For gamers, the launch of Windows 11 is a big deal. The update brings with it a whole heap of exciting new features that will make playing your favourite games even better, from enhancing the graphics of older games to playing console games over the cloud. Below, we’ve broken down all the new gaming features you’ll get with Windows 11 and explained how you can get the upgrade.
XBOX GAME PASS AND CLOUD GAMING
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s video game subscription service, giving you access to hundreds of games for a modest monthly fee. For the first time, the Xbox app is built into Windows 11, giving you instant access to the Game Pass library from the very first moment you turn your PC on.
But even more exciting is Xbox Cloud Gaming, letting you play Xbox console games on your PC or Windows laptop by streaming it via your browser or the Xbox app. All you need is a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a compatible controller like an Xbox controller, Sony DualShock 4 or Razer Kishi. There are over 100 games already available in Xbox Cloud Gaming, and new titles are added all the time. Currently, you can play the brand-new Forza Horizon 5, cute co-op adventure It Takes Two, Doom Eternal, the Gears of War series, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and other Halo console exclusives — including Halo Infinite when it launches in December.
You don’t even need a gaming PC because you’re streaming over the cloud. That means you can play Xbox exclusives and new release games on almost any Windows 11 device, no matter what hardware you have in it.
AUTO HDR
Auto HDR already works wonders for Xbox Series X/S games — basically, it adds high dynamic range enhancements to a standard dynamic range game. What that really means is that your game will look much more colourful and shadows and darker colours will have more depth to them. Windows 11 is finally bringing the clever tech to PCs and laptops with HDR screens. Even better, it’s been optimised for Windows 11 so it won’t have a big impact on how your game runs. You’ll notice it mostly when you’re playing older games, although most games made with DirectX 11 or higher will benefit from it.
DIRECTX 12 ULTIMATE
Speaking of DirectX, Windows 11 comes with DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is the new gold standard for high-end gaming. DX12 Ultimate makes your games look realistic and jaw-droppingly beautiful, with improvements to ray tracing, mesh shaders, variable rate shading, and sampler feedback. It’s what will help you push the graphics in your games to the max.
DIRECTSTORAGE
Another exciting feature taken from Xbox consoles, DirectStorage streamlines how game data is processed. What that looks like in-game is super-fast load speeds when you’re jumping between levels or exploring an open world. Yep, DirectStorage will help put a stop to the dreaded “texture pop-in” by loading graphics in the distance before you reach them. DirectStorage will couple nicely with DirectX 12 Ultimate and Auto HDR to give you more detailed and high-res game worlds with super-fast load times.
HOW CAN YOU UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11?
Many Windows 10 devices are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 — you can check your PC or gaming laptop’s compatibility on the Microsoft website. If your current device doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, you can buy a brand new Windows 11 device to start taking advantage of all the exciting new features.
Head to the here to upgrade and learn more about the features of Windows 11.
