Open Intel graphics settings on Windows 11 by selecting Start, typing Intel Graphics Command Center, and selecting the app, because the old Intel Graphics Control Panel has been replaced.
This guide covers which Intel app your PC uses, every way to open it, installing it from Microsoft Store, Intel Arc Control, and fixes when it will not open.
Method 1: Open Intel Graphics Command Center from the Start menu
This is the route Intel documents in its own support articles. It works when Intel Graphics Command Center is already installed.
- Select Start on the taskbar, or press the Windows key.
- Type
Intel Graphics Command Center. - Select the Intel Graphics Command Center icon in the results to open the app.
- Select Display in the left menu to reach resolution, refresh rate and color settings.
No result means the app is not installed. Jump to Method 5 to get it from Microsoft Store.
Which Intel graphics app should you open in Windows 11?
Intel has shipped four different graphics apps, and the right one depends on your processor or graphics card. Confirm your hardware first with how to check which graphics card you have, or open Device Manager from Windows + X and expand Display adapters.
| Your hardware | App to open | How it gets onto your PC |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Gen Intel processor or newer, or Intel Arc graphics, with a current Intel driver | Intel Graphics Software | Installed as part of the Intel graphics driver package; it cannot be installed on unsupported systems |
| 11th Gen Intel Core or newer, or an Intel Arc card, on driver 30.0.101.1325 or newer | Intel Arc Control | Installed by the Intel graphics driver; open it with Alt + I |
| 6th Gen Intel Core or newer (8th Gen or newer on Windows 11) with driver 25.20.100.6618 or newer | Intel Graphics Command Center | Free from Microsoft Store; not bundled in the driver package |
| Older PC on a legacy 15.45, 15.40, 15.36 or 15.33 driver | Intel Graphics Control Panel | Bundled with those legacy drivers, which Intel lists for Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 |
On a typical Windows 11 laptop with Intel integrated graphics, Intel Graphics Command Center is the app that replaced the control panel. Intel lists Windows 11 version 21H2 or higher for both Graphics Command Center and Arc Control.
Method 2: Open it from the All apps list
Use this when Start search is slow or returns web results instead of the app. All apps lists every installed application alphabetically.
- Select Start.
- Select All (labelled All apps on some builds) to show the full alphabetical list.
- Scroll to the apps that start with I.
- Select Intel Graphics Command Center, Intel Graphics Software or Intel Arc Control, whichever your PC has.
Method 3: Open Intel graphics settings from the desktop right-click menu
A desktop right-click entry belonged to the legacy Intel Graphics Control Panel. Intel's current articles do not list a desktop entry for Graphics Command Center, so this route only helps on PCs that still have the old panel.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select Show more options to open the full Windows 11 menu, where older entries live.
- Select the Intel graphics entry if one is listed.
- If no Intel entry appears, close the menu and use Method 1 instead.
Method 4: Open Intel graphics settings from the system tray
The system tray shows icons for apps running in the background. Windows 11 moves many of them into a hidden overflow area, so an Intel icon can be present but out of sight.
- Select the upward arrow at the left end of the system tray to open the overflow area.
- Look for an Intel graphics icon and select it if it is there.
- To keep it visible, drag the icon from the overflow area onto the system tray.
- Alternatively, right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and turn the icon on under Other system tray icons.
No Intel icon in either place means your Intel app does not run a tray icon. Use Start instead.
Method 5: Open Intel Graphics Command Center from Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store both installs and launches the app. Intel's own install page points to the same Store listing.
- Open the Intel Graphics Command Center listing in your browser.
- Select Get in Store app.
- Select Open Microsoft Store if your browser asks.
- Select Install in Microsoft Store and wait for it to finish.
- Select Open on the same Store page to launch the app.
On a work PC where Microsoft Store is blocked, Intel's advice is to contact your IT or network administrator.
Method 6: Use the old Intel Graphics Control Panel shortcut
The legacy Intel Graphics Control Panel still opens on PCs that installed it before Intel pulled it from Microsoft Store on March 16, 2021. It also ships with legacy 15.xx drivers.
- Select Start.
- Type
Intel Graphics Control Panel, orIntel HD Graphics Control Panelon older PCs. - Select the result to open the old panel.
- If nothing appears, the old panel is not installed; install Intel Graphics Command Center with Method 5.
The old panel may still show in Microsoft Store with a Redeem Code button. Intel states that option is not active and no codes are issued.
Method 7: Open display-related Intel settings through Windows Settings
Windows 11 Settings controls resolution, refresh rate and per-app GPU choice through the Intel driver. No Intel app is needed for these.
- Select Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Choose a resolution under Display resolution; the option marked (Recommended) is the panel's native one.
- Select Advanced display and pick a rate next to Choose a refresh rate.
- Go back and select Graphics to set a per-app GPU preference under Custom options for apps.
How to install Intel Graphics Command Center if it is missing
Intel Graphics Command Center should arrive with the Intel graphics driver, but it is a separate Store app. Intel keeps it out of the driver package to meet Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform requirements.
| Requirement | Intel's minimum | How to check or fix |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 6th Gen Intel Core or newer; 8th Gen or newer on Windows 11 | Use Intel's guides to identify your processor and its generation |
| Windows version | Windows 11 version 21H2 or higher | Every released Windows 11 version meets this |
| Intel graphics driver | 25.20.100.6618 or newer | Update through Intel Driver & Support Assistant or your PC maker's support site |
| Microsoft Store | Store access and an internet connection | Ask IT on a managed PC; Windows 10 LTSC users follow Intel's separate LTSC article |
| Operating system | Windows only | Intel Graphics Command Center is not supported on Linux |
Once the requirements are met, install the app with Method 5. Intel recommends installing the latest graphics driver from your computer manufacturer or from Intel's Download Center.
How to open Intel Arc Control on Windows 11
Intel Arc Control covers Arc graphics cards and 11th Gen or newer Core processors. Intel's current articles call this app Intel Graphics Software, which ships inside the driver package.
- Press Alt + I to open Intel Arc Control from anywhere.
- If the shortcut does nothing, select Start and type
Intel Arc ControlorIntel Graphics Software. - Select the app from the results.
- Check the Driver tab for update notices; select the settings cog to set Automatic Updates.
Arc Control requires Intel graphics driver 30.0.101.1325 or newer and Windows 11 version 21H2 or higher. It is not supported on Linux.
What you can change in Intel Graphics Command Center
Intel describes the app as the place to modify display settings. Changes to color apply to everything on screen.
| Area | What you can change | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Display settings | Resolution and refresh rate | Display in the left menu |
| Color settings | Brightness, Color, Hue and Saturation on a custom profile | Display > Color tab; select Custom because the Default profile is locked |
| Undo color changes | Return to factory colors | Restore to Original Colors on the Color tab |
| Video settings | Video playback options | Listed by Intel among the app's display functions |
Owners of 6th to 10th Gen processors can try the beta version of the app in Microsoft Store. It keeps some features, such as screen capture, that moved to Arc Control.
Why the old Intel Graphics Control Panel is missing
| Reason | What Intel says |
|---|---|
| Removed from Microsoft Store | Discontinued from the Store on March 16, 2021 |
| Replaced by a new app | Intel Graphics Command Center replaces it on 6th Gen processors and newer |
| Newer drivers do not include it | Only legacy 15.45, 15.40, 15.36 and 15.33 drivers bundle the old panel |
| The old layout cannot come back | Intel states that switching Graphics Command Center back to the old layout is not possible |
| Existing installs stay | PCs that already had the old panel from the Store keep it; both apps can co-exist |
Graphics Command Center will suggest uninstalling the old panel unless you need a feature only the old panel has.
How to check you opened the right Intel app
- Read the name in the app's title bar: Intel Graphics Command Center, Intel Graphics Software or Intel Arc Control.
- Confirm the app matches your row in the decision table above.
- In Graphics Command Center, select Display and check that your monitor and its current resolution appear.
- Change one harmless setting, such as a color slider on a custom profile, and confirm the screen responds.
- Select Restore to Original Colors to put the display back.
Troubleshooting: Intel Graphics Command Center will not open
Intel graphics control panel won't open or closes at once
The Store app's files or settings are damaged.
- Restart your PC and try Start search again.
- Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Select the More icon next to Intel Graphics Command Center, then Advanced options.
- Select Repair; if that fails, select Reset.
The app opens but is out of date
Microsoft Store has not updated the app.
- Open Microsoft Store and check its list of app updates.
- Install any update offered for Intel Graphics Command Center.
- Open the app again from Start.
The app will not install or says the system is unsupported
The processor or driver is below Intel's minimum.
- Check the requirements table in the install section above.
- Update or reinstall the Intel graphics driver from your PC maker's support site or with Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
- Restart, then install the app from Microsoft Store again.
Device Manager shows Microsoft Basic Display Adapter or no Intel adapter
Windows is running a generic driver, or the Intel adapter is disabled.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- If the Intel adapter is marked as disabled, right-click it and enable it.
- If only Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is listed, install the graphics driver from your computer manufacturer.
If the Store itself shows an error during installation, Intel directs you to Microsoft support.
Troubleshooting: Intel graphics options are missing from right-click menu
The desktop right-click menu has no Intel entry
Windows 11 shows a short menu first, and older entries sit behind Show more options.
- Right-click the desktop.
- Select Show more options.
- Look for the Intel entry in the full menu.
No Intel entry even under Show more options
Graphics Command Center is a Store app, and Intel documents Start as the way to open it.
- Open the app from Start with Method 1.
- Pin it to the taskbar with the shortcut steps below, so it is one click away.
How to create a shortcut to Intel Graphics Command Center
- Select Start and type
Intel Graphics Command Center. - Right-click the app in the results.
- Select Pin to taskbar for one-click access from the taskbar.
- Or select Pin to Start to keep it on the Start menu's pinned grid.
- If the app is already open, right-click its taskbar icon and select Pin to taskbar.
When to use Windows Settings instead of Intel Graphics Command Center
| What you want to change | Use this | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Screen resolution or scale | Windows Settings | Settings > System > Display |
| Refresh rate | Windows Settings or Graphics Command Center | Display > Advanced display > Choose a refresh rate |
| Which GPU a game or app uses | Windows Settings | Display > Graphics > Custom options for apps |
| Brightness, hue and saturation of the Intel output | Intel Graphics Command Center | Display > Color tab, custom profile |
| Driver updates and game tuning on Arc hardware | Intel Arc Control or Intel Graphics Software | Alt + I, Driver tab |
Laptops that also carry an NVIDIA GPU have a second panel for that chip; see how to download NVIDIA Control Panel.
Quick answers to common questions
How do I open the Intel graphics control panel?
Select Start, type Intel Graphics Command Center, and select the app. Intel Graphics Command Center replaced the old Intel Graphics Control Panel on 6th Gen processors and newer. If the search finds nothing, install the free app from Microsoft Store.
How do I open the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel?
Search Start for Intel HD Graphics Control Panel. It only exists on PCs that installed it before March 16, 2021, or that run legacy 15.xx drivers. On any newer setup, open Intel Graphics Command Center instead.
How do I install the Intel graphics control panel?
Install Intel Graphics Command Center from Microsoft Store by selecting Get, then Install. The old Intel Graphics Control Panel can no longer be installed from the Store. Your PC needs a 6th Gen Intel Core or newer processor and driver 25.20.100.6618 or newer.
How do I get to Intel graphics settings?
Open Intel Graphics Command Center from Start and select Display in the left menu. That page holds resolution, refresh rate and the Color tab. On Intel Arc hardware, press Alt + I to open Intel Arc Control instead.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to access Intel graphics settings?
Yes, on Intel Arc Control: press Alt + I to open it. Intel does not document a keyboard shortcut for Intel Graphics Command Center, so pin it to the taskbar for one-click access instead.
Is the Intel graphics control panel part of Windows Control Panel?
No. Intel's graphics apps are separate programs from Windows Control Panel. Windows Control Panel handles system settings, while Intel Graphics Command Center handles the Intel display output. To reach Windows Control Panel, see these ways to open Control Panel in Windows 11.
How do I use Intel graphics settings?
Open Intel Graphics Command Center, select Display, and adjust resolution, refresh rate or color. For color, select Custom first, because the Default profile is locked. Select Restore to Original Colors to undo any color change.
Where do I download the Intel graphics control panel?
Download Intel Graphics Command Center only from its Microsoft Store listing, which Intel links from its support site. The old Intel Graphics Control Panel is not downloadable any more. Intel Arc Control and Intel Graphics Software come inside the Intel graphics driver package.
Best method for most Windows 11 users
Search Start for Intel Graphics Command Center and pin it to the taskbar; on Intel Arc hardware, press Alt + I instead. Intel documents Start search as the way to open Graphics Command Center, and the old control panel cannot be installed any more. Pinning removes the search step for every later visit.
