p>While gamers will enjoy better experiences in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is aware of this fact and as a consequence it has added a variety of gaming features into Windows over the years-on Windows 11 There are even more gaming goodies. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session 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 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving you quick access to some useful tools by a single keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time, even if you aren't playing an online game. You can do this by pressing Win + G. If your Xbox controller is paired with your computer, simply tap the Xbox button.
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p>The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture video footage of your gaming, control audio output as well as monitor PC performance and much more. You can log into your social media accounts via the settings and share your photos and videos instantly.
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p>DirectStorage?
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p>Microsoft has developed a method for your hardware to communicate better with each other, which could result in better performance in games. DirectStorage? is a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turn it on. However, you'll need to meet certain hardware requirements that may 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 storage of your GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression process that most systems require, eliminating a major performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage? when your computer has an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 cards or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.
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p>If you're not sure if your system is capable of handling DirectStorage?, you can find out in the previously mentioned Game Bar. Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell whether your gaming 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 have HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid real-looking colors. It's been relatively rare for developers to include HDR support in the last few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the colors of games that do not support HDR.
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p>This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than standard panels. If you have a compatible monitor, Windows can algorithmically enhance non-HDR games on the fly. This happens 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 supports by HDR, you'll be able turn on Auto HDR. This will include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.
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p>Game Mode
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p>There's nothing more frustrating than having your game suddenly lose frames due to a background operation. If your PC is struggling to keep frame rates, this could make a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to prevent this from happening and is called Game Mode.
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p>Windows 11 Game Mode.
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p>This feature is located under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This toggle is a simple one that doesn't require any additional hardware. It can be turned off and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Apps that use the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. When Windows detects that you're playing a 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>Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first launches It's a lot more customizable than you might think. There's a widget store in the menus. This lets you buy more overlay items. It is located in the widget list (the leftmost button on the main bar). Near the bottom, you'll find the widget store.
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p>The majority of the widgets available in this store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets that connect to paid desktop applications. The store has widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically dubious crosshair onto your screen to prevent sniping, and more. There are also widgets that can be used 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 comes with Windows 11. It's worth exploring even if you don't own an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalogue. It also serves as the central point of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
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p>Game Pass is a subscription service that offers a wide range of games at no additional cost. You can download and play them for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty to play. https://minecraft-servers.biz/ Even if your GPU not the best and you don't have the best gaming experience, the Xbox app will allow you to play your favorite games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month price point) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your PC. Although the selection isn't huge but you can find Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this level. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, regardless of how they get their gaming fix.
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