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Graphics settings for systems running multiple GPUs

On multi-gpu systems, such as some laptops, VRGS will use the default GPU. Typically this is the GPU which uses the least power, not the highest performance. To change VRGS to run on the high performance GPU use the following workflows:

For VRGS installed via the MSIX installer​

Access Graphics Settings:​

  • Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" gear icon (or press WIN + I simultaneously).
  • Navigate to "System" and then click on "Display".
  • Scroll down and find the "Graphics" link in related settings. Click on it.

Choose App Type:​

  • Under "Custom options for apps", you'll find an option to select the type of app ("Add an app"). For VRGS installed via the MSIX installer, choose "Microsoft Store App", then click the "Browse" button.
  • A dropdown list will appear showing all installed Microsoft Store Apps. Select VRGS from this list.

Set GPU Preference:​

  • VRGS should now be added to the list of apps you can change the settings for on the System > Display > Graphics page.
  • Select VRGS from the list, and click the options button.
  • A new window will pop up with three options: "System default", "Power saving", and "High performance". Typically, "Power saving" refers to the integrated GPU, whereas "High performance" refers to the dedicated GPU. Choose "High performance" to ensure VRGS always uses the dedicated GPU.

Finalize Settings:​

  • Click "Save" to finalize your GPU preference for the selected app.
  • After setting the GPU preference, run the app.
  • Open "Task Manager" (you can right-click the taskbar and choose "Task Manager" or press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC).
  • Go to the "Performance" tab. Here, both your integrated and dedicated GPUs should be listed. Click on the dedicated GPU to see its usage statistics. If the app is utilizing the dedicated GPU, you should observe activity here when the app performs graphics-intensive tasks.

For VRGS installed via the MSI installer​

The process for specifying GPU preferences for VRGS installed via the MSI (Microsoft Installer) package or traditional desktop apps is slightly different than for Windows Store Apps.

Access Graphics Settings:​

  • Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" gear icon (or press WIN + I simultaneously).
  • Navigate to "System" and then click on "Display".
  • Scroll down and find the "Graphics" link in related settings. Click on it.

Choose App Type:​

  • Under "Custom options for apps", you'll find an option to select the type of app ("Add an app"). For VRGS installed via the MSI installer, choose "Desktop App", then click the "Browse" button.
  • A file selection dialog will appear, and from here you need to find the VRGS.exe executable file. This will vary depending on your system, but the default will be "C:\Program Files\VRGeoscience\VRGS.exe"

Set GPU Preference:​

  • VRGS should now be added to the list of apps you can change the settings for on the System > Display > Graphics page. It may appear as "Virtual Reality Geological Studio"
  • Select it from the list, and click the options button.
  • A new window will pop up with three options: "System default", "Power saving", and "High performance". Typically, "Power saving" refers to the integrated GPU, whereas "High performance" refers to the dedicated GPU. Choose "High performance" to ensure VRGS always uses the dedicated GPU.

Finalize Settings:​

  • Click "Save" to finalize your GPU preference for the selected app.
  • After setting the GPU preference, run the app.
  • Open "Task Manager" (you can right-click the taskbar and choose "Task Manager" or press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC).
  • Go to the "Performance" tab. Here, both your integrated and dedicated GPUs should be listed. Click on the dedicated GPU to see its usage statistics. If the app is utilizing the dedicated GPU, you should observe activity here when the app performs graphics-intensive tasks.