Gamers, don''t Overlook these Killer Windows 11 Tools While gamers will enjoy an improved experience in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the most suitable operating system for gaming.

Gamers, don''t Overlook these Killer Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will enjoy 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 and has included many gaming features into Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming-related features. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next gaming session even better.

Game Bar

Windows 11 Game Bar

Windows 11 comes preloaded with the Game Bar. This allows you to quickly access some useful tools with one keystroke. The Game Bar can be opened at any time, even if you aren''t playing any game. You can do this by pressing Win +G. If your Xbox controller is paired with your computer, tap the Xbox button.

The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that let you capture gameplay footage, control audio output and monitor your PC''s performance. You can log into your social media accounts via the settings to share your images and clips instantly.

DirectStorage

If you own a powerful computer, Microsoft has devised a method to make your hardware communicate more efficiently, leading to more performance in games. It''s known as DirectStorage, and you don''t need to perform anything to enable it. However, you will be required to meet certain hardware requirements that might require an upgrade.

DirectStorage for Windows 11

DirectStorage allows your computer to directly connect to the GPU''s storage. This removes the CPU decompression step that most systems require, removing the major bottleneck in performance. Games with DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage provided that your PC is equipped with an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX2000-series or older will work.

If you''re not sure if your system can handle DirectStorage, you can check it out using the previously mentioned Game Bar. What’s The Worst That Could Happen Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you whether your gaming software or GPU, as well as SSD are compatible.

Auto HDR

Windows 11 Auto HDR.

Games that have HDR (high dynamic range) can produce more vibrant, realistic colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games over the past few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that allows you to boost the hue of games that don''t support HDR.

This is because HDR monitors are more expensive than regular panels. If you have an HDR-capable monitor, Windows can algorithmically enhance games that aren''t HDR-compatible on the fly. This occurs at the OS level, meaning that developers don''t need to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is compatible by Auto HDR, you can flip on Auto HDR. This will add an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.

Game Mode

There''s nothing more frustrating than having your game suddenly lose frames due to a background task. If your PC is struggling to keep up with frame rates, it could render a game inaccessible. Game Mode is a feature of Windows 11 that can stop this.

Windows 11 Game Mode

This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. This toggle is a simple one that doesn''t require any special hardware. Switch 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 interfere with your game. When Windows detects you''re playing a game Game Mode is activated automatically.

Game widget store

Windows 11 Game widget store.

The Game Bar has plenty of functionality when you first open it, but it''s also more flexible than you''d think. There''s a widget store in the menus. This lets you purchase additional overlay items. It''s found in the widget list, which is the far left button in the main bar. In the very bottom, you''ll find the widget store.

The majority of the widgets that you''ll find in this store are free. However, there are some paid overlays and widgets which can connect to desktop applications purchased by users. The store''s widgets can add floating YouTube videos, or add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen for no-scope sniping, and more. There are also widgets specifically designed for 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 own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games like Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it''s more than just a Steam replacement with a poorer catalog. It also acts as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.

Game Pass is a subscription service that makes an extensive selection of games accessible at no extra charge. You can download and play these for as long as they''re available on Game Pass. Microsoft has also purchased publishers like Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure that there is plenty to select from. Even even if you don''t have an expensive GPU or a gaming console, the Xbox app can help get your game on. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month tier) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server, and then streams them to your PC. The games available here aren''t particularly wide, but there''s Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Doom Eternal, and more console hits. So, no matter what method you use to go about getting your gaming fix, Windows 11 should have something that can make your experience more enjoyable.