Notes

Gamers, don't Forget these Killer Windows 11 Tools

Life is better in 2022 for gamers on Apple macOS and Linux, but Windows remains the top PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this advantage and has added a variety of gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even more enjoyable.



Game Bar



Windows 11 Game Bar.



Windows 11 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving users quick access to useful tools with just a keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even even if you're not playing an online game) by pressing Win + G. If you own an Xbox controller that's paired with your PC, pressing the Xbox button will do the same.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that let you capture gameplay footage, control audio output and check the performance of your PC. You can sign in to your social networks accounts from the settings and upload and share your photos and videos immediately.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has created a way for your hardware to communicate more effectively with each other, which will result in better performance in games. DirectStorage is an application that doesn't need you to do anything more than turn it on. However, you will have to meet certain hardware requirements that might require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage allows your computer to communicate directly with the storage of your GPU. This removes the necessity for CPU decompression which is a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage, provided your PC is equipped with an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.



If you're not sure if your system can handle DirectStorage You can check it out using the previously mentioned Game Bar. Select the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your computer, 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 added HDR support to their games for the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the colors of games that don't support HDR.



This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than conventional panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games if you have an HDR-compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level so developers don’t need to do anything. To enable Auto HDR, go to Settings > System > Display > HDR. If your monitor is compatible by HDR, you'll be able switch on Auto HDR. Worstlies This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



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



Windows 11 Game Mode



This feature is accessible under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. This toggle is only one and doesn't require any additional hardware. It can 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 interrupt your game. When Windows detects that you are playing a game Game Mode is activated automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



The Game Bar has plenty of capabilities when you first open it, but it's much more customizable than you imagine. You will find a widget store in the menus. This lets you purchase additional overlay items. It's in the widget list, which is located on the far-left button in 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, as well as overlays that can be connected to desktop apps that are paid. The store's widgets allow you to add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. There are also widgets that allow you to control hardware such as Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



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



Game Pass is a subscription service that offers many games for no cost. You can download and play games for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure there's plenty of games to play. Even if your GPU not the most powerful and you don't have the best gaming experience, the Xbox app will allow you to play your most-loved games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month price point) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server and streams games to your computer. Although the games available aren't a lot however, you can get Halo Infinite as well as Forza Horizon 5 on this level. So, regardless of how you get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your gaming experience better.


Website: https://worstlies.com/