Hey, Gamers: Don't Overlook these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have better experiences in 2022 thanks to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this and, as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows over the years-on Windows 11, there are even more gaming-related features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next game even more enjoyable.

Game Bar

Windows 11 Game Bar

Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows users to access useful tools by pressing one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened anytime, 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, tap the Xbox button.

The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that let you record gameplay footage and control audio output as well as check the performance of your PC. You can log in to your social networks from the settings and share your images and clips instantly.

DirectStorage

If you have a sufficiently powerful PC, Microsoft has devised a way for your hardware to communicate more efficiently, which results in better performance in games. DirectStorage is an application that doesn't require you to do anything other than turning it on. However, you'll be required to meet certain requirements for your hardware that could require an upgrade.

DirectStorage for Windows 11

DirectStorage allows your computer's memory (where the game's data is) to communicate directly with the GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that many systems require, which eliminates the major bottleneck in performance. DirectX 12 games can take advantage DirectStorage, provided your PC has an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later will work.
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DirectStorage is handled by your system, if you aren’t sure. Click on the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you whether your computer 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. However, it's been relatively rare for developers to incorporate HDR support in the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that lets you boost the hue of games that don't support HDR.

This is due to the fact that HDR monitors are more expensive than regular panels. Windows can algorithmically enhance non HDR games when you have an HDR-compatible monitor. 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 Auto HDR, you can turn on Auto HDR. This will include an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.

Game Mode

There's nothing worse than seeing your silky smooth game drop frames because your PC decided that it was time to run a heavy operation in the background. If your PC is struggling to maintain frame rates, this could render a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to stop that and is known as Game Mode.

Windows 11 Game Mode.

This feature can be found under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. This toggle is a single one and doesn't require any additional hardware. Flip it on, and Windows will not try to download or install updates in the background, and applications that use the Windows notification system won't disrupt your game. When Windows detects that you're playing in a game Game Mode is activated automatically.

Game widget store

Windows 11 Game Widget Store

The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's more customizable than you think. There's an inventory of widgets in the menus. This allows you to purchase additional overlay items. It's in the widget list, which is located on the leftmost button in the main bar. The widget store is at the bottom.

The majority of the widgets that you'll find in this store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets that can connect to paid desktop applications. The store's widgets allow you to add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope sniping, and much more. There are also widgets that can be used to control hardware like Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.

Xbox app

Windows 11 Xbox app.

Ryan Whitwam

Microsoft's Xbox app comes with Windows 11. It's worth opening even though you don't have 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 lower catalogue. It also functions as the hub of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.

Game Pass is a subscription service that provides the most diverse selection of games accessible at no cost. You can download and play these games for the duration of Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers such as Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty of games to play. Even if you don't have an expensive GPU, the Xbox app can help to get your game going. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per-month tier, includes Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on an external server and streams them to your computer. The choices here aren't very broad, but you've got Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console-based games. So, regardless of what method you use to are able to get your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that will make your gaming experience better.