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

The future is brighter for gamers running Apple macOS and Linux however Windows remains the top PC operating system for games. Microsoft is aware of this and has added a variety of gaming features into Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming goodies. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next flutter session 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 a single keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even if you're not playing any 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, manage audio output as well as monitor PC performance and much more. You can sign in to your social networks from the settings to share your photos and videos instantly.



DirectStorage



If you have a powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a way your hardware can communicate more efficiently, which means better performance in games. 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 requirements for your hardware that could require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage lets your computer's storage (where game data lives) to directly connect to the GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that most systems require, eliminating a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage as long as your PC is equipped with an NVMe SD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.



DirectStorage is handled by your system in case you are unsure. Select the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell you whether your gaming software or GPU, as well as SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that support HDR (high dynamic range) can produce more vibrant, realistic colors. Developers have added HDR support to their games over the recent years. If you're playing a video game that doesn't support HDR, Windows 11 can nevertheless boost the colors by enabling Auto HDR.



This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than standard panels. Windows can enhance algorithmically non HDR games provided you have a compatible monitor. This happens at the OS level, meaning that developers don't need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is supported, you'll be able to turn on Auto HDR. This will also add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There is nothing worse than watching your game suddenly lose frames due to a background operation. If your PC is struggling to keep frame rates, it could make a game unplayable. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.



Windows 11 Game Mode



This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. It's just a single toggle and there are no 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 use the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. When Windows detects that you're playing a 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 more customizable than you imagine. There's a widget store in the menus. This allows you to purchase more overlay items. It is located in the widget list (the leftmost button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.



Most of what you'll find in the store is free, but there are a few paid widgets, and overlays that work with paid desktop apps. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, add an ethically questionable crosshair to your screen, and many more widgets. There are also dedicated widgets for hardware like EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox application comes with Windows 11. Game aff It's worth opening even though you don't own an Xbox. It lets you buy PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than an Steam replacement with a poorer catalogue. It also functions as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an online subscription service that provides an array of games for no cost. You can download and play games for as long as they're on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure there's plenty of games to play. Even even if you don't have an impressive GPU or a gaming console, the Xbox application can help you to get your game going. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per month tier, features Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on an external server and then streams them to your PC. The choices here aren't very wide, but there's Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console games. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, regardless of how they are able to get their gaming fix.


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