Windows 11 comes with plenty of performance-enhancing features, but one of the most exciting for gamers and heavy PC users is Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS). This feature can improve graphics performance and reduce latency, making your games and applications run smoother.
If you’ve ever wondered what GPU scheduling does and how to enable it on your Windows 11 PC, this guide is for you. Let’s break it down step by step in a simple, no-jargon way.
What Is Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling?
Think of your PC as a busy restaurant kitchen. Normally, the CPU (chef) manages the orders, tells the GPU (cooking staff) what to do, and keeps everything in line.
With hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling, the GPU takes on more responsibility—it handles its own memory management instead of relying on the CPU. This reduces CPU load, lowers latency, and can lead to smoother performance.
Benefits of Enabling GPU Scheduling
So, why should you enable it? Here are some perks:
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Improved gaming performance – lower latency in fast-paced games.
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Reduced CPU bottleneck – frees up your processor for other tasks.
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Smoother video playback – helpful when watching 4K or streaming.
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More efficient resource use – your GPU does more of the heavy lifting.
Requirements for Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
Not every PC can use this feature. You’ll need:
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Windows 11 (Build 2004 or later).
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A compatible graphics card (GPU):
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NVIDIA: GeForce GTX 1000 series or newer, with driver version 451.48 or later.
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AMD: Radeon RX 5600 or newer, with Adrenalin 2020 driver or later.
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A DirectX 12-compatible GPU.
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Updated graphics drivers.
Step 1: Check Your Windows Version
First, make sure your PC is running a version that supports HAGS:
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Press Windows + R, type
winver, and hit Enter. -
A window will pop up showing your Windows version.
👉 You’ll need Windows 11 version 2004 or later. If not, update your system.
Step 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Drivers are like translators between Windows and your GPU. Without the latest ones, GPU scheduling won’t work.
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For NVIDIA users:
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Go to NVIDIA Drivers Page.
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Download and install the latest Game Ready Driver.
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For AMD users:
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Visit AMD Drivers Page.
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Download the latest Adrenalin drivers.
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Step 3: Enable GPU Scheduling in Settings
Now that your drivers are up to date, let’s enable the feature:
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Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
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Scroll down and click Graphics under Related settings.
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In the new window, click Change default graphics settings.
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Find Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
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Toggle the switch On.
That’s it! 🎉
Step 4: Restart Your PC
Changes won’t take effect until you restart. So, hit Restart now when prompted.
After reboot, your PC will start using hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
How to Verify GPU Scheduling Is Enabled
Want to make sure it’s working? Here’s how:
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Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default graphics settings.
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The toggle should be On.
Alternatively, you can use DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag):
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Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag, and hit Enter. -
Check under the Display tab for hardware acceleration details.
How to Disable GPU Scheduling (If Needed)
If you notice stability issues, you can turn it off anytime:
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Go back to Graphics settings.
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Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to Off.
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Restart your PC.
Does GPU Scheduling Really Improve Performance?
Here’s the honest truth:
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Yes, but it depends.
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On high-end GPUs, the performance difference may be small.
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On mid-range GPUs or systems with a weaker CPU, you may notice smoother gameplay.
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Some users report reduced input lag in esports titles.
So, it’s worth trying—it won’t harm your system, and you can always disable it if you don’t like the results.
Pros of Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
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Lower latency in demanding apps.
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Can reduce stuttering in some games.
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Helps the CPU breathe easier.
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Easy to enable and disable.
Cons of Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
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Performance gains are minimal for some users.
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May cause instability with older drivers.
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Not supported on very old GPUs.
Tips to Maximize GPU Performance in Windows 11
Enabling GPU scheduling is great, but here are a few extra tips:
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Turn on Game Mode: Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
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Enable Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smoother visuals.
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Keep drivers updated regularly.
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Use high-performance power mode in Settings > System > Power.
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Clean your GPU physically—dust buildup can cause overheating.
Final Thoughts
Enabling hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling in Windows 11 is a quick and simple way to potentially boost your system’s performance. While not everyone will see a huge difference, gamers and heavy multitaskers may notice reduced latency and smoother gameplay.
It only takes a few clicks, and you can always disable it if it doesn’t suit your system. So why not give it a try?
FAQs
Q1: Does hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling improve FPS in games?
Not always. It mostly reduces latency and smooths performance, but FPS gains may be minor.
Q2: Can older PCs use GPU scheduling?
No, it requires a DirectX 12-compatible GPU with updated drivers.
Q3: Is GPU scheduling safe to enable?
Yes, it’s an official Windows feature. If issues occur, you can disable it.
Q4: Do I need both a compatible GPU and updated drivers?
Yes—both are required for the toggle to appear in settings.
Q5: Should I keep GPU scheduling on all the time?
Yes, unless you experience stability issues. It won’t harm your PC.