How to Fix Unsupported GPU Processing Mode in DaVinci Resolve

Are you facing the frustrating issue of unsupported GPU processing mode in DaVinci Resolve? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many users encounter this problem, which can significantly hinder their editing and rendering capabilities. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve this issue in a friendly and easy-to-follow manner. By the end of this blog post, you'll be able to enjoy the full power of your GPU while using DaVinci Resolve.

Update or Downgrade Graphics Driver

One of the most common causes of unsupported GPU processing mode in DaVinci Resolve is an outdated or incompatible graphics driver. To address this issue, it's crucial to ensure that your graphics driver is up to date.

1. To update your graphics driver, start by identifying the manufacturer and model of your graphics card. You can usually find this information in the Device Manager on Windows or the System Preferences on macOS.

2. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and navigate to their driver download section.

3. Enter your graphics card details, including the model and operating system, and download the latest driver available.

4. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics driver.

In some cases, the latest driver may not be compatible with DaVinci Resolve, causing the unsupported GPU processing mode issue. If this is the case, you may need to downgrade your graphics driver to a previous version.

1. Uninstall your current graphics driver. On Windows, you can do this by going to the Control Panel, selecting "Uninstall a program," and finding your graphics driver in the list. On macOS, simply drag the driver from the Applications folder to the Trash.

2. Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer and locate the driver archive section.

3. Search for a previous version of the driver that is known to be compatible with DaVinci Resolve and download it.

4. Install the downloaded driver, following the provided instructions.

Remember to restart your computer after updating or downgrading the graphics driver to ensure the changes take effect. Additionally, it's always a good idea to create a system restore point before making any major changes to your system.

Set the GPU Processing Unit

Setting the correct GPU processing unit is crucial for optimal performance in DaVinci Resolve. The software allows you to choose between Auto, OpenCL, and CUDA processing units, depending on your graphics card.

1. Launch DaVinci Resolve and go to the Preferences menu. On Windows, you can access it by clicking on "File" and selecting "Preferences." On macOS, click on "DaVinci Resolve" in the menu bar and choose "Preferences."

2. In the Preferences window, navigate to the "System" tab.

3. Locate the "GPU Processing Mode" option and click on the drop-down menu.

4. If you have an AMD graphics card, select "OpenCL." If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, choose "CUDA." If you're unsure, try the "Auto" option, which will automatically detect and set the optimal GPU processing unit.

5. Click on "Save" to apply the changes.

It's important to note that not all graphics cards support CUDA processing. If you select CUDA and your graphics card doesn't support it, you may encounter the unsupported GPU processing mode issue. In such cases, try selecting the Auto or OpenCL option instead.

Check Environment Variables

Incorrect environment variables can sometimes interfere with proper GPU processing in DaVinci Resolve. To ensure everything is set up correctly, follow these steps to check and modify the environment variables related to DaVinci Resolve.

1. Open the Control Panel on Windows or the System Preferences on macOS.

2. Locate the "System" or "Advanced System Settings" option, depending on your operating system.

3. Click on the "Advanced" tab and select "Environment Variables."

4. Look for the "Path" variable in the System Variables section and click on "Edit."

5. Check if the path to the DaVinci Resolve installation folder is included in the list of paths. If not, click on "New" and add the path manually.

6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

If the issue persists, you can also try adding the CUDA or OpenCL library paths to the environment variables.

Reinstall AMD Adrenalin (for AMD Users)

If you're using an AMD graphics card and still experiencing the unsupported GPU processing mode issue, reinstalling the AMD Adrenalin software may help.

1. Uninstall AMD Adrenalin from your computer. On Windows, you can do this by going to the Control Panel, selecting "Uninstall a program," and finding AMD Adrenalin in the list. On macOS, drag the AMD Adrenalin software from the Applications folder to the Trash.

2. Download the latest version of AMD Adrenalin from the official AMD website.

3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the software.

During the installation process, make sure to select the necessary components related to GPU processing and compatibility with DaVinci Resolve.

Repair DaVinci Resolve

If none of the above solutions have resolved the unsupported GPU processing mode issue, repairing DaVinci Resolve itself may help.

1. Close DaVinci Resolve if it's currently running.

2. On Windows, go to the Control Panel and select "Uninstall a program." On macOS, open the Applications folder.

3. Find DaVinci Resolve in the list of installed programs or applications and select the option to repair or modify it.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

If repairing DaVinci Resolve doesn't solve the problem, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the software. Before doing so, make sure to back up your preferences and projects to avoid losing any important data.

We hope this guide has helped you resolve the unsupported GPU processing mode issue in DaVinci Resolve. By updating or downgrading your graphics driver, setting the correct GPU processing unit, checking environment variables, reinstalling AMD Adrenalin (for AMD users), or repairing DaVinci Resolve, you should be able to overcome this obstacle and fully utilize your GPU's power.