p>The future is brighter for gamers running Apple macOS and Linux however Windows remains the best PC operating system for games. Microsoft is aware of this and has added a variety of gaming features into 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 ships with the Game Bar preloaded, giving you access to a variety of useful tools with a simple 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 do the same. http://www.bcsnerie.com/members/checksalad86/activity/3280785/ </p>
p>The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that help you capture gameplay footage, control audio output and monitor PC performance and much more. You can log into your social networks accounts from the settings to share your images and clips instantly.
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p>DirectStorage?
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p>If you have a sufficiently powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a method to make your hardware communicate more efficiently, which results in improved performance in games. It's known as DirectStorage?, and you don't need do anything to enable it. However, you'll be required to meet certain requirements on your hardware, which may require an upgrade.
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p>Windows 11 DirectStorage?.
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p>DirectStorage? allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to directly communicate with the GPU. This cuts out the decompression process CPUs most systems require, eliminating the major bottleneck in performance. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage? as long as your computer has an NVMe SD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older will work.
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p>DirectStorage? can be handled by your system, if you aren∏t sure. Select the settings menu, and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your gaming software or 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) will produce more vibrant realistic colors. Developers have added HDR support to their games over the past few years. If you're playing a game which does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors by using a feature called Auto HDR.
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p>The catch here is that you'll require a monitor capable of HDR as well, and these tend to be more expensive than conventional panels. If you own an HDR-compatible monitor, Windows can enhance games that aren't HDR on the fly. This occurs at the OS level, so developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is supported by Auto HDR, you can flip on Auto HDR. This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.
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p>Game Mode
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p>There's nothing worse than seeing your game suddenly lose frames because of a background process. A game may become unplayable if it is struggling to keep frame rates constant. Windows 11 has a way to prevent this from happening and it's called Game Mode.
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p>Windows 11 Game Mode.
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p>This feature can be found under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. It's a single switch, and there are no specific hardware requirements. Turn it on, and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background, and apps that utilize the Windows notification system won't disrupt your game. Game Mode kicks in automatically when Windows detects you're running a game.
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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 functionality when you first open it, but it's also more customizable than you imagine. There's an inventory of widgets in the menus. This allows you to purchase additional overlay items. It's found in the widget list, which is located on the far left button in the main bar. Near the lower end, you'll find the widget store.
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p>The majority of the widgets available in the store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets which can connect to desktop applications purchased by users. The store offers widgets that can be used to add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically questionable crosshair on your screen for no-scope sniping, and much more. There are also dedicated widgets for specific 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 compatible with Windows 11. It's worth exploring even if you don't own 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 functions as the central point of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
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p>Game Pass is a subscription service that provides many games available at no cost. You can install and play games for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure there's plenty of games to play. Even if you don't have an expensive GPU, the Xbox application can help you 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 games to your computer. The games available here aren't particularly wide, but there's Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console-based games. So, no matter how you are able to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your gaming experience better.
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