Modern computer systems (desktop PCs or laptops) can have graphic systems that involve the installation and use of multiple video adapters. But at one point in time, only one of them can work. And here sometimes it is necessary to solve a rather serious problem related to how to switch a video card through BIOS, since such a procedure may not be available in the standard “Device Manager”. There are no particular difficulties here, but you still have to take into account some important points.
Why are several video cards installed?
Before addressing the main issue, a little information should be given about why several graphics accelerators are embedded in a computer system and what they are. In the future, this will help in determining the device required for operation.
In the standard version, integrated and discrete chips may be present on board. The first is a chip soldered directly to the motherboard. The second is a removable device that connects by inserting into special slots. Less common are configurations in which special dual models of discrete accelerators are installed. But just they can work in tandem, providing such a high performance graphics system on gaming computers that in the case of budget PCs or laptops, you can only dream about it.
It would seem that it’s easier to call the standard “Device Manager”, disable one chip and activate another. Yes, indeed, such actions are provided for in Windows, but the primary BIOS and UEFI systems have a higher priority, so the actions taken do not give the desired effect. This is where you have to look for a solution on how to switch the video card in BIOS on a laptop or computer. This can be done quite simply. And for starters, you should pay attention to entering the primary input / output system itself.
How to switch a video card in BIOS: initial entry to settings on a stationary PC
In almost all stationary terminals, apart from several non-standard modifications, the primary system is logged in when the computer is turned on or rebooted by the standard method - by pressing the Del key on the connected PS / 2 keyboard.
However, when deciding how to switch the video card in BIOS, you can simply look at the monitor screen to determine how to access the settings. When you turn on the computer and initialize the devices from below or in the center, a special line will be shown with a hint which key to press to enter the primary system.
How to switch a video card through BIOS on a laptop: options for accessing parameters
Not everything is so simple with laptops. In considering the issue of how to switch the video card in BIOS, first, again, you should decide on how to access the initial functions.
And here everything will depend on the laptop model, since each manufacturer installs its own keys or their combinations, and on some devices the buttons are even placed on the main keyboard panel.
However, the most common solutions are the use of function keys (F2, F12, F8, etc.), as well as the combination with the Fn button (less often, Alt or Esc).
Graphics adapter selection
Finally, we turn to the consideration of how to switch the video card in BIOS on a laptop or stationary terminal directly.
First of all, you should decide where to look for these settings. They can be located in the main menu (Main tab) or in another location, depending on the developer and version of the primary system. There should be a line of transition to the necessary parameters like Init Display First, Primary Display, Primary Video or something similar.
As for determining the type of device used, there can also be a lot of options (PCI, Onboard, PCI-E, AGP, etc.). Please note that all devices belonging to the Onboard category are integrated directly into the motherboard.
After entering the appropriate section, you will only have to select the desired accelerator, save the changes upon exit (F10 + Y), and then wait until the system is completely rebooted so that the installed options take effect (restart will be performed automatically).
Alternative Actions
In principle, the question of how to switch the video card in BIOS can be considered exhausted. However, to fully understand the essence of the situation, one more explanation should be added.
The fact is that calling the primary system to change the default graphics adapter is not always needed. If you have utilities installed on your computer, such as Catalyst or a special NVIDIA control panel, similar actions can be performed directly in these programs, and you will not need to reboot the system at all. In other words, their application simplifies the task even more.
Brief Summary
To summarize, it is worth saying that intervention in the parameters of the primary input / output systems should be done only if there are problems with the operation of the devices or the standard actions do not give an effect. Nevertheless, even with such a formulation of the question, the performed actions cannot be called particularly difficult, and any user can perform them. The main thing here is to determine which device needs to be activated at the moment. There are not so many options, however, you should clearly understand what equipment you are going to activate in the parameters of the primary systems.