Notes

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

It's a better time for gamers running Apple macOS and even Linux however Windows remains the top PC operating system for games. Microsoft is well aware of this fact and, as a result it has integrated a lot of gaming features into Windows over the years. With Windows 11 and Windows 11, there are more gaming features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your 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 by a single keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time even when you're not playing a game. This can be done by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is connected to your computer, press the Xbox button.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to record gameplay footage as well as control audio output and monitor the performance of your PC. You can sign in to your social media accounts via the settings and share your images and clips immediately.



DirectStorage



If you own a powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a way your hardware can communicate more efficiently, which means more performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage, and you don't need to do anything to turn it on. However, you do have to meet certain specifications on your hardware that could necessitate an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage lets your computer's storage (where game data is stored) to directly communicate with the GPU. This will eliminate the necessity for CPU decompression which is a major bottleneck in performance. Games running DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage provided that your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.



If you're unsure if your system is capable of handling DirectStorage you can check it out using the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you whether your computer or GPU and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that have HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant real-looking colors. However, it's been relatively rare for developers to include HDR support in the last few years. If you're playing a game which does not support HDR, Windows 11 can nevertheless boost the colors by enabling Auto HDR.



This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than regular panels. If you have an HDR-compatible monitor Windows can algorithmically enhance games that aren't HDR in real-time. This happens at the OS level, which means that developers don't have to do anything. To enable Auto HDR, go to Settings > System > Display HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled when your monitor supports it. This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There is nothing worse than seeing your game suddenly drop frames because of a background process. If your PC is already 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 accessible under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. It's a single toggle, and there are no specific hardware requirements. It can be turned on and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background. Apps that use the Windows notification system will not interrupt your game. Game Mode kicks in automatically when Windows detects you're running an activity.



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. You will find widget stores in the menus. This lets you buy more overlay items. It's found in the widget list, which is the far left button in the main bar. The widget store is located at the bottom.



Most of what you'll find in the store is free, however there are some paid widgets, as well as overlays that work with paid desktop apps. The store offers widgets that can be used to add floating YouTube videos, insert an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. You'll also find dedicated widgets for hardware such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.



Xbox app



Windows 11 Xbox app.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox application is compatible with Windows 11. Souldevteam It's worth exploring even if you don't have an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also serves as the central point of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an subscription service that gives you access to many games for no cost. You can download and play them for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty of games to play. Even if your GPU is not the most powerful and you don't have the best gaming experience, the Xbox application will allow you to play your most loved games. 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. Although the selection isn't huge but you can find Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this tier. So, no matter how you are able to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your gaming experience better.


Website: https://www.souldevteam.net/