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

The future is brighter for those who play on Apple macOS and even Linux but Windows remains the best PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this and has included many gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming goodies. These are the Windows 11 features that will make you next frag session even more enjoyable.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar



Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows users to access useful tools by pressing one keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even when you're not in any game) by pressing Win + G. If you have an Xbox controller that is connected to your PC, pressing the Xbox button will do the same.



The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture gameplay footage, control audio output, monitor PC performance, and much more. In the settings, you can even login to your social media accounts to allow instant sharing of your captured images and clips.



DirectStorage



If you have a sufficiently powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a way for your hardware to communicate more efficiently, leading to more performance in games. Game tolia DirectStorage is a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turning it on. However, you will be required to meet certain hardware requirements that may require an upgrade.



DirectStorage for Windows 11



DirectStorage allows your computer to communicate directly with the storage of your GPU. This eliminates the requirement for CPU decompression which is a major bottleneck in performance. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage, provided your PC is equipped with an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX2000-series or older will work.



DirectStorage can be managed by your system if you aren't sure. Click the settings tab, and then select Gaming Features. This 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 produce vivid real-looking colors. Developers have added HDR support to their games over the last few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the hue of games that don't support HDR.



The problem is that you'll need a monitor capable of HDR as well, and these are typically more expensive than regular panels. If you have an HDR-capable monitor, Windows can algorithmically enhance non-HDR games in real-time. This happens at the OS level, so developers don't have to do anything. To enable Auto HDR Go to Settings > System > Display HDR. If your monitor supports, you'll be able to switch on Auto HDR. This will also add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing worse than seeing your smooth game drop frames because your PC decided that it was time to run a heavy operation in the background. A game may be rendered unplayable if it's struggling to keep up with frame rates. 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's no hardware requirements. It can 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 an online game, Game Mode kicks in automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's also more customizable than you think. Tucked away in the menus is a widget store where you can get more items for your overlay. It's found 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 what you'll find in the store is free, however there are a few paid widgets, and overlays that work with desktop apps that are paid. The store's widgets can add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically questionable crosshair on your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. 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 app is bundled with Windows 11, and it's worth checking out even if you do not own an Xbox. It lets you buy PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than a Steam replacement with a poorer catalogue. It also serves as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is a subscription service that makes a wide selection of games available at no cost. You can install and play them for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure that there's plenty to play. Even if your GPU not the best it's possible that the Xbox app allows you to play your most loved games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month tier) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server and then streams games to your computer. The choices here aren't very large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console-based games. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, no matter the method they choose to get their gaming fix.


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