Windows users haven’t had an upgrade since 2015, and the wait has just ended for Microsoft’s new operating system:
Windows 11 is here! Much attention has been paid to providing advanced features.
However, the features already present and the improvements to the user experience are not left out.
Anyway, Windows 11 mainly brings exciting new features regarding games. Let’s see this together.
The DirectStorage
DirectStorage is quite revolutionary for gaming.
This technology allows NVMe SSDs to transfer game data directly to the graphics card, bypassing CPU slowness.
Rendering speeds are increased tenfold and loading times are reduced. The loading screen itself becomes a memory. As for the gameplay, it only becomes faster and more fluid.
The enthusiasm around DirectStorage was such that Microsoft decided to also offer it under Windows 10.
You won’t even need to upgrade your machine to Windows 11 if you don’t want to, DirectStorage will still be there.
This technology will only work with NVMe SSDs, however, and while it will be compatible with PCIe 3.0 SSDs, PCIe 4.0 SSDs such as the Renegade and KC3000 will provide the best possible experience thanks to the unparalleled speed of next-gen SSDs.
Whether it’s Windows 10 or Windows 11, now is the perfect time to upgrade to an NVMe SSD and reap the benefits of DirectStorage.
The increase in this speed and storage capacity combined with the memory upgrade will be the perfect opportunity to improve performance, and consequently, your gaming experience.
Auto HDR
Auto HDR will allow Windows 11 to provide gamers with unparalleled graphics. It is a technology that automatically enhances the visual content of a game without any user intervention.
Windows 11 will automatically detect an HDR compatible monitor. It will enhance the colors of DirectX 11 (or higher) games, among other dynamic range improvements.
Auto HDR is definitely the future when it comes to the best visual gaming experience!
The Games tab
Windows 11 settings have a dedicated gaming tab where you can toggle “Game Mode”.
This mode in particular makes it possible to reduce the load of use of the applications in the background to grant more to the processor concerning the launched game.
Xbox Game Pass
Windows 11 offers an incredible selection of games through the Xbox app. Members of Xbox Game Pass have access to a selection of more than 100 top-notch titles.
What about compatibility?
If the talk of the Windows 11 launch is to be believed, you will need a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores of 1 Ghz or more, or an SoC (“System on a chip”).
In short, these desktop or laptop processors will be compatible (as of June 2021):
- Coffee Lake, Whiskey Lake, and later 8th generation Intel Core
- AMD Zen+ (Ryzen 2000, Threadripper 2000, Ryzen 3000G APU) and later versions
However, this list is not exhaustive and several older processors may also be compatible with Windows 11.
However, the age of the other components of your system(s) may be a determining factor and subject to change.
Either way, don’t forget to check compatibility with Windows 11 * .
Another determining point: take into account its immediate and future DRAM needs and their compatibility with your processor. For Windows 11, at least 4 GB (Gigabytes) of DRAM is required.
As we said, going beyond the minimum requirements will ensure a better gaming experience.
What does TPM 2.0 mean and do I need it?
Trusted Platform Module, or TPM, was a little-known term before the announcement of Windows 11. It is, however, an essential element of Windows 11.
The TPM is a cryptoprocessor that secures a computer at the hardware level. In summary, it reduces the risk of attack using an integrated cryptographic key.
This cryptoprocessor works in concert with various systems and applications on your computer.
It is a hardware element and by this very nature is considered more secure than the sole use of software encryption.
Any computer not equipped with TPM 2.0 will be incompatible with Windows 11, unless you purchase and install a TPM 2.0 module for desktop computers.
To determine the presence of TPM 2.0 on your computer, search for “Windows Security” in the Start menu, select “Device Security”, then “Security Processor Details”.
Make sure it says 2.0 for “Specifications Version”, as previous versions will not be compatible.
Conclusion
The name Windows 11 is starting to be on everyone’s lips for good reason. Microsoft seems to have really taken gamers into consideration when creating their new operating system.
Sarah Bond, corporate vice-president of the “Game Creator Experience and Ecosystem” division at Microsoft did not hide her enthusiasm by referring to Windows 11 as “the best Windows ever designed for video games”.
This could be the ideal time to upgrade your PC and take advantage of all Windows 11 has to offer.
