Photoshop displays the “GPU not supported” error when it cannot use your graphics processor for advanced features, often resulting in missing functions, sluggish performance, or program crashes. This issue typically stems from outdated drivers, incorrect hardware configuration, or system compatibility problems. Addressing these factors restores full Photoshop functionality and unlocks GPU-accelerated features like smooth canvas rotation, advanced filters, and faster rendering.

Update Graphics Drivers Directly from the Manufacturer

Step 1: Download the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer’s website instead of relying on automatic updates or third-party utilities. For NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics cards, visit the official support pages and select your exact model. Manual installation ensures you receive the most compatible and recent driver version, which resolves many recognition and compatibility issues.

Step 2: Install the downloaded driver, following the on-screen instructions. When prompted, choose a “clean” or “custom” installation if available—this removes old driver files that may cause conflicts.

Step 3: Restart your computer after installation completes. This step is necessary for Windows and macOS to load the new driver properly and for Photoshop to detect the hardware change.

Step 4: Open Photoshop, go to Help > GPU Compatibility and verify that your graphics card is now recognized and all compatibility checks are green.

Assign Photoshop to the High-Performance GPU

Step 1: On systems with both integrated and dedicated graphics (common in laptops and some desktops), Windows or macOS may default to the lower-powered GPU, which can cause the error. To manually assign Photoshop to the high-performance GPU:

  • On Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics Settings. Browse to add Photoshop.exe, then click Options and select “High performance.” Save your changes.
  • For NVIDIA cards, open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Manage 3D settings > Program Settings, add Photoshop and “sniffer.exe,” and set both to use the high-performance NVIDIA processor.
  • On AMD systems, use AMD Radeon Settings or Catalyst Control Center to assign Photoshop to “High Performance.”
  • On macOS laptops, navigate to System Preferences > Energy Saver and disable “Automatic graphics switching.”

Step 2: Restart Photoshop and check if the error is resolved. Assigning the correct GPU allows Photoshop to access the required hardware acceleration and prevents fallback to unsupported integrated graphics.

Reset Photoshop Preferences and Cache Levels

Step 1: Corrupted or misconfigured preferences can block GPU features. In Photoshop, go to Edit > Preferences > General (Windows) or Photoshop > Preferences > General (macOS), then click “Reset Preferences On Quit.” Close and reopen Photoshop to apply the reset.

Step 2: Check Cache Levels in Edit/Photoshop > Preferences > Performance. Set Cache Levels to 4, which is the default and optimal value for GPU operations. Restart Photoshop after changing this setting.

Resetting preferences and cache levels removes settings that may be interfering with hardware detection, restoring default behavior and allowing the GPU to be recognized.

Disable Conflicting Integrated Graphics or Virtualization

Step 1: If your system has both integrated (Intel/AMD) and dedicated (NVIDIA/AMD) graphics, conflicts can occur. Open Device Manager > Display Adapters (Windows), right-click the integrated GPU, and select “Disable device.” Ensure your monitor is connected to the dedicated GPU’s output.

Step 2: Avoid running Photoshop inside virtual machines or remote desktop sessions, as these often provide only basic, software-based graphics drivers that do not meet Photoshop’s requirements.

Disabling the onboard GPU or avoiding unsupported environments removes conflicts and forces Photoshop to use the dedicated graphics processor, resolving detection errors.

Adjust Advanced GPU and Compatibility Settings in Photoshop

Step 1: In Photoshop, go to Edit/Photoshop > Preferences > Performance and click “Advanced Settings.” Try disabling “Use OpenCL” or enabling “Older GPU Mode (pre-2016)” under Technology Previews. These settings can improve stability on older or problematic GPUs.

Step 2: Restart Photoshop after making any changes. Some advanced GPU features may be unstable or unsupported on certain hardware, and toggling these options can restore compatibility.

Update Photoshop and Operating System

Step 1: Install the latest updates for both Photoshop and your operating system. Adobe and OS vendors frequently release updates that address compatibility and driver issues. On macOS, updating the OS is especially important, as Apple provides GPU drivers through system updates.

Step 2: If your hardware or OS is no longer supported (e.g., older Macs running macOS Monterey or earlier), consider installing an older version of Photoshop that matches your system’s final supported release. Contact Adobe support for access to legacy installers if needed.

Staying current with software updates ensures that Photoshop can communicate properly with your GPU and reduces the risk of errors caused by outdated libraries or unsupported APIs.

Additional Tips and Considerations

  • Switching display configurations (plugging or unplugging monitors) while Photoshop is open can disrupt GPU detection. Always restart Photoshop after changing your display setup.
  • If you see errors related to OpenGL or OpenCL, check for compatibility packs (such as “Microsoft OpenCL/OpenGL Compatibility Pack” on Windows) and uninstall them if instructed by Adobe.
  • Some features, especially 3D tools, have been discontinued in recent Photoshop versions. If you rely on these, verify compatibility or use an older release.
  • For persistent hardware errors, run GPU stress tests (e.g., FurMark) to check for failing graphics cards.

Resolving the GPU not supported error in Photoshop restores advanced features and speeds up your workflow. Regular driver updates and careful hardware configuration keep Photoshop running smoothly with full graphics acceleration.