---
title: "How to Fix GPU Not Detected in DaVinci Resolve"
author: "Alex Johnson"
category: Troubleshooting
excerpt: "Resolve requires a powerful graphics card. Learn how to force DaVinci Resolve to detect and utilize your dedicated GPU."
image: "/cutsio-thumbnail.svg"
tags: "DaVinci Resolve, GPU, Graphics Card, Hardware, Troubleshooting"
---

When you open DaVinci Resolve and are immediately greeted with a "Unsupported GPU Processing Mode" or "GPU Not Detected" warning, the software is essentially telling you it cannot find the engine required to run its core functions.

Here is how to fix the GPU not detected error in DaVinci Resolve.

## Step 1: Update Your Drivers (The Most Common Culprit)
DaVinci Resolve is incredibly sensitive to graphics drivers. If your driver is outdated, or if Windows Update secretly installed a generic display driver over your dedicated one, Resolve won't see the card.

*   **NVIDIA Users:** Open GeForce Experience or the NVIDIA website. Download the latest **Studio Driver** (not the Game Ready Driver). Perform a "Clean Installation" to wipe out old conflicting driver files.
*   **AMD Users:** Download the latest Radeon PRO drivers from the AMD website.
*   **Mac Users:** Ensure your macOS is fully updated, as Apple bundles driver updates with OS patches.

## Step 2: Force Resolve to See the Dedicated GPU
If you are on a laptop with both an integrated graphics chip (like Intel UHD) and a dedicated GPU (like an NVIDIA RTX), Resolve might be trying to launch using the weak integrated chip.

1.  Open DaVinci Resolve (if it lets you past the warning screen).
2.  Go to the top menu: **DaVinci Resolve > Preferences**.
3.  Click the **System** tab, then **Memory and GPU**.
4.  Under "GPU Processing Mode," uncheck "Auto." Select **CUDA** (for NVIDIA), **OpenCL** (for AMD), or **Metal** (for Mac).
5.  Under "GPU Selection," uncheck "Auto." You should now see a list of available graphics processors. Check the box next to your dedicated, powerful GPU and uncheck any integrated chips.
6.  Click Save and restart DaVinci Resolve.

## Step 3: Windows Graphics Settings (For Laptops)
If Resolve crashes before you can even open the Preferences menu, you must force Windows to assign the GPU to the application.

1.  Open Windows Settings (Press the Windows Key + I).
2.  Go to **System > Display**.
3.  Scroll down and click **Graphics settings**.
4.  Under "Choose an app to set preference," select **Desktop app**, then click **Browse**.
5.  Navigate to your DaVinci Resolve installation folder (usually `C:\Program Files\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve`) and select `Resolve.exe`.
6.  Click **Add**. The app will appear in the list below.
7.  Click the DaVinci Resolve icon in the list, select **Options**, choose **High performance** (which should list your dedicated GPU), and click Save.

By ensuring your drivers are clean and forcing the OS to prioritize your dedicated graphics card, Resolve will detect the GPU and launch successfully.