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Hey Gamers: Don't Get Lost in these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will enjoy better experiences 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 result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows over the years. With Windows 11 and Windows 11, there are even more gaming goodies. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next frag session even better.



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. You can access the Game Bar at any time (even if you're not playing an online game) by pressing Win + G. If you own an Xbox controller paired with your PC, pressing the Xbox button will do the same.



The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage, control audio output and monitor PC performance and much more. You can sign in to your social networks accounts from the settings and upload and share your photos and videos instantly.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has come up with a method for your hardware to communicate more efficiently with each other, which could result in improved performance in games. DirectStorage is a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turning it on. However, you'll need to meet certain requirements on your hardware, which may require an upgrade.



DirectStorage for Windows 11



DirectStorage allows your computer to communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that most systems require, removing the major bottleneck in performance. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage when your computer has an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later should work.



If you're unsure if your system can handle DirectStorage You can check it out using the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click on the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your gaming software, GPU and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that support HDR (high-dynamic range) can provide vivid, more realistic colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games for the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature which allows you to increase the hue of games that don't support HDR.



The problem is that you'll need a monitor that supports HDR, and those are typically more expensive than conventional panels. If you have a compatible monitor, Windows can enhance non-HDR games in real-time. This occurs at the OS level so developers don’t need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled when your monitor supports it. This will also add an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing worse than seeing your game suddenly lose frames due to a background task. If your PC is already struggling to maintain frame rates, it could render a game inaccessible. Windows 11 has a way to stop that, and it's called Game Mode.



Windows 11 Game Mode



You'll find this feature under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's a single switch, and there are no specific hardware requirements. It can be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Apps that use the Windows notification system won't interfere with your game. When Windows detects you're playing in a game Game Mode is activated automatically.
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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. You'll find a widget store in the menus. This lets you buy more overlay items. It is located in the widget list (the far-left button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.



The majority of what you'll find in the store is free, but there are some paid widgets, and overlays that work with paid desktop apps. The store has widgets that can be used to add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and more. 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 included with Windows 11, and it's worth opening even if you don't have an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however, it's much more than just 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 provides a wide selection of games available at no cost. You can download and play them for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty of games to play. Even even if you don't have an impressive GPU, the Xbox application can help you to get your game going. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month level) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server and streams games to your computer. The selection here isn't especially broad, but you've got Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. So, regardless of what method you use to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the experience better.


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