p>Life is better in 2022 for those who play on Apple macOS and Linux, but Windows remains the most reliable PC operating system for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this and has included many gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make you 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 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 own an Xbox controller that's paired with your PC, tapping the Xbox button will do the same.
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p>The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture gameplay footage, manage audio output, monitor PC performance, and more. In the settings, you can connect to your social media accounts for instant sharing of your captured footage and images.
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p>DirectStorage?
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p>If you own a powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a way your hardware can communicate more efficiently, leading to more performance in games. It's called DirectStorage?, and you don't have to do anything to turn it on. You do, however, need to hit certain specifications on your hardware that could require an upgrade.
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p>DirectStorage? for Windows 11
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p>DirectStorage? allows your computer to communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This removes the decompression step CPUs many systems require, which eliminates an important performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage? as long as your PC is equipped with an NVMe SD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.
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p>If you aren't sure whether your system is capable of handling DirectStorage? You can find out in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click on the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know if your software, GPU 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 include HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid real-looking colors. Developers have added HDR support to their games for the recent years. If you're playing a game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still boost the color by enabling Auto HDR.
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p>The problem is that you'll need an LCD that can support HDR and HDR-capable monitors are usually more expensive than conventional panels. If you have an HDR-compatible monitor, Windows can automatically enhance games that don't have HDR in real-time. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don't need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. Auto HDR will be enabled if your monitor supports it. This will include an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.
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p>Game Mode
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p>There's nothing more frustrating than watching your silky smooth game drop frames because your PC decided that it was time to perform a large operation in the background. https://minecraftservers.monster/ If your PC is struggling to keep up with frame rates, this could render a game unplayable. 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. This toggle is a single one and doesn't require any special hardware. It can be turned off 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 you're playing an online game, Game Mode kicks in 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 more customizable than you imagine. You will find a widget store in the menus. This allows you to purchase more overlay items. It's located in the widget list, which is located on the leftmost button in the main bar. At the very bottom, you'll see the widget store.
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p>The majority of the widgets you'll find in this store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets that connect to desktop applications purchased by users. The store offers widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. There are also widgets specifically designed for hardware such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.
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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 included with Windows 11, and it's worth downloading even if don't own an Xbox. It allows you to buy PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than an Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also serves as the hub of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
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p>Game Pass is an online subscription service that offers a wide selection of games available at no cost. You can download and play these for as long as they're on Game Pass. Microsoft has also purchased publishers such as Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure there are plenty of games to pick from. Even if you don't have an expensive GPU or a gaming console, the Xbox application can help you get your game on. 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 however, you can get 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 experience more enjoyable.
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