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Gamers, don't Forget these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have better experiences in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most ideal operating system for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this and has added numerous gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next game even more enjoyable.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar.



Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows you to quickly access some useful tools by pressing one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime, even if you aren't playing an online game. This can be done by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is linked 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 log in to your social networks accounts from the settings and share your images and clips immediately.



DirectStorage



If you have a sufficiently powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a way your hardware can communicate more efficiently, which results in better performance in games. DirectStorage is an application that doesn't require you to do anything more than turn it on. However, you'll need to meet certain hardware requirements that might require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage lets your computer directly connect to the storage of your GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that most systems require, removing an important performance bottleneck. Games with DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage as long as your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older should work.



DirectStorage can be managed by your system if you are unsure. Select the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you whether your gaming software, GPU, and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that support HDR (high dynamic range) can produce more vibrant, realistic colors. However, it's only been common for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a video game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still boost the color with a feature known as Auto HDR.



The problem is that you'll require a monitor capable of HDR and HDR-capable monitors tend to be more expensive than conventional panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games provided you have an HDR compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level, which means that developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled when your monitor supports it. This will add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing more frustrating than watching your game suddenly stop playing due to a background task. If your PC is struggling to maintain frame rates, this can render a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to prevent this from happening and is known as Game Mode.



Windows 11 Game Mode



This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's just a single toggle and there aren't any specific hardware requirements. It is able to be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Apps that make use of the Windows notification system will not interfere with your game. Game Mode swings into action automatically when Windows detects you're running an online game.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first launches but it's far more customizable than you might think. Hidden in the menus is a widget store, where you can get more items to add to your overlay. It's located in the widget list (the leftmost button on the main bar). In the very lower end, you'll find the widget store.



The majority of the widgets that you'll find in this store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets that connect to paid desktop applications. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, add an ethically questionable crosshair on your screen, and many other widgets. 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.
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Microsoft's Xbox application is available with Windows 11, and it's worth opening even if you don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than a Steam replacement that has a lower catalogue. It also serves as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an online subscription service that provides many games at no cost. You can download and play these as long as they are on Game Pass. Microsoft has also purchased publishers like Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure that there is plenty to pick from. 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, a $15 per-month tier, includes Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on remote servers and then streams games to your personal computer. The selection here isn't especially broad, but you've got Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. So, no matter the method you choose to are able to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to help make the experience better.


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