p>While gamers will have better experiences in 2022 thanks to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this and has added numerous gaming features into Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next frag session even more enjoyable.
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p>Game Bar
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p>Windows 11 Game Bar
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p>Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows users to quickly access useful tools by pressing only one keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even when you're not in any game) by pressing Win + G. If you own an Xbox controller that's paired with your PC, pressing the Xbox button will also open the Game Bar.
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p>The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture gameplay footage, control audio output as well as monitor PC performance and much more. In the settings, you can even log in to your social media accounts for immediate sharing of your captured footage and images.
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p>DirectStorage?
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p>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 a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turn it on. You do, however, need to hit certain specifications for your hardware that may require an upgrade.
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p>DirectStorage? for Windows 11
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p>DirectStorage? allows your computer's storage (where game data is stored) to communicate directly with the GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression process that most systems require, eliminating the major bottleneck in performance. Games that use DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage? provided that your PC has an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older should work.
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p>If you're unsure if your system can handle DirectStorage? You can find out in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Select the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell whether your GPU, software and SSD are compatible.
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p>Auto HDR
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p>Windows 11 Auto HDR.
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p>Games that support HDR (high-dynamic range) can provide vivid real-looking colors. However, it has been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the last few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the colors of games that don't support HDR.
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p>The problem is that you'll require a monitor capable of HDR and HDR-capable monitors tend to be more expensive than regular panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games if you have an HDR-compatible monitor. https://thinkofdeath.co.uk/ This occurs at the OS level, meaning 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 add an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.
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p>Game Mode
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p>There's nothing worse than seeing your game's smooth and silky smooth frames because your PC decided it was the right time to perform a large operation in the background. A game may be rendered unplayable when it's struggling to keep frame rates constant. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.
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p>Windows 11 Game Mode.
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p>You'll find this feature under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's just a single toggle and there's no hardware requirements. Switch it on and Windows will not try to download or install updates in the background, and games that utilize the Windows notification system won't interfere with your game. When Windows detects you're playing an online game Game Mode is activated automatically.
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p>Game widget store
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p>Windows 11 Game widget store.
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p>The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's also more customizable than you imagine. Hidden in the menus is a widget store, where you can purchase additional items to add to your overlay. It is located in the widget list (the far-left button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.
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p>The majority of what you'll find in the store is free, but there are a few paid widgets, and overlays that can be connected to desktop applications that are paid. The store offers widgets that can add floating YouTube videos, insert an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. There are also widgets that allow you to control hardware like Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.
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p>Xbox app
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p>Windows 11 Xbox app.
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p>Ryan Whitwam
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p>Microsoft's Xbox application is compatible with Windows 11. It's worth opening even though you don't have an Xbox. It allows you to buy PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement with a poorer catalogue. It also serves as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
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p>Game Pass is an online subscription service that offers many games available for free cost. You can download and play games for as long as they're on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers such as Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty to play. Even if you don't have an expensive GPU and don't have a fancy gaming console, the Xbox application can help get your game on. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month level) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your PC. 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 go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the experience better.
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