GPUs

Why is ray tracing not working?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

Ray tracing may not work due to outdated drivers, insufficient hardware capabilities, or incorrect game settings.

This guide addresses common reasons ray tracing may not function properly and offers troubleshooting steps.

Steps

  1. 1

    Update Graphics Drivers

    Open GeForce Experience or Radeon Software and check for driver updates. Install any available updates.

  2. 2

    Check GPU Model

    Open your system information or use software like GPU-Z to confirm your GPU model supports ray tracing.

  3. 3

    Enable Ray Tracing in Game

    Access the game's settings menu, navigate to Graphics or Video settings, and enable ray tracing. Save changes and restart the game.

Check Your Graphics Drivers

Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date. For NVIDIA, use GeForce Experience to check for updates. For AMD, use the Radeon Software.

Verify Hardware Compatibility

Ray tracing requires specific GPU models, such as NVIDIA's RTX series or AMD's RX 6000 series. Confirm that your GPU supports ray tracing.

Adjust Game Settings

In the game settings, ensure that ray tracing is enabled. The path may vary by game, but it is typically found under Graphics or Video settings.

Watch out for

  • Performance may vary based on the specific hardware and game optimizations.

FAQ

What games support ray tracing?

Many modern games support ray tracing, including titles like 'Cyberpunk 2077', 'Control', and 'Minecraft'.

Can I run ray tracing on older GPUs?

Older GPUs without dedicated ray tracing cores will not support ray tracing effectively, resulting in poor performance or inability to enable the feature.

Does ray tracing affect performance?

Yes, enabling ray tracing can significantly impact performance, often requiring lower settings or resolution for smooth gameplay.