Notes

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

While gamers will enjoy an improved experience in 2022 thanks to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this, and as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows over the years. With Windows 11, there are even more gaming goodies. These 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 users quick access to useful tools by a single keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime, even if you aren't playing any 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 overlay includes widgets that allow you to record gameplay footage and control audio output as well as monitor the performance of your PC. In the settings, you can connect to your social media accounts to allow immediate sharing of your captured footage and images.



DirectStorage



If you have a powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a method to make your hardware communicate more efficiently, which means more performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage, and you don't have to do anything to enable it. However, you'll be required to meet certain requirements on your hardware, which may require an upgrade.



Windows 11 DirectStorage.



DirectStorage allows your computer to communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This eliminates the CPU decompression process that most systems require, removing an important performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage when your computer has an NVMe SD as well as an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older will work.



DirectStorage can be managed by your system if you aren't certain. Select the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This will tell you whether your GPU, software and SSD are compatible.



Auto HDR



Windows 11 Auto HDR.



Games that include HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant, realistic colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games for the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature which allows you to increase the colors of games that don't support HDR.



This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than regular panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games if you have a 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 supported by Auto HDR, you can switch on Auto HDR. This will also add an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.



Game Mode



There's nothing worse than seeing your game's smooth and silky smooth frames because something on your PC decided it was time to run a heavy operation in the background. If your PC is already struggling to keep frame rates, this 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 > Game Mode. It's just 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 won't interfere with your game. When Windows detects you're playing an online game Game Mode is activated automatically.



Game widget store



Windows 11 Game widget store.



The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's also more flexible than you'd think. There's widget stores in the menus. This allows you to purchase additional overlay items. It's located in the widget list, which is the far left button in the main bar. The widget store is located at the bottom.



The majority of the widgets available in the store are free. However there are a few paid overlays and widgets that can connect to desktop applications purchased by users. BLOG The store offers widgets that can add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen to prevent cutting, and many more. 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 application is included with Windows 11, and it's worth downloading even if don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however, it's much more than just a Steam replacement with a smaller catalog. It also functions as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.



Game Pass is an subscription service that gives you access to many games at no cost. You can install and play them for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure that there's plenty of games to play. Even if your graphics card is not the best it's possible that the Xbox app 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. While the games aren't as extensive however, you can get Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this category. So, regardless of how you get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your experience better.


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