Gamers, don't Forget these Powerful Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have better experiences in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this fact, and as a result it has integrated a lot of gaming features into Windows in the past. Servers As time passes, with Windows 11, there are more gaming features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next frag session even more enjoyable.

Game Bar

Windows 11 Game Bar

Windows 11 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving you quick access to some useful tools with just a keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time even when you're not playing a game. This can be done by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is paired with your computer, press the Xbox button.

The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture video footage of your gaming, control audio output, monitor PC performance, and much more. You can sign in to your social media accounts via the settings and share your photos and videos instantly.

DirectStorage

If you have a sufficiently powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a method to make your hardware communicate more efficiently, which means improved performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage, and you don't need to perform anything to enable it. However, you will be required to meet certain hardware requirements that may require an upgrade.

DirectStorage for Windows 11

DirectStorage allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to directly connect to the GPU. This eliminates the necessity for CPU decompression which is a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage when your computer has an NVMe SD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.

If you're not sure if your system is capable of handling DirectStorage, you will find out this information in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your GPU, software and SSD are compatible.

Auto HDR

Windows 11 Auto HDR.

Games that have HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid realistic colors. However, it has been a rarity for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a game which does not support HDR, Windows 11 can nevertheless boost the colors by enabling Auto HDR.

The problem is that you'll require a monitor that supports HDR and HDR-capable monitors tend to be more expensive than standard panels. Windows can use algorithms to enhance non HDR games provided you have a compatible monitor. This happens at the OS level, which means that developers don't need to do anything. To enable Auto HDR Go to Settings > System > Display HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled if your monitor supports it. This will also add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.

Game Mode

There's nothing worse than watching your smooth game drop frames because your PC decided that it was time to start a massive operation in the background. If your PC is already struggling to keep up with frame rates, it could make a game unplayable. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.

Windows 11 Game Mode

This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This toggle is a single one that does not require any special hardware. Switch it on and Windows will not try to download or install updates in the background, and applications that utilize the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. Game Mode swings into action automatically when Windows detects that you're playing an online game.

Game widget store

Windows 11 Game widget store.

The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's much more customizable than you think. Hidden in the menus is a widget store, where you can buy more widgets for your overlay. It's located in the widget list (the far-left button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.

The majority of the widgets available in this store are free. However, there are some paid overlays and widgets that can connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store offers widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, insert an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope sniping, and more. There are also dedicated widgets for specific hardware, such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.

Xbox app

Windows 11 Xbox app.

Ryan Whitwam

Microsoft's Xbox application comes with Windows 11. It's worth exploring even if you don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than just a Steam replacement that has a lower catalogue. It also serves as the hub of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.

Game Pass is an subscription service that gives you access to an array of games at no additional cost. You can download and play these for as long as they're on Game Pass. Microsoft has also bought publishers like Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure there is plenty to pick from. Even if you don't have a fancy GPU, the Xbox application can help you to play your best. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month level) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server and streams games to your computer. The selection here isn't especially broad, but you've got Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. So, no matter the method you choose to go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to help make the experience more enjoyable.