Notes

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

While gamers will enjoy a better life in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system for gaming. Souldevteam.net Microsoft is well aware of this and, as a consequence it has integrated a lot of gaming features into Windows in the past. As time passes, with Windows 11, there are even more gaming goodies. 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 any game. This can be done by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is linked to your computer, press the Xbox button.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that let you record gameplay footage, control audio output and check the performance of your PC. You can log in to your social networks accounts from the settings to upload and share your photos and videos immediately.



DirectStorage



If you have a sufficiently powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a method to make your hardware communicate more efficiently, which means better performance in games. It's called DirectStorage, and you don't need perform anything to enable it. You do, however, need to hit certain specifications for your hardware that may necessitate 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 need for CPU decompression, which is a major bottleneck in performance. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage as long as your PC is equipped with an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX2000-series or older should work.



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



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that support HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid, realistic colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games for the recent years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that lets you boost the hue of games that don't support HDR.



This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than standard panels. Windows can enhance algorithmically non HDR games if you have an HDR compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level so 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 game's smooth and silky smooth frames because your PC decided it was the right time to start a massive operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to keep up with frame rates, it could render 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 > Games Mode. This toggle is a simple one and does not require any additional hardware. It can be turned on and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background. Applications that make use of the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. When Windows detects that you're playing in a game, Game Mode kicks in automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first opens but it's far more customizable than you think. Hidden in the menus is a widget store where you can buy more widgets to add to your overlay. It's located in the widget list, which is located on the leftmost button in the main bar. The widget store is located at the bottom.



The majority of the widgets that you'll find in this 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 questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. There are also widgets that allow you to control hardware like Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox app comes with Windows 11. It's worth opening even though you don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than an Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also functions as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is a subscription service that offers an array of games for free. 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 to ensure there's plenty to play. Even if your GPU is not the most powerful it's possible that the Xbox application lets you play your most-loved games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month level) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your computer. The games available here aren't particularly broad, but you've got Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, no matter how they go about getting their gaming fix.


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