Illustrator Is Not Using Your GPU? You Can Fix It in 4 Steps

Best solutions for Illustrator not using GPU issue

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Adobe Illustrator is a renowned vector graphics editor and design program that run smoothly on the GPU. However, different users have reported issues with Illustrator not using their GPU.

Alternatively, you can check our article onAdobe Illustrator not respondingand how to fix it.

Why is Illustrator not using GPU?

The most common cause of Illustrator not using GPU is when Illustrator encounters an object or artwork in the document, causing the GPU to stop working. Other causes are:

What can I do if Illustrator is not using the GPU?

Before trying any advanced troubleshooting on your PC, here are some quick steps that you can apply:

If the issue can’t solve using the preliminary checks, proceed with the solutions below.

1. Force Illustrator to use GPU

Performing the stated steps will allow the Illustrator to run directly on the GPU whenever the app runs on the PC. Also, you can check our guide onfixing PC not detecting GPU.

2. Start with a clean preference file

Starting a clean preference will reset the app folder and fix all errors.

3. Enable GPU performance

Enabling the GPU performance will resolve Illustrator not using the GPU while working on a document.

4. Update the graphics driver

Updating the graphics driver will fix bugs affecting the device and install the latest features to improve its performance.

Read about other steps forupdating graphics drivers on Windows 11if you have any issues with the above steps.

On the other hand, if you want to update your graphics driver more efficiently, you can use a dedicated tool likeOutbyte Driver Updateras it helps you scan your PC for outdated drivers and find right away the latest updates as replacements.

Alternatively, our readers can checkhow to reset GPU with a shortcut key on Windowsquickly. Also, we have a detailed guide onhow to check a graphic cardon your computer.

If you have any questions or suggestions concerning this guide, kindly drop them in the comments section.

Illustrator Is Not Using Your GPU? You Can Fix It in 4 Steps#

Why is Illustrator not using GPU?#

What can I do if Illustrator is not using the GPU?#

1. Force Illustrator to use GPU#

2. Start with a clean preference file#

3. Enable GPU performance#

4. Update the graphics driver#