The Windows 11 2022 update is rolling out now, and in a blog post, Microsoft has detailed the PC gaming enhancements which are part of the update.
The update includes new features and improvements including a new Controller bar, optimizations for windowed games, and new HDR calibration options, and more.
New Controller Bar
Your most recently played and installed games are just a button press away with the new Controller bar. This updated view of the Xbox Game Bar gives you controller-friendly access to recently played games and game launchers. You can access it by pressing the Xbox button on your Xbox Wireless Controller (or compatible controller) that’s connected to your PC.
Graphics Improvements
The Windows 11 2022 update brings with it a number of improvements for graphics and gaming. First, windowed games running DirectX 10 and 11 will receive dramatically improved display latency, Auto HDR, and variable refresh rate (VRR). Previously, these were only available when running games in full screen. You can learn more about this feature here.
Along with this update, Microsoft has released a new HDR Calibration app, which will enable players to improve the colour accuracy and consistency of their HDR displays. You can learn more here.
Other features rolling out now as part of the 2022 update include enhancements to many existing gaming features, such as Auto HDR support across a broader set of games; additional enhancements to DirectX12 Ultimate; and DirectStorage support across more storage configurations, (including RAID 0).
Play Hundreds of Great Games with PC Game Pass
The best graphics and performance are nothing without the games. Game Pass is built right into Windows 11 via the Xbox app, providing access to hundreds of high-quality PC games. This includes games from Xbox Game Studios the same day they release, iconic franchises from Bethesda Softworks like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, great ID@Xbox games, blockbusters, the EA Play library, and new games added all the time.
With the new Windows 11 2022 update, you can experience many of these games at higher fidelity than ever before and access them faster with the new Controller bar. You can also play great Xbox console games on your PC with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) included in your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.
New Gaming Features for Microsoft Edge
This past summer Microsoft launched several improvements to Microsoft Edge to make it “the best browser for gamers.” The new gaming homepage gets you right to the action and allows you to earn Microsoft Rewards points as soon as you launch the browser, with personalized stories and easy access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) library, including recently played games (Xbox account required).
Other features like the built-in Clarity Boost make gameplay from the cloud look sharper and clearer when playing in Microsoft Edge on Windows. In addition, Efficiency mode improves gaming performance on Windows 10/11 by automatically reducing browser resource usage when a PC game is launched. The new Gaming homepage helps players discover and engage with their favourite games, and the new Games menu enables one-click access to free casual and arcade games.
Read more about the other features of the Windows 11 2022 Update here.
