Notes

Hey, Gamers: Don't Overlook these Powerful Windows 11 Tools.

It's a better time for those who play on Apple macOS and even Linux, but Windows remains the top PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this, and as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows in the past. As time passes, with Windows 11 and Windows 11, there are more gaming features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even more enjoyable.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar.



Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows you to access useful tools with one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime 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, tap the Xbox button.



The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that allow you to capture video footage of your gaming, control audio output as well as monitor PC performance and much more. You can log into your social media accounts via the settings and upload your videos and images instantly.



DirectStorage



If you have a sufficiently powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a way your hardware can communicate more efficiently, which results in improved performance in games. It's called DirectStorage, and you don't need to do anything to enable it. However, you'll need to meet certain hardware requirements that might require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage allows your computer's storage (where game data lives) to directly communicate with the GPU. This cuts out the decompression process CPUs many systems require, which eliminates an important performance bottleneck. Games that use DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage provided that your PC has an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later should work.



If you're unsure if your system is capable of handling DirectStorage, you will find out this information in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click the settings tab, and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you if your software or GPU, as well as SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that include HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant real-looking colors. However, it's been a rarity for developers to add HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a video game that doesn't support HDR, Windows 11 can nevertheless boost the colors with a feature known as Auto HDR.



The catch here is that you'll require an LCD that can support HDR as well, and these are usually more expensive than regular panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games if you have an HDR-compatible monitor. This happens 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 switch on Auto HDR. This will include an HDR intensity slider in 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 perform a large operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to maintain frame rates, this 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 simple one that does not require any additional hardware. It is able to be turned on and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background. Apps that use the Windows notification system will not interfere with your game. When Windows detects you're 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 opens, it's much more customizable than you think. You will find a widget store in the menus. https://minecraft-servers.me/ This allows you to purchase additional overlay items. It's found in the widget list, which is located on the far-left button in the main bar. At the very bottom, you'll find the widget store.



Most of what you'll find in the store is free, however there are a few paid widgets, and overlays that can be connected to desktop applications that are paid. The store has widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope sniping, and more. There are also widgets that can be used to control hardware like Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox application is included with Windows 11, and it's worth downloading even if do not own an Xbox. It lets you buy PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalog. It also serves as the central point of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an subscription service that provides an array of games accessible at no cost. You can download and play them whenever they are available on Game Pass. Microsoft has also purchased publishers such as Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure there are plenty of games to select from. Even if your GPU not the best and you don't have the best gaming experience, the Xbox application will allow you to play your most loved games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month price point) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your computer. The games available here aren't particularly large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console-based games. So, no matter the method you choose to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your gaming experience better.


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