Stable Diffusion "Torch is not able to use GPU" Error

Share
Workaround available Windows, Linux Updated November 14, 2026Based on 4 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

The web UI installed a PyTorch build that cannot see your GPU. Rebuild the venv with the right PyTorch for your card and update drivers; --skip-torch-cuda-test only hides the check and runs on CPU.

Most likely fix: Rebuild the venv

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Rebuild the venv

    1. Close the web UI
    2. Delete the venv folder inside the stable-diffusion-webui directory
    3. Run webui-user.bat again so it reinstalls PyTorch
    Did this fix it?
  2. 2. Check Python and driver

    1. Use the Python version the project documents (3.10.x for A1111)
    2. Update the NVIDIA driver
    3. Run python -m torch.utils.collect_env inside the venv to see whether CUDA is detected
    Did this fix it?
  3. 3. AMD or Intel GPU

    1. Use a build made for your card, such as the DirectML fork (launch with --use-directml) or Linux with ROCm
    2. Do not rely on --skip-torch-cuda-test: it only makes the UI start, generation then runs on CPU
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Launch stops with 'RuntimeError: Torch is not able to use GPU; add --skip-torch-cuda-test to COMMANDLINE_ARGS variable to disable this check'.

Why it happens

  • CPU-only or wrong CUDA build of PyTorch installed in the venv
  • Outdated or missing NVIDIA driver
  • Broken venv after a Python or config change
  • AMD or Intel GPU with a CUDA-only build

This guide also covers

  • torch is not able to use gpu
  • stable diffusion skip-torch-cuda-test
  • automatic1111 torch not able to use gpu

Still not working?

If Stable Diffusion keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Stable Diffusion problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

Have an app idea? Our small team builds any software: web and mobile apps, games, desktop, AI tools. Price agreed together.

Talk to us
Fixed it? Share this guide

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

Other Stable Diffusion errors

All 10 Stable Diffusion errors and fixes →