Notes

Gamers, don't Forget these Amazing Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have a better life in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this and, as a consequence it has added a variety of gaming features into Windows over the years-on Windows 11, there are even more gaming-related features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make you 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 anytime, even if you aren't playing an online game. It can be opened by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is connected to your computer, simply tap the Xbox button.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage, control audio output and monitor the performance of your PC. You can log in to your social media accounts via the settings and upload and share your photos and videos immediately.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has come up with a way for your hardware to communicate more efficiently with each other, which will improve performance in games. It's called DirectStorage, and you don't need perform anything to activate it. However, you do have to meet certain specifications on your hardware that could necessitate an upgrade.



DirectStorage for Windows 11



DirectStorage allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to communicate directly with the GPU. This cuts out the decompression step CPUs most systems require, eliminating an important performance bottleneck. Games running DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage as long as your PC has an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia's RTX2000-series or older should work.



DirectStorage is handled by your system if you aren't certain. Click on the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell you whether your gaming software GPU, software, and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that have HDR (high-dynamic range) can produce vivid and more realistic colors. It's been relatively rare 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 nevertheless boost the colors with a feature called Auto HDR.



This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than conventional panels. If you have an HDR-compatible monitor Windows can enhance games that don't have HDR in real time. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is supported by Auto HDR, you can flip 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 and smooth game lose frames because something on your PC decided that it was time to run a heavy operation in the background. If your PC is already struggling to maintain frame rates, this could make a game unplayable. Minecraft Windows 11 has a way to prevent this from happening and it's called Game Mode.



Windows 11 Game Mode.



This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This toggle is only one and doesn't require any special hardware. It can be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Applications that make use of the Windows notification system will not interfere with your game. Game Mode is activated automatically when Windows detects you're running an activity.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game Widget Store



The Game Bar has plenty of functionality when you first open it, but it's much more customizable than you imagine. Hidden in the menus is a widget store, where you can buy more widgets for your overlay. It is located in the widget list (the left-most button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.



Most of what you'll find in the store is free, however there are a few paid widgets, as well as overlays that connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store offers widgets that can be used to add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope cutting, and many 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 application is included with Windows 11, and it's worth checking out even if you don't have an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement with a poorer catalog. It also acts as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is a subscription service that offers many games for free. You can download and play them whenever they are on Game Pass. Microsoft has also bought publishers such as Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure there is plenty to pick from. Even even if you don't have an impressive GPU and don't have a fancy gaming console, the Xbox app can help get your game on. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per month tier, features Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on a remote server and streams them to your computer. While the games aren't as extensive, you can find Halo Infinite as well as Forza Horizon 5 on this tier. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, no matter how they get their gaming fix.


My Website: https://bagauc.com/