brand):
- Switch to Advanced Mode (often by pressing F7).
- Navigate to Advanced > System Agent (SA) Configuration or NB Configuration.
- Open Graphics Configuration.
- Set IGFX Multi‑Monitor, iGPU Multi‑Monitor, or Integrated Graphics to Enabled (or Auto).
- Press F10 to save changes and restart.
If the BIOS offers a primary display adapter option, set it to IGD (integrated graphics device) if you want the iGPU to be the primary video source; otherwise, choose PEG or Auto and the iGPU will still be available for multi‑monitor use. For the most accurate steps, consult your motherboard manual.
Enable Integrated Graphics in Windows Device Manager
If the iGPU was only disabled inside Windows (and it still appears under Display adapters), you can turn it back on without touching BIOS:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters so you see the entry for your integrated GPU (for example, Intel UHD Graphics).
- Right‑click it and choose Enable device.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
If the iGPU does not appear at all, it was likely disabled in BIOS and the Device Manager route won’t work before turning it on in firmware first.
Common Scenarios and How to Fix Them
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No integrated GPU in Device Manager | iGPU disabled in BIOS/UEFI | Enter BIOS and enable Integrated Graphics / iGPU Multi‑Monitor |
| iGPU listed but greyed out | Disabled in Device Manager | Right‑click and select Enable device |
| Motherboard video ports give no signal | Monitor connected to discrete GPU ports | Connect the cable to the motherboard video output |
| iGPU enabled but not outputting to second monitor | Primary display set to PEG only | Set Primary Display to IGD or Auto in BIOS |
| CPU model has no integrated graphics | Intel KF or AMD non‑G series | No fix available; hardware lacks iGPU |
| iGPU works erratically after enabling | Missing or outdated driver | Install the latest driver from Intel or AMD |
| Black screen after enabling iGPU | Connection mismatch or BIOS conflict | Boot with one monitor, try different port, clear CMOS if needed |
When the iGPU is enabled correctly, you can configure which GPU runs specific apps using Windows Graphics Settings. Press Windows and search “Graphics Settings,” click Browse, select any application’s executable, then choose Power saving (iGPU) or High performance (discrete GPU) for that app.
Allocate Apps to the Integrated GPU
Use Windows built‑in graphics preference to send particular programs to the iGPU – useful for reducing power draw on battery‑powered laptops or freeing discrete GPU resources for gaming. Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics, and set your preference per application.
For advanced users, PowerShell commands such as Get-PnpDevice -Class Display can list all GPUs, but be careful not to disable the active adapter or you may lose video output.
Asus provides detailed guidance on their own motherboards, including the PRIME X570‑PRO. The ASUS support FAQ for enabling iGPU Multi‑Monitor confirms the BIOS path described above. Other brands like MSI and Gigabyte use similar options, often named “Integrated Graphics” or “Internal Graphics” under Advanced BIOS menus.
Motherboard Brands and Typical iGPU Settings
| Brand | BIOS Menu Path | Setting Name |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS | Advanced > System Agent > Graphics Configuration | iGPU Multi‑Monitor / IGFX Multi‑Monitor |
| MSI | Settings > Advanced > Integrated Graphics Configuration | Integrated Graphics / Initiate Graphics Adapter |
| Gigabyte | Peripherals > Initial Display Output | IGD / Internal Graphics |
| ASRock | Advanced > Chipset Configuration | IGPU Multi‑Monitor / Primary Graphics Adapter |
| Intel (NUC / Deskmini) | Advanced > Video | IGD Memory Size (enables iGPU) |
When Device Manager Won’t Show the iGPU
The most common mistake is expecting to see the integrated adapter in Device Manager when it has been disabled at the firmware level. BIOS disables the device before Windows ever sees it, so it will not appear. Always check the BIOS first if Device Manager is empty.
Another pitfall: disabling the only active GPU in Device Manager can cause a black screen. If you accidentally turn off the discrete GPU while it’s driving your display, plug the monitor into the motherboard port and reboot – the iGPU should output video if it was enabled in BIOS.
References & Sources
- ASUS. “How to enable the iGPU Multi‑Monitor function?” Official support FAQ with BIOS steps for enabling integrated graphics on ASUS motherboards.