Is Windows 11 good for gaming?

After a lengthy beta, Windows 11 is finally here on millions of computers around the world. It’s Microsoft’s first major release of Windows in six years. The gaming community is one of the people Microsoft is trying to appeal to with Windows 11. But while some gamers are certainly looking forward to the update, others may be hesitant or not entirely convinced. That’s understandable, since no one wants to break their gaming rig.

So, is Windows 11 suitable for gaming? Is this an operating system that gamers should look forward to? Let's find out the answer with Quantrimang.com through the following article!

Is Windows 11 better than Windows 10 for gaming?

Microsoft has made a significant effort to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11. The software giant even claims that “if you’re a gamer, Windows 11 is made for you.” But how accurate is that claim? Turns out, it’s not an exaggeration.

Windows 11 introduces a variety of improvements for PC gaming, including performance improvements and additional features – some of which have made their way to Xbox consoles. While it’s true that previous versions of Windows 11 have had their fair share of issues, such as issues with NVIDIA graphics cards and AMD PCs, developers have so far managed to address most of these concerns effectively.

When it comes to performance, Windows 11 edges out Windows 10 in overall benchmarks, but can sometimes show real-world frame rate (FPS) drops in specific games.

You shouldn’t expect to see significant improvements in gaming performance on Windows 11 unless your system is running a high-end CPU and GPU. If you’re happy with how games run on Windows 10, you may not have much incentive to make the switch, even though the upgrade process is simple. On the other hand, if you’re planning on buying a new PC or reinstalling Windows, Windows 11 is the obvious choice.

New gaming features in Windows 11

Windows 11 brings new features that can enhance your gaming experience – but only if you have the right equipment.

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 for games that support it.

This feature – originally introduced on the Xbox console – is designed to optimize the transfer and decompression of game content from storage to the CPU. As a result, games can load much faster and run smoothly.

However, it's important to note that only a limited number of games support DirectStorage at the moment. While widespread adoption of the technology is still a few years away, Windows 11 is the way forward in this regard.

In any case, you should note that DirectStorage currently requires a fast NVMe SSD and a compatible GPU to work, so if you're working with an older drive, you probably won't see any performance improvements in Windows 11.

2. HDR

HDR (or High Dynamic Range) in Windows 11 aims to enhance the visual experience by expanding the range of colors and contrast that can be displayed on a compatible HDR monitor or display. This technology allows for more vibrant images, with a wider color spectrum and greater levels of brightness and darkness.

The best part is that even when it comes to older games that don't support native HDR, Windows 11 can still optimize colors and brightness to enhance the visual experience on your HDR display.

You’ll need a display that supports HDR to see these improvements, but unfortunately many displays these days tend to leave this feature out to cut costs.

To enable HDR on your Windows 11 PC, you need to 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 old Xbox Companion app, which is being phased out. That changes with Windows 11, which includes a redesigned Xbox app by default. This app provides access to the Xbox Store, where you can browse and buy games directly from your PC.

Furthermore, it boasts Game Pass integration. Microsoft’s subscription service opens up a large library of games 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 doesn’t skimp on the social component, giving users the opportunity to connect with friends, watch their gaming activity, and communicate with them.

Which version of Windows 11 is best for gaming?

For standard users, Windows 11 comes in Home and Pro versions, so it's no surprise that you might be wondering whether the version you choose will have any impact on gaming performance.

Certainly, Windows 11 Pro 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 choice for users with high-end gaming setups. In contrast, the Home edition only supports a single 64-core CPU and 128GB of RAM.

However, as a casual gamer, you're unlikely to need such an advanced setup. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro isn't really necessary unless you're a hardcore gamer.

Should I upgrade to Windows 11?

For most users, the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 should be a seamless process. However, if your PC is relatively old, there are a few things you need to check 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 it, it is not a good idea.

The second thing to consider is drivers. For older PCs, it’s possible that a component or accessory might not work as expected with Windows 11 due to an incompatible driver. Take the time to run a compatibility check before you start the update process. If you run into a lot of issues, you might want to wait until there’s better support for your hardware.

For users with newer PCs equipped with fast SSDs, compatible GPUs, and HDR-compatible displays, upgrading to Windows 11 will most likely enhance your gaming experience.