Optimizations for Windowed Games in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Review

July 17, 2024 Microsoft

Introduction

Microsoft's Windows 11 has injected a new life into the gaming landscape with its host of advanced features and optimizations. Among these are several specific optimizations for windowed games, which have been designed to enhance the gaming experience by leaps and bounds. This article will take a closer look at these optimizations and how they can revolutionize your gaming on Windows 11.

Understanding Windowed Games

Windowed games are those played in a window that can be resized and moved around on the desktop, as opposed to full-screen games. This mode offers flexibility, allowing users to switch between the game and other applications seamlessly. However, it might sometimes lead to performance limitations. To counter that, Windows 11 introduces several optimizations to ensure an excellent gaming experience, even in windowed mode.

Optimizations for Windowed Games in Windows 11

Windows 11 has brought some significant changes to the way games are optimized when played in window mode. Here are some of the key features that stand out:

1. Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling: This feature was introduced first in Windows 10, but it has been further enhanced in Windows 11. It allows the GPU to manage its video memory more effectively, which can lead to performance improvements in many games and scenarios.

2. Auto HDR: With Auto HDR enabled, Windows 11 can automatically upgrade the color and lighting in DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games, providing a more vibrant and immersive visual experience.

3. DirectStorage: A feature that was initially part of the Xbox Series X, DirectStorage, when coupled with a compatible NVMe SSD, can significantly reduce game load times and provide more detailed game worlds.

4. Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR): DRR is a new feature in Windows 11 that can automatically raise your device's refresh rate when you're inking or scrolling to make those actions feel smoother.

How to Enable These Optimizations

To enable these gaming optimizations in Windows 11, users need to navigate to the graphics settings in the system settings panel. There, they can turn on features like Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling and Auto HDR. For DirectStorage, compatible hardware (an NVMe SSD) and games that have been optimized for DirectStorage are needed.

Conclusion

Windows 11 has significantly upped the ante when it comes to gaming, particularly with its optimizations for windowed games. These enhancements, which include Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling, Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and Dynamic Refresh Rate, promise to deliver a smoother, more vibrant, and immersive gaming experience. As Microsoft continues to innovate, gamers can only look forward to even better optimizations and features in the future.

Microsoft Addresses Chrome Edge Dark Mode Issue

January 8, 2025 Microsoft

Exciting news! Microsoft is fixing the dark mode flash issue in Chrome and Edge. #Microsoft #Windows11 #DarkMode

Microsoft's Push for Windows 11 Adoption

January 8, 2025 Microsoft

Is it time to upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft believes so! #Windows11 #Microsoft #TechUpgrade

Microsoft Focuses on Windows 11 and Copilot

January 7, 2025 Microsoft

Microsoft prioritizes Windows 11 and Copilot over new OS developments. Stay updated! #Windows11 #Microsoft #TechNews

Microsoft Surface Laptop: A Game Changer

January 5, 2025 Microsoft

Discover how the new Surface Laptop could rival the MacBook with innovative features! #Microsoft #SurfaceLaptop #TechInnovation

Microsoft's Vision for Privacy in Windows 11

January 5, 2025 Microsoft

Discover how Microsoft aims to redefine privacy with Windows 11, making it the most trusted AI OS! #Windows11 #Privacy #AI

Stay Ahead: Manage Microsoft 365 Alerts

January 3, 2025 Microsoft

Never miss a Microsoft 365 subscription alert! Stay informed and productive. #Microsoft365 #Windows10 #Productivity

Windows 10 Support Ending: What You Need to Know

January 2, 2025 Microsoft

Windows 10 support ends soon! Are you ready for the transition to Windows 11? #Windows10 #Windows11 #Microsoft

Microsoft Edge Enhancements with AI Features

January 1, 2025 Microsoft

Exciting updates for Microsoft Edge! Discover new AI features and system tray integration on Windows 11. #MicrosoftEdge #AI #Windows11

Microsoft Expands Copilot Branding in Windows 11

December 27, 2024 Microsoft

Exciting updates as Microsoft enhances Copilot features in Windows 11! #Microsoft #Windows11 #AI #Copilot #TechNews

Exploring Microsoft's AI Shell for Windows 11

December 26, 2024 Microsoft

Discover how Microsoft's AI shell transforms the Windows 11 command line experience! #Microsoft #AI #Windows11 #TechInnovation #SoftwareDevelopment

Unlocking the Power of Microsoft 365

December 22, 2024 Microsoft

Discover how Microsoft 365 enhances productivity and collaboration for businesses. #Microsoft365 #CloudComputing #Productivity

Microsoft 365 Users Face Activation Errors

December 19, 2024 Microsoft

Are you facing activation issues with Microsoft 365? You're not alone! #Microsoft365 #TechSupport #ActivationErrors

Microsoft 365 App Rebranding Confusion

December 18, 2024 Microsoft

The rebranding of Microsoft 365 to Copilot is causing confusion among users. #Microsoft365 #Copilot #Windows #TechNews

Resolving Outlook Sign-In Error on Windows

December 17, 2024 Microsoft

Struggling with Outlook sign-in errors? Discover how to resolve the access denied issue on Windows! #Outlook #Windows #Troubleshooting

Microsoft's Uncertainty with Windows 11 Copilot

December 16, 2024 Microsoft

Microsoft's Copilot for Windows 11 faces uncertainty. What does this mean for users? #Windows11 #Copilot #Microsoft

Enhancing Remote Collaboration with Microsoft Teams

December 16, 2024 Microsoft

Discover how Microsoft Teams is transforming remote collaboration with enhanced access features! #MicrosoftTeams #RemoteWork #Collaboration

Microsoft's New Windows 11 Store UI Explained

December 15, 2024 Microsoft

Discover how Microsoft's new Windows 11 Store UI enhances user experience! #Windows11 #Microsoft #UserExperience

Enhancing Windows 11 Start Menu Experience

December 15, 2024 Microsoft

Exciting updates are coming to Windows 11's Start Menu! Discover how Microsoft is enhancing user experience. #Windows11 #Microsoft #TechUpdates

Microsoft's Recall Feature: A Double-Edged Sword

December 12, 2024 Microsoft

Is Microsoft's Recall feature putting your sensitive data at risk? Find out more! #Microsoft #Privacy #DataSecurity

Microsoft Lifts Windows 11 24H2 Block

December 11, 2024 Microsoft

Exciting news for Windows 11 users with USB scanners! #Windows11 #Microsoft #TechNews