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Gamers, don't Overlook these Powerful Windows 11 Tools Life is better in 2022 for those who play on Apple macOS and Linux but Windows remains the best PC operating system for games. Microsoft is aware of this advantage and has added numerous gaming features into Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. These are the Windows 11 features that will make your next flutter session even more enjoyable. Game Bar Windows 11 Game Bar Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows users to access useful tools with only one keystroke. You can access the Game Bar at any time (even even if you're not playing an online game) by pressing Win + G. If you're using an Xbox controller paired with your PC, pressing the Xbox button will also open the Game Bar. The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage control audio output, and monitor the performance of your PC. In the settings, you can even connect to your social media accounts for instant sharing of your captured footage and images. DirectStorage Microsoft has developed a method for your hardware to communicate more effectively with each other, which could improve performance in games. It's called DirectStorage and you don't have to do anything to turn it on. However, you will need to hit certain specifications on your hardware that could necessitate an upgrade. DirectStorage for Windows 11 DirectStorage allows your computer's storage (where the game's data is) to communicate directly with the GPU. This removes the necessity for CPU decompression which is a major performance bottleneck. Games running DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage provided your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card, or Nvidia RTX2000 series or older will work. DirectStorage can be handled by your system if you aren't sure. Select the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This will let you know whether your GPU, software and SSD are compatible. Auto HDR Windows 11 Auto HDR. Games that have HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant real-looking colors. However, it's been a rarity for developers to include HDR support in the past few years. If you're playing a video game that does not support HDR, Windows 11 can still pump up the colors with a feature called Auto HDR. The problem is that you'll need a monitor capable of HDR, and those are typically more expensive than regular panels. If you have an HDR-capable monitor, Windows can algorithmically enhance non-HDR games on the fly. This happens at the OS level, meaning that developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is supported by HDR, you'll be able turn on Auto HDR. This will add an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar. Game Mode There's nothing worse than watching your game's smooth and silky smooth frames because your PC decided it was the right time to perform a large operation in the background. If your PC is already struggling to maintain frame rates, this can render a game inaccessible. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this. Windows 11 Game Mode This feature can be found under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. It's a single switch, and there aren't any specific hardware requirements. It is able to be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Applications that utilize the Windows notification system won't interrupt your game. Game Mode swings into action automatically when Windows detects you're running a game. Game widget store Windows 11 Game Widget Store The Game Bar has plenty of features when you first start it, but it's more flexible than you'd think. There's a widget store in the menus. This lets you buy more overlay items. It's located in the widget list, which is the far left button in the main bar. The widget store is located at the bottom. The majority of the widgets that you'll find in the store are free. However, there are some paid overlays and widgets that connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store has widgets that allow you to add floating YouTube videos, insert an ethically dubious crosshair onto your screen to prevent cutting, and many more. There are also widgets specifically designed for specific hardware, such as EVGA video cards and Corsair coolers. Xbox app Windows 11 Xbox app. Ryan Whitwam Microsoft's Xbox app is bundled with Windows 11, and it's worth downloading even if don't have an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than an Steam replacement with a poorer catalogue. Xrplay It also serves as the central point of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC. Game Pass is an online subscription service that offers an extensive selection of games accessible at no extra charge. You can install and play these games for as long as they're available on Game Pass, and Microsoft has bought publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty to play. Even if your graphics card is not the most powerful it's possible that the Xbox app lets you play your favorite games. Game Pass Ultimate, a $15 per-month tier, includes Cloud Gaming. This renders Xbox games on a remote server and then streams them to your PC. The selection here isn't especially large, but you can get Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, no matter how they get their gaming fix.
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