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Hey Gamers: Don't Forget these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have an improved experience in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most ideal operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this advantage and, as a result it has added a variety of gaming features into Windows over the years. With Windows 11, there are even more gaming features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next game even better.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar



Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows you to quickly access some useful tools with only one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime even when you're not playing any game. It can be opened by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is linked to your computer, press the Xbox button.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage as well as control audio output and check the performance of your PC. In the settings, you can connect to your social media accounts to allow instant sharing of your captured images and clips.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has come up with a way for your hardware to communicate better with each other, which can improve performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage and you don't have to perform anything to activate it. However, you will need to hit certain specifications on your hardware that could necessitate an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage lets your computer communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This cuts out the decompression step CPUs many systems require, which eliminates the major bottleneck in performance. Games running DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage provided that your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia's RTX2000-series or older 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 tell whether your gaming software, GPU and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that include HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid real-looking colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games over the past few years. If you're playing a game which does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors with a feature called Auto HDR.



The catch here is that you'll require an LCD that can support HDR, and those tend to be more expensive than conventional panels. If you own an HDR-compatible monitor, Windows can enhance non-HDR games in real time. This happens at the OS level, meaning that developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor supports, you'll be able to switch on Auto HDR. This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing worse than watching your smooth and smooth game lose frames because your PC decided it was time to start a massive operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to keep frame rates, this can render a game inaccessible. Windows 11 has a way to fix this and it's known as Game Mode.



Windows 11 Game Mode



This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's a single toggle, and there are no specific hardware requirements. Flip it on, and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background, and apps that use the Windows notification system won't disrupt your game. When Windows detects that you are playing in a game Game Mode is activated automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first starts but it's far more customizable than you think. You will find an inventory of widgets in the menus. This lets you purchase additional overlay items. It's in the widget list, which is the far-left button in the main bar. The widget store is located at the bottom.



The majority of the widgets available in this store are free. However there are a few paid overlays and widgets that connect to desktop applications purchased by users. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, or add an ethically questionable crosshair to your screen, and many other widgets. There are also widgets specifically designed 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 like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also functions as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is a subscription service that provides a wide selection of games available for download at no cost. You can download and play them for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure that there's plenty to play. Even even if you don't have an impressive GPU or a gaming console, the Xbox app can help to get your game going. Minecraft servers list Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month tier) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your computer. While the games aren't as extensive but you can find Halo Infinite as well as Forza Horizon 5 on this level. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, regardless of how they are able to get their gaming fix.


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