birchproctor825478

p>While gamers will enjoy better experiences in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system for gaming. Microsoft is well aware of this advantage and has included many gaming features in Windows over the years. Windows 11 adds even more gaming goodies. Here are the Windows 11 features that will make your next frag session even more enjoyable.

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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 you to quickly access some useful tools with only one keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even if you're not playing a game) by pressing Win + G. If you're using an Xbox controller that is connected to your PC, pressing the Xbox button will also open the Game Bar.

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p>The Game Bar overlay includes widgets that allow you to record gameplay footage as well as control audio output and monitor your PC's performance. In the settings, you can even login to your social media accounts to allow immediate sharing of your recorded footage and images.

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p>DirectStorage?

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p>Microsoft has created a way for your hardware to communicate more efficiently with each other, which will result in improved performance in games. DirectStorage? is an application that doesn't require you to do anything other than turning it on. You do, however, have to meet certain specifications for your hardware that may 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 directly communicate with the GPU. This removes the decompression process CPUs most systems require, eliminating a major performance bottleneck. Games that use DirectX 12 can take advantage of DirectStorage? provided that your PC has an NVMe SSD and an appropriate GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card or Nvidia RTX2000-series or older will work.

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p>If you aren't sure whether your system can handle DirectStorage?, you will find out this information in the previously mentioned Game Bar. https://seedviolin42.werite.net/post/2022/09/28/Minecraft-Redstone-Devices-are-now-A-Real-Thing Click on the settings menu and then select Gaming Features. This page will let you know whether your gaming 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 have HDR (high dynamic range) will produce more vibrant, realistic colors. It's only been common for developers to include HDR support in the last few years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature which allows you to increase the colors of games that don't support HDR.

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p>The catch is that you'll require a monitor that supports HDR, and those are usually more expensive than standard panels. If you have an HDR-compatible monitor, Windows can algorithmically enhance games that aren't HDR on the fly. This happens at the OS level so developers don’t have to do anything. To enable Auto HDR go to Settings > System > Display > HDR. If your monitor is supported by Auto HDR, you can flip on Auto HDR. This will also include an HDR intensity slider to the Game Bar.

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p>Game Mode

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p>There's nothing worse than watching your game suddenly lose frames due to a background task. If your PC is struggling to maintain frame rates, this can make a game unplayable. Windows 11 has a way to stop that and is known as Game Mode.

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p>Windows 11 Game Mode

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p>This feature is available under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. It's a single toggle, and there aren't any specific hardware requirements. It can be turned on and Windows will not attempt to download or install updates in the background. Apps that use the Windows notification system will not interrupt your game. When Windows detects you're playing in a game Game Mode will kick in automatically.

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p>Game widget store

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p>Windows 11 Game widget store.

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p>Although the Game Bar is very functional when it first launches but it's far more customizable than you might think. There's widget stores in the menus. This lets you purchase additional overlay items. It's located in the widget list, which is the far left button in the main bar. The widget store is at the bottom.

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p>The majority of the widgets you'll find in this store are free. However there are some paid overlays and widgets that connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store's widgets can add floating YouTube? videos, or add an ethically questionable crosshair onto your screen to prevent cutting, and many more. There are also dedicated widgets for hardware such as 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 app is available with Windows 11. It's worth opening even though you don't own an Xbox. It lets you purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft, but it's more than just a Steam replacement with a smaller catalogue. It also serves as the hub for Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.

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p>Game Pass is a subscription service that makes many games available at no extra charge. You can download and play them as long as they are on Game Pass. Microsoft has also purchased publishers such as Activision-Blizzard and Bethesda to ensure there is plenty to pick from. Even even if you don't have an expensive GPU, the Xbox app can help you to play your best. 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 computer. While the games aren't as extensive but you can find Halo Infinite as well as Forza Horizon 5 on this level. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, regardless of how they get their gaming fix.

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