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# How to enable GPU DirectX Direct3D OpenGL in RDP

# How to enable GPU DirectX Direct3D OpenGL in RDP

## Overview
By default, RDP sessions use a software renderer, which can cause graphically intensive applications to run slowly, display incorrectly, or fail to launch. Enabling GPU acceleration allows the remote session to use the host machine's physical GPU for hardware-accelerated DirectX, Direct3D, and OpenGL rendering.
This is especially useful for applications like **ArcGIS, AutoCAD, SolidWorks**, and other CAD/GIS or media tools that require a hardware graphics adapter.

| Note: The GPU must be installed on the host (remote) machine. TruGrid leverages Windows' built-in RDP capabilities for this feature.

## Prerequisites
* Host machine has a dedicated or integrated GPU with up-to-date drivers
* Windows 10 / 11 or Windows Server 2016 or later
* Administrator access on the host machine

## Enabling GPU Acceleration via Group Policy

### Step 1 — Open Group Policy Editor
Press `Win + R`, type `gpedit.msc`, and press **Enter**.

### Step 2 — Navigate to the Remote Desktop Graphics Settings
```
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components
→ Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Remote Session Environment
```

### Step 3 — Enable Hardware Graphics Adapter
Double-click **"Use hardware graphics adapters for all Remote Desktop Services sessions"** and set it to **Enabled**.


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/7/3/f473d72e7d7c5000/image_4by0ud.png)

### Step 4 — Restart Remote Desktop Services
Open `services.msc` as Administrator and find **Remote Desktop Services**, right-click and select **Restart** (or reboot the host).

### Step 5 — Verify GPU Is Active
Inside the RDP session, open **Task Manager → Performance** and confirm GPU activity, or run `dxdiag` to verify the GPU adapter appears under the **Display** tab.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/4/7/3/f473d72e7d7c5000/image_1x05da5.png)
## OpenGL Support
OpenGL is not natively accelerated over RDP. To enable it, ensure the latest **NVIDIA or AMD drivers** are installed on the host — modern vendor drivers include an OpenGL-to-DirectX translation layer that works automatically in RDP sessions.
For ArcGIS-specific guidance, refer to [Esri's community thread](https://community.esri.com/thread/225251-enabling-gpu-rendering-on-windows-server-2016-windows-10-rdp) on enabling GPU rendering over RDP.

## Troubleshooting

| Issue | Fix |
| ---- |
| GPU not visible in RDP session | Restart RDP Services or reboot the host after applying policy |
| Applications still using software renderer | Install or update GPU drivers on the host |
| OpenGL not working | Install latest vendor GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD) |
| Policy option is greyed out | Open `gpedit.msc` as Administrator |