Hey, Gamers: Don't Overlook these Killer Windows 11 Tools
While gamers will have an improved experience in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this fact, and as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows in the past. As time passes, with Windows 11, there are even more gaming-related features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even more enjoyable.
Game Bar
Windows 11 Game Bar.
Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows you to quickly access some useful tools by pressing only one keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even when you're not in any game) by pressing Win + G. If you own an Xbox controller that is connected to your PC, pressing the Xbox button will also open the Game Bar.
The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage, control audio output as well as monitor PC performance and more. You can sign into your social networks accounts from the settings and upload and share your photos and videos immediately.
DirectStorage
Microsoft has created a way for your hardware to communicate better with each other, which could improve performance in games. DirectStorage is a program that doesn't require you to do anything other than turning it on. However, you will need to meet certain requirements for your hardware that could require an upgrade.
DirectStorage for Windows 11
DirectStorage lets your computer communicate directly with the GPU's storage. This removes the necessity for CPU decompression which is a major performance bottleneck. Games with DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage as long as your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.
DirectStorage is 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 GPU, software, and SSD are compatible.
Auto HDR
Windows 11 Auto HDR.
Games that include HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant real-looking colors. It's been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature which allows you to increase the hue of games that don't support HDR.
This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than standard panels. Windows can use algorithms to enhance non HDR games provided you have an HDR compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don't need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is supported by HDR, you'll be able flip on Auto HDR. This will also add an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.
Game Mode
There's nothing more frustrating than watching your silky smooth game drop frames because something on your PC decided it was time to start a massive operation in the background. A game can be rendered unplayable if it's struggling to maintain frame rates. Windows 11 has a way to fix this, and it's called Game Mode.
Windows 11 Game Mode
This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This toggle is a single one and does not require any additional hardware. Flip 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 interrupt your game. When Windows detects you're playing an online game Game Mode is activated automatically.
Game widget store
Windows 11 Game Widget Store
Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first starts, it's much more customizable than you might think. Hidden in the menus is a widget store where you can purchase additional items to add to your overlay. It's located in the widget list, which is located on the leftmost button on the main bar. In the very lower end, you'll find the widget store.
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. You can add floating YouTube videos to your screen, insert an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen, and a myriad of other widgets. There are also dedicated widgets for hardware like EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers.
Xbox app
Windows 11 Xbox app.
Ryan Whitwam
Microsoft's Xbox application is compatible with Windows 11. It's worth opening even though you don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft but it's much more than just a Steam replacement that has a less than stellar catalog. It also serves as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.
Game Pass is an online subscription service that provides a wide range of games at no additional cost. You can install and play games for as long as they're on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers such as Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard to ensure there's plenty to play. Even if your GPU is not the most powerful it's possible that the Xbox application will allow you to play your favorite games. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month tier) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams games to your PC. Although the games available aren't a lot, you can find Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this tier. So, no matter the method you choose to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your experience more enjoyable.