Many MacBook Pro models have two graphics systems — an integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor — and a software feature that optimizes graphics performance between them.
On these computers, the 'automatic graphics switching' option is turned on by default to allow your computer to automatically switch to the best graphics system for the applications running on your computer. Using this option may also maximize battery life.
If you want to use the higher-performance discrete graphics processor at all times, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Battery, click the Battery tab, then deselect the automatic graphics switching checkbox. In macOS Catalina 10.15 and earlier, this setting is in Energy Saver preferences.
If you connect an external display to your Mac, your computer uses the high-performance graphics processor until you disconnect the display.
If you can't change graphics settings
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- Restart your Mac from the Start menu in Windows. Press and hold the Option (or Alt) ⌥ key as your Mac begins to restart. Select your Mac startup volume (Macintosh HD) in the Startup Manager window, then press Return or click the up arrow: How to start up in Windows from macOS.
- If you connect an external display to your Mac, your computer uses the high-performance graphics processor until you disconnect the display. If you can't change graphics settings If you don't see the automatic graphics switching option, your computer has only one graphics system.
- If you are using the Boot Camp utility or another Windows emulator on your MacBook, you will need to switch between your Mac OS X and Windows systems. There are three methods of switching back and forth between your Mac OS X partition and your Windows partition: From within Mac OS X Lion: To restart.
Even if you’re a Windows fan, you’ve probably thought about trying OS X. Maybe you’d like to test drive OS X before switching to a Mac or building a Hackintosh, or maybe you just want to run.
If you don't see the automatic graphics switching option, your computer has only one graphics system.
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Learn how to find out which graphics processor is in use on your MacBook Pro and how to set the graphics performance on earlier MacBook Pro models.