p>The future is brighter for those who play on Apple macOS and even Linux, but Windows remains the most reliable PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this advantage, and as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows in the past. As time passes, with Windows 11, there are more gaming features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even better.
/p>
p>Game Bar
/p>
p>Windows 11 Game Bar
/p>
p>Windows 11 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving you access to a variety of useful tools by a single keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even if you're not playing a game) by pressing Win + G. If you're using an Xbox controller paired with your PC, tapping the Xbox button will also open the Game Bar.
/p>
p>The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage and control audio output as well as monitor your PC's performance. In the settings, you can even log in to your social media accounts to allow immediate sharing of your recorded videos and images.
/p>
p>DirectStorage?
/p>
p>Microsoft has come up with a method for your hardware to communicate more efficiently with each other, which can result in better performance in games. It's called DirectStorage?, and you don't need to perform anything to enable it. However, you will need to hit certain hardware specs that might require an upgrade.
/p>
p>DirectStorage? for Windows 11
/p>
p>DirectStorage? allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to directly communicate with the GPU. This eliminates the need for CPU decompression, which is a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage?, provided your PC has an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX2000-series or older should work.
/p>
p>DirectStorage? is handled by your system if you aren't certain. Click the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell you whether your computer, GPU, and SSD are compatible.
/p>
p>Auto HDR
/p>
p>Windows 11 Auto HDR.
/p>
p>Games that have HDR (high-dynamic range) can provide vivid and more realistic colors. However, it's been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a video game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors by enabling Auto HDR.
/p>
p>The problem is that you'll require an LCD that can support HDR as well, and these are usually more expensive than conventional panels. If you own an HDR-compatible monitor, Windows can enhance non-HDR games on the fly. This happens at the OS level, so developers don't need to do anything. https://talkegypt.net/ Go to Settings > System > HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled when your monitor supports it. This will also add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.
/p>
p>Game Mode
/p>
p>There's nothing worse than seeing your smooth and smooth game lose frames because your PC decided it was the right time to start a massive operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to keep up with frame rates, it could make a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to prevent this from happening, and it's known as Game Mode.
/p>
p>Windows 11 Game Mode.
/p>
p>You'll find this feature under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's a single toggle, and there are no specific hardware requirements. It is able to be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Applications that make use of the Windows notification system will not interfere with your game. When Windows detects that you are playing a game Game Mode is activated automatically.
/p>
p>Game widget store
/p>
p>Windows 11 Game Widget Store
/p>
p>The Game Bar has plenty of functionality when you first open it, but it's much more customizable than you imagine. There's a widget store in the menus. This allows you to purchase additional overlay items. It's located in the widget list (the far-left button on the main bar). The widget store is at the bottom.
/p>
p>The majority of the widgets you'll find in the store are free. However, there are some paid overlays and widgets that can connect to paid desktop applications. The store's widgets allow you to add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and more. You'll also find dedicated widgets for hardware such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.
/p>
p>Xbox app
/p>
p>Windows 11 Xbox app.
/p>
p>Ryan Whitwam
/p>
p>Microsoft's Xbox app is bundled with Windows 11, and it's worth checking out even if you don't have an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also serves as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
/p>
p>Game Pass is a subscription service that offers many games at 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 that there's plenty to play. Even if your GPU is not the best, the Xbox app will allow you to play your most-loved games. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15-per-month tier, comes with Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on a remote server and streams them to your computer. The choices here aren't very large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console games. So, no matter what method you use to go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something to make the gaming experience better.
/p>
