As a breakthrough in portable PC gaming, the GPD WIN 5 fuses the high-octane power of a desktop rig with the convenience of a handheld console. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 / MAX 385 with AMD Radeon 8060S / 8050S graphics, a combination that guarantees this small-form-factor machine provides a truly powerful experience.
Our getting started with the GPD WIN 5 guide aims to help you seamlessly begin using your new GPD WIN 5. We will guide you through the crucial initial procedures, including a preliminary hardware evaluation, necessary software updates, and methods for fine-tuning your device for peak gaming performance and troubleshooting frequent problems.
Inspect the GPD WIN 5
After you first unpackage your GPD WIN 5, we strongly advise performing a complete physical check to validate that all its parts are functioning correctly.
- Examine the external chassis: Look over the outer casing for any signs of damage like cracks or scuffs that could have happened during transit.
- Test the gamepad controls: Use the tool at https://hardwaretester.com/gamepad to check that all buttons, triggers, and analogue sticks are responding correctly.
- Evaluate the touch display: Interact with all areas of the screen to confirm that touch inputs are registered accurately across the entire surface.
- Validate the USB ports: Insert a USB peripheral, such as a flash drive or mouse, into each port to ensure they are operational.
- Assess the sound system: Play some audio to check the quality of the internal speakers and then plug in headphones to test the 3.5mm audio jack.
- Check the battery connector: Check that the battery connector on the back of the GPD WIN 5 is visually OK before connecting the battery.
Completing this detailed review of your GPD WIN 5 will give you peace of mind that every element is operating as intended and allow you to report any discrepancies without delay. If you discover any issues, the support staff at GPD Store is available to assist you. Just navigate to our Contact Us page and reach out.
Update GPD WIN 5 Windows & Drivers
Updating Windows 11
Maintaining your GPD WIN 5 with the newest updates is vital for optimal functionality and security. Proceed with the following instructions to find and apply Windows 11 updates:
- Launch the Start menu by pressing the Windows Key or clicking the icon on the taskbar.
- Select the gear-shaped Settings icon.
- From the Settings window, click on Windows Update in the left menu.
- Press the Check for updates button to search for new system patches.
- If any updates are found, Windows will begin to download them automatically.
- Once the downloads have finished, a system restart may be required to complete the installation on your GPD WIN 5.
Note: Your GPD WIN 5 is set up for automatic updates, but it is good practice to initiate a manual search periodically. You can further manage these preferences under the “Advanced options” in the Windows Update section.
How to Update Drivers on the GPD WIN 5
Windows Update
The most straightforward and dependable method for keeping most of your drivers current is through Windows Update:
- Open the Settings application from the Start menu.
- Pick Windows Update from the options on the left.
- Initiate a new scan by clicking Check for updates.
- The system will then locate, retrieve, and apply relevant driver updates alongside other system patches.
Device Manager
For updating a particular piece of hardware’s driver:
- Use the right-mouse button on the Start icon and select Device Manager.
- Find and open the category corresponding to the hardware you want to update.
- Right-click on the hardware component itself and choose Update driver.
- Opt for Search automatically for drivers to have Windows find the appropriate software.
AMD Drivers Updates
Because the GPD WIN 5 utilizes an AMD processor, it is best to use the AMD Auto-Detect utility to ensure the graphics and chipset drivers are fully optimized.
- Begin by downloading and setting up the AMD Auto-Detect and Install Driver Updates utility, available on the official AMD support site here.
- Run the program and proceed through the prompts to select and apply the necessary updates.
Note: For the best system stability and security, make sure to acquire drivers only from official manufacturers. Although Windows Update is sufficient for many drivers, the AMD-specific utility is key to optimizing the performance of your GPD WIN 5. Routinely updating your drivers ensures your portable computer operates at its highest potential and remains compatible with the latest software.
We also have a dedicated article on how to install, update and delete AMD drivers here, and also embedded below. These drivers are responsible for your graphics card.
We’ve got an article describing how to update Windows and its drivers here and embedded below.
Stress Testing Your GPD WIN 5
Alright, your handheld gaming PC is working properly, with no issues with the buttons or anything like that, and you’ve got the latest updates all installed and ready to go. Do you want to go in the slow lane and start downloading unreasonably large games,. Or do you wanna take this baby for a spin? If the latter, take a look at our article here and embedded below to see what your GPD WIN 5 is capable of. Don’t worry, it’s designed to be able to handle the most intense workloads.
Using the BIWIN Mini SSD
The GPD WIN 5 supports the new Mini SSD storage from BIWIN. Not much larger than a Micro SD Card it can hold up to 2TB of data with speeds up to 1700MB/s on the WIN 5. We have prepared a guide on how to install and prepare the Mini SSD for the GPD WIN 5 here.
Must-Have Software for the GPD WIN 5
To get the most out of your GPD WIN 5’s capabilities, we suggest installing this list of vital programs:
Performance Optimization
- GPD MotionAssist: Indispensable for adjusting TDP values, gyro controls, and other hardware-specific settings.
Gaming
- Steam: The foremost digital storefront for PC games, with an extensive catalog that runs well on the GPD WIN 5.
- RetroArch: A comprehensive front-end for emulating video games from classic systems.
Productivity
- Microsoft Office or LibreOffice: For creating and editing spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
- OneNote: An excellent tool for digital note-taking that works well with the touch interface.
Entertainment
- VLC Media Player: An adaptable media application capable of playing nearly any audio or video file.
Utilities
- 7-Zip: A powerful utility for managing compressed file archives.
- ShareX: A feature-rich utility for screen capture and recording.
Development
- Visual Studio Code: A nimble and powerful source-code editor, ideal for programming tasks on a portable device.
Security
- Malwarebytes: Offers a robust secondary layer of defense against malicious software.
Customization
- AutoHotkey: A scripting utility for creating personalized hotkeys and macros, which is particularly advantageous on the GPD WIN 5’s compact keyboard.
Do not forget to adjust the graphics options within your games to find the optimal performance. The GPD WIN 5 delivers its best experience when you strike a good balance between graphical fidelity and a high frame rate.
Replacement Parts
If you do have any issues with your device, get in contact with us first here. We can advise on the best next steps to keep your device running for years to come!
