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 well aware of this, and as a result it has integrated a lot of gaming features into Windows over the years. With Windows 11, there are even more gaming-related features. https://minecraft-server-list.live/ Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even better.
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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 access useful tools by pressing only one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time, even if you aren't playing an online game. This can be done by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is connected to your computer, press the Xbox button.
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p>The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to record gameplay footage control audio output, and monitor the performance of your PC. In the settings, you can even connect to your social media accounts to allow immediate sharing of your captured images and clips.
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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, leading to improved performance in games. It's called DirectStorage? and you don't have to perform anything to activate it. However, you will need to hit certain hardware specs that might necessitate an upgrade.
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p>DirectStorage? for Windows 11
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p>DirectStorage? allows your computer's storage (where the game's data is) to communicate directly with the GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that many systems require, which eliminates a major performance bottleneck. Games that use DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage? provided your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older will work.
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p>DirectStorage? can be managed by your system in case you aren't sure. Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will tell 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) will produce more vibrant, realistic colors. It's been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors with a feature called Auto HDR.
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p>The catch here is that you'll require an LCD that can support HDR and HDR-capable monitors tend to be more expensive than conventional panels. Windows can use algorithms to enhance non HDR games if you have an HDR compatible monitor. This happens at the OS level, so developers don't need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor supports by HDR, you'll be able flip on Auto HDR. This will also add 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. A game can become unplayable if it is struggling to maintain frame rates. Windows 11 has a way to fix this and it's known as 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. This toggle is only one that doesn't require any additional hardware. It can be turned off and Windows will not attempt to install or download updates in the background. Applications that utilize the Windows notification system won't interfere with your game. Game Mode swings into action 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 more flexible than you'd think. In the menus is a widget store, where you can get more 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 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 offers widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, insert an ethically questionable crosshair on your screen to prevent sniping, and much more. There are also widgets specifically designed for hardware like 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 purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement that has a lower catalog. It also acts as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
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p>Game Pass is an subscription service that gives you access to many games for no cost. You can install and play these games for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers such as Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure that there's plenty of games to play. Even even if you don't have a fancy GPU and don't have a fancy gaming console, the Xbox application can help you get your game on. 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 PC. Although the games available aren't a lot but you can find Halo Infinite as well as Forza Horizon 5 on this tier. So, no matter what method you use to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that can make your experience better.
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