Why isn't Cinema 4D using the correct or most powerful graphics card (GPU) in my Windows 10 or 11 system?

If your system has both integrated and discrete graphics or multiple GPUs, Cinema 4D may not always choose the most powerful one. For context, Cinema 4D will typically use the GPU that your monitor is plugged into.
Tip: Changing which GPU your display cable is connected to may change the active GPU for Cinema 4D.

That being said, you can force Cinema 4D to use a specific GPU with the instructions below.
Click your operating system below to expand and view the instructions.

+Windows 11

Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.
Select Graphics settings
Click the 'Add Desktop App' button
In File Explorer, select the Cinema 4D executable for the version you are using and click Add.
Cinema 4D should appear in the Graphic Settings app list now:
Click to expand and reveal more options
Click the Graphic Preference drop down menu.
Choose the High performance option and click Save.
Launch Cinema 4D and it will use the high‑performance GPU

+Windows 10

Right-click on the Desktop and select Display settings.
Select Graphics settings
Make sure Desktop app is selected, then click the Browse button:
In File Explorer, select the Cinema 4D executable for the version you are using and click Add.
Cinema 4D should show up in the app list. Select it, then click "Options":

This opens choices for GPU preference:
- Let Windows decide – Integrated for 2D, discrete for 3D (default).
- Power saving – Uses the integrated GPU.
- High performance – Uses the discrete GPU.

Choose High performance and click Save.

Cinema 4D will use the high‑performance GPU the next time it launches.