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    Envy 17 w/6850m can't switch to discrete graphics

    Discussion in 'HP' started by CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011.

  1. CharlieDigital

    CharlieDigital Notebook Geek

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    Hey folks,

    I've been trying to figure out why I can't switch my graphics card to the discrete AMD GPU.

    When I try to do it, I get the following message:

    "Switching the graphics processor cannot be performed at this time due to one or more running applications and your display configuration"​

    This happens even on a fresh boot, so my gut feeling is that it's not related to any running applications. Could it be the display configuration? I'm using the mini-DisplayPort and HDMI port for two external monitors.

    Any inputs would be appreciated. Thanks!
     
    CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011
    #1
  2. h8isgr8

    h8isgr8 Notebook Consultant

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    Well the obvious question; have your tried disconnecting the external monitors and then tried switching the graphics?
     
    h8isgr8, Nov 11, 2011
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  3. CharlieDigital

    CharlieDigital Notebook Geek

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    Just tested it an no go; still cannot switch to the discrete GPU.
     
    CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011
    #3
  4. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Do you have the latest system BIOS with the graphic switching set to fixed?
     
    saturnotaku, Nov 11, 2011
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  5. CharlieDigital

    CharlieDigital Notebook Geek

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    Not sure which BIOS version I have unless I reboot. Is there another way to find the current BIOS version?
     
    CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011
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  6. brt02

    brt02 Notebook Consultant

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    press fn+esc keys simultaneously
     
    brt02, Nov 11, 2011
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  7. CharlieDigital

    CharlieDigital Notebook Geek

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    fn+esc didn't do anything for me; gonna do a BIOS update and see if it fixes it.
     
    CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011
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  8. CharlieDigital

    CharlieDigital Notebook Geek

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    Okay, this is interesting: it won't let me do a BIOS update.

    I get an error message:

    "Can't update system BIOS with Power-saving GPU mode, please switch it to High-performance GPU mode."

    Checked my power settings and I switched the power mode for the laptop to high performance, but I still cannot switch the GPU to high performance.

    Gonna restart on AC without the battery and see what's up.
     
    CharlieDigital, Nov 11, 2011
    #8