Gamers, don't Forget these Amazing Windows 11 Tools

While gamers will have a better life in 2022 due to Apple macOS and Linux, Windows is still the best operating system for gaming. Microsoft is acutely aware of this fact and, as a result, it has bundled plenty of gaming features into Windows over the years-on Windows 11 and Windows 11, there are even more gaming goodies. Here 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 users to access useful tools with one keystroke. You can open the Game Bar at any time (even when you're not in a game) by pressing Win + G. If you're using an Xbox controller that's paired with your PC, tapping the Xbox button will do the same.

The Game Bar is an overlay with widgets that allow you to capture gameplay footage, manage audio output and monitor PC performance and more. In the settings, you can login to your social media accounts for instant sharing of your captured images and clips.

DirectStorage

Microsoft has created a way for your hardware to communicate better with each other, which could result in improved performance in games. It's called DirectStorage, and you don't need perform anything to enable it. However, you will need to hit certain hardware specs that might require an upgrade.

Windows 11 DirectStorage.

DirectStorage lets your computer's storage (where game data is stored) to directly communicate with the GPU. This eliminates the CPU decompression step that most systems require, eliminating an important performance bottleneck. DirectX 12 games can take advantage of DirectStorage as long as your computer is equipped with an NVMe SD and an compatible GPU. Any AMD RDNA2 card and Nvidia RTX 2000-series or later should work.

DirectStorage can be handled by your system if aren't sure. Click on the settings gear and then select Gaming Features. This page will inform you if your software GPU, software, and SSD are compatible.

Auto HDR

Windows 11 Auto HDR.

Games that include HDR (high dynamic range) can create more vivid realistic colors. Developers have been adding HDR support to their games over the recent years. Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature which allows you to increase the colors of games that do not support HDR.

The catch is that you'll need a monitor that supports HDR and HDR-capable monitors are usually more expensive than regular panels. Windows can use algorithms to enhance non HDR games provided you have an HDR-compatible monitor. This occurs at the OS level, so developers don't have to do anything. Go to Settings > System > HDR. If your monitor is compatible by HDR, you'll be able flip on Auto HDR. This will include an HDR intensity slider in the Game Bar.

Game Mode

There is nothing worse than seeing your game suddenly stop playing due to a background task. The game could be rendered unplayable when it's struggling to keep frame rates constant. Windows 11 has a way to fix this and it's known as Game Mode.

Windows 11 Game Mode

This feature can be found under Settings > Gaming > Games Mode. It's a single toggle, and there are no specific hardware requirements. It can 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.
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The Game Bar has plenty of functionality when you first open it, but it's also more customizable than you think. You will find a widget store in the menus. This lets you purchase more overlay items. It's located in the widget list (the far-left button on the main bar). Near the bottom, you'll find the widget store.

Most of what you'll find in the store is free, however there are some paid widgets, and overlays that connect to desktop applications that are paid. The store's widgets can add floating YouTube videos, add an ethically dubious crosshair to your screen to prevent cutting, and many more. There are also widgets that allow you to control hardware such as Corsair coolers and EVGA video cards.

Xbox app

Windows 11 Xbox app.

Ryan Whitwam

Microsoft's Xbox application is available with Windows 11, and it's worth checking out even if you don't own an Xbox. It allows you to purchase PC games such as Cuphead, Destiny 2, and Minecraft however it's more than a Steam replacement with a poorer catalogue. It also functions as the center of Microsoft Game Pass on the PC.

Game Pass is a subscription service that provides an array of games available at no extra cost. You can install and play them for as long as they're on Game Pass, and Microsoft has purchased publishers like Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard in order to provide plenty of games to play. Even you don't own a fancy GPU, the Xbox app can help you get your game on. Game Pass Ultimate (the $15-per-month price point) includes Cloud Gaming, which renders Xbox games on a server and then streams them to your computer. Although the selection isn't a lot however, you can get Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 on this level. Windows 11 should offer something for everyone, no matter how they are able to get their gaming fix.