What you need to know
- Microsoft details improvements to gaming as part of Windows 11.
- Improvements include Direct Storage support, Auto HDR, and DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Microsoft has detailed how Windows 11 is built for gamers with new improvements such as DirectX 12 Ultimate, Direct Storage, and Auto HDR (high dynamic range.) The company is committed to gaming and says that it's a core part of Windows 11, which is expected to ship later this year.
Microsoft is touting Auto HDR as one of the key improvements on Windows 11 for gamers. Auto HDR allows SDR (standard dynamic range) games to run with HDR improvements on displays that support it. Games that were not built for HDR will appear brighter and more colorful, with wider contrast and detail all just by enabling Auto HDR on Windows 11.
Direct Storage is also shipping as part of Windows 11. Direct Storage was first announced as part of the Xbox Series S/X to increase load times in games. If you have a speedy SSD drive, and a game that's build with Direct Storage in mind, loading times within the game will be much shorter.
Finally, the company is touting DirectX 12 Ultimate as a fundamental pillar for gaming on Windows 11. DX12 Ultimate includes new features for developers such as Raytracing 1.1, variable rate shading, Sampler Feedback, and more. DX12 Ultimate makes it easier for game developers to build games on PC that use fewer resources.
Overall, gaming on Windows 11 provides a modest set of improvements over Windows 10. Direct Storage and DirectX 12 Ultimate will provide gamers will faster loading times and better looking games with less resources used, but it requires game developers to build games that support it.
What are your thoughts on these new gaming improvements for Windows 11? Let us know in the comments.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
