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Hey Gamers: Don't Forget these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will enjoy better experiences in 2022 thanks to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this advantage and has added numerous gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming goodies. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next game 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 a simple keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime even if you're not playing any game. It can be opened by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is paired with your computer, press the Xbox button.



The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage as well as control audio output and monitor the performance of your PC. In the settings, you can even connect to your social media accounts to allow instant sharing of your captured videos and images.



DirectStorage



Microsoft has developed a method for your hardware to communicate more effectively with each other, which will result in improved performance in games. DirectStorage is a program that doesn't require you to do anything more than turning it on. However, you do need to hit certain specifications on your hardware that could require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage allows your computer to communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This removes the CPU decompression process that many systems require, which eliminates a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage when your computer is equipped with an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia's RTX2000-series or older should work.



DirectStorage is handled by your system if you aren't sure. 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 include HDR (high dynamic range) can produce more vibrant realistic colors. However, it has been a rarity for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the hue of games that don't support HDR.



This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than standard panels. If you have a compatible monitor, Windows can enhance games that aren't HDR on the fly. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor supports by Auto HDR, you can switch on Auto HDR. This will add an HDR intensity slider in 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 run a heavy operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to maintain frame rates, this can render a game unplayable. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.



Windows 11 Game Mode



You'll find this feature under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This toggle is a simple one that doesn't require any special hardware. It can be turned off and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background. Applications that make use of the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. Game Mode swings into action automatically when Windows detects that you're playing an online game.



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 an inventory of widgets in the menus. This allows you to purchase more overlay items. It's located in the widget list (the far-left button on your main bar). Near the lower end, you'll find the widget store.



The majority of the content in the store is free, but there are some paid widgets, as well as overlays that connect to desktop applications that are paid. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, or add an ethically questionable crosshair to your screen, and many other widgets. 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.



Ryan Whitwam



Microsoft's Xbox app comes with Windows 11. It's worth exploring even if you don't own an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. Needrealtor It also functions as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an subscription service that gives you access to an array of games at no additional cost. You can install and play them for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers such as Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure that there's plenty of games to play. Even if your GPU not the best, the Xbox application lets you play your favorite games. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per-month tier, includes Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on a remote server and streams them to your PC. The games available here aren't particularly large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. So, no matter how you go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the gaming experience better.


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