After a long testing cycle, Windows 11 has finally arrived on millions of PCs around the world. It is Microsoft's first major Windows release in 6 years. Gamers, in particular, are one of the audiences Microsoft hopes to win over with Windows 11. But while some players are certainly looking forward to the update, others may be hesitant or not fully convinced. That is understandable, since no one wants to compromise their gaming setup.
So, is Windows 11 good for gaming? Is this an operating system gamers should be excited about?
Is Windows 11 better than Windows 10 for gaming?
Microsoft has put considerable effort into improving the gaming experience on Windows 11. The software giant has even said that "if you're a gamer, Windows 11 was made for you." But how accurate is that claim? As it turns out, it is not just hype.
Windows 11 introduces a range of PC gaming improvements, including performance enhancements and additional features, some of which have carried over from Xbox consoles. While it is true that earlier versions of Windows 11 ran into various issues, including problems with NVIDIA graphics cards and AMD computers, developers have so far addressed most of those concerns effectively.
When it comes to performance, Windows 11 edges out Windows 10 in overall benchmarks, but it can sometimes show lower frame rates (FPS) in real-world gaming for specific titles.
You should not expect major gaming performance gains on Windows 11 unless your system is using a high-end CPU and GPU. If you are happy with how your games run on Windows 10, you may not have much reason to make the switch, even though the upgrade process is straightforward. On the other hand, if you are planning to buy a new PC or reinstall Windows, Windows 11 is the obvious choice.
New gaming features in Windows 11
Windows 11 brings new features that can improve your gaming experience, but only if you have the right hardware.
1. DirectStorage
DirectStorage is a new graphics API introduced in Windows 11 that promises to optimize GPU performance for gaming. It can significantly reduce load times and improve frame rates in games that support it.
The feature, which first appeared on Xbox consoles, is designed to optimize the transfer and decompression of game assets from storage to the CPU. As a result, games can load much faster and run more smoothly.
However, it is important to note that only a limited number of games currently support DirectStorage. While broad adoption of the technology will still take several years, Windows 11 is the way forward in this area.
In any case, keep in mind that DirectStorage currently requires a high-speed NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU to work, so if you are using an older drive, you probably will not see any performance improvement in Windows 11.
2. HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, in Windows 11 is intended to improve the visual experience by expanding the range of colors and contrast that can be displayed on a compatible HDR monitor or screen. This technology enables more vivid images, with a wider color spectrum as well as higher brightness and deeper dark levels.
The best part is that even with older games that do not natively support HDR, Windows 11 can still optimize colors and brightness to enhance the image on your HDR display.
You will need an HDR-capable display to see these improvements. Unfortunately, many monitors today tend to leave out this feature to cut costs.
To enable HDR on a Windows 11 PC, go to Settings -> System -> Display -> HDR -> Display capabilities, then turn on Use HDR and/or Auto HDR.
3. Built-in Xbox app
Depending on your version of Windows 10, you may still have the older Xbox Companion app, which is being phased out. That changes with Windows 11, which includes the redesigned Xbox app by default. The app provides access to the Xbox Store, where you can browse and buy games directly from your PC.
It also features Game Pass integration. Microsoft's subscription service opens up a large game library for subscribers to play. In some regions, you may also have the option to use Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you stream and play games directly from the cloud. The app does not ignore the social side either, giving users a way to connect with friends, view their gaming activity, and communicate with them.
Which version of Windows 11 is best for gaming?
For standard users, Windows 11 offers a choice between Home and Pro editions. Unsurprisingly, you may be curious whether the edition you choose has any impact on gaming performance.
Windows 11 Pro certainly has some advantages in this regard. With support for two CPUs and 128 cores, along with the ability to handle up to 2TB of RAM, it may be the more suitable option for users with high-end gaming setups. By contrast, the Home edition supports only one 64-core CPU and 128GB of RAM.
However, as an ordinary gamer, you are unlikely to need such an advanced setup. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro is not really necessary unless you are a professional gamer.
Should you upgrade to Windows 11?
For most users, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 should be a smooth process. However, if your PC is relatively old, you will need to verify a few things before proceeding with the update. First, make sure your device meets the recommended specifications. Specifically, make sure it has a TMP 2.0 chip. While it is possible to install Windows 11 without one, doing so is not a good idea.
The second thing to consider should be drivers. On older PCs, there is a chance that a component or accessory may not work as expected with Windows 11 because of driver incompatibility. It is worth taking the time to run a compatibility check before starting the update process. If many issues appear, you should wait until better support is available for your hardware.
For users with newer PCs equipped with a fast SSD, a compatible GPU, and an HDR-compatible display, upgrading to Windows 11 will very likely improve your gaming experience.
