Notes

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

The future is brighter for gamers running Apple macOS and Linux, but Windows remains the best PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this advantage and has added a variety of gaming features into Windows over the years. All about minecraft servers and minecraft in general Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session 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 with only one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime, even if you aren't playing a game. It can be opened by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is paired with your computer, simply tap the Xbox button.



The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that let you capture video footage of your gaming, control audio output as well as monitor PC performance and more. You can log into your social media accounts via the settings to share your images and clips immediately.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has created a way for your hardware to communicate more effectively with each other, which could improve performance in games. DirectStorage is a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turn it on. However, you'll be required to meet certain hardware requirements that may require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to communicate directly with the GPU. This removes the need for CPU decompression, which is a major performance bottleneck. Games with 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 RTX2000 series or older should work.



If you're not sure if your system can handle DirectStorage, you will find out this information in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Select the settings menu, and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell you if your software, GPU, and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that include HDR (high-dynamic range) can provide vivid real-looking colors. However, it has been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the last few years. If you're playing a game which doesn't support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors by using a feature called Auto HDR.



The catch is that you'll need an LCD that can support HDR, and those are usually more expensive than standard panels. If you have a compatible monitor, Windows can automatically enhance games that don't have HDR on the fly. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don't have to do anything. To enable Auto HDR Go to Settings > System > Display > HDR. If your monitor is supported by Auto HDR, you can flip on Auto HDR. This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing more frustrating than watching your game's smooth and silky smooth frames because your PC decided that it was time to perform a large operation in the background. If your PC is already struggling to maintain frame rates, it could make a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to fix this and it's called 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 install or download updates in the background. Applications that utilize the Windows notification system won't interfere with your game. Game Mode swings into action automatically when Windows detects that you're playing an activity.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



While the Game Bar is very functional when it first starts but it's far more customizable than you might think. Tucked away in the menus is a widget store, where you can buy more widgets to add to your overlay. It's in the widget list, which is the leftmost button on the main bar. In the very bottom, you'll see the widget store.



The majority of the widgets available in this store are free. However, there are some paid overlays and widgets which can connect to paid desktop applications. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, add an ethically questionable crosshair to your screen, and a myriad of other widgets. There are also widgets specifically designed for hardware such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.



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 own an Xbox. It allows you to buy PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however, it's much more than an Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also serves as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is a subscription service that offers a wide range of games at no cost. You can download and play these as long as they are on Game Pass. Microsoft has purchased publishers like Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure that there is plenty to select from. Even you don't own an impressive GPU, the Xbox application can help you get your game on. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month price point) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your PC. Although the selection isn't huge but you can find Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this level. So, no matter the method you choose to go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the experience more enjoyable.


Website: https://www.nfo.so/