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

While gamers will enjoy an improved experience in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system to use for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this and has included many gaming features into Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming goodies. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session more enjoyable.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar



Windows 11 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving you quick access to some useful tools by a single keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time even when you're not playing any game. You can do this by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is connected to your computer, simply tap the Xbox button.



The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage, manage audio output and monitor PC performance and much more. You can sign in to your social networks accounts from the settings and upload and share your photos and videos instantly.



DirectStorage



If you have a powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a way for your hardware to communicate more efficiently, which means better performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage, and you don't need to do anything to turn it on. However, you will be required to meet certain requirements for your hardware that could require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage lets your computer's storage (where the game's data is) to directly communicate with the GPU. This removes the CPU decompression step that most systems require, eliminating an important performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage, provided your PC has an NVMe SD as well as an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older will work.



If you aren't sure whether your system is able to handle DirectStorage You can find out in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click the settings gear, and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your computer GPU, software, and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that support HDR (high-dynamic range) can produce vivid real-looking colors. However, it's been relatively rare for developers to include HDR support in the last few years. If you're playing a video game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors by using a feature called Auto HDR.



This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than conventional panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games provided you have a compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level, so developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is compatible by Auto HDR, you can flip on Auto HDR. minecraft server list This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing worse than seeing your silky smooth game drop frames because something on your PC decided that it was time to run a heavy operation in the background. A game can be rendered unplayable if it's struggling to maintain frame rates. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.



Windows 11 Game Mode



This feature is accessible under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. This toggle is only one that doesn't require any additional hardware. Flip it on, and Windows will not try to download or install updates in the background, and apps that utilize the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. When Windows detects you're playing an online game Game Mode will kick in automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game Widget Store



While the Game Bar is very functional when it first launches, it's much more customizable than you might think. You will find a widget store in the menus. This allows you to purchase more overlay items. It is located in the widget list (the far-left button on your main bar). The widget store is located at the bottom.



The majority of the widgets available in the store are free. However there are a few paid overlays and widgets which can connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store has widgets that can add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope cutting, and many more. There are also widgets that can be used to control hardware, such as Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox application is available with Windows 11, and it's worth opening even if you don't have an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalog. It also functions as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an online subscription service that provides a wide range of games at no cost. You can install and play games for as long as they're on Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty to play. Even if you don't have a fancy GPU, the Xbox application can help to play your best. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per-month tier, includes Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on an off-site server and then streams them to your PC. The selection here isn't especially large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console-based games. So, no matter how you are able to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the experience more enjoyable.


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