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Directstorage for Windows 11: How to Enable and Use
Here’s why you need DirectStorage in your Windows 11
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Remember when we told you thatDirectStoragewas coming to Windows 11? Well, the time has come, and DirectStorage is available to Windows PCs. DirectStorage is a method of storing data on a disk that bypasses the file system.
It can be used as a substitute for buffering video frames, audio samples, or other media data in memory before writing them out to disk. If you’re still under a rock and don’t know what DirectStorage is, we unpack what it’s all about here.
Does my PC support DirectStorage?
Since DirectStorage is an API, the Windows 11 requirements are minimal. DirectStorage is compatible with machines running Windows 11 and above, but you’ll need to ensure your computer supports the required hardware.
The first step is to check whether your PC has an NVMe storage device. NVMe drives are typically found in modern laptops and high-end desktops. However, if you’re unsure whether yours has one, it’s best to contact your computer’s manufacturer or read their documentation for more information.
Here are some things to consider when determining if your PC supports DirectStorage:
Since DirectStorage is mainly used in compressing data, gamers are the main beneficiaries of this API. As such, you may wonder whether any games use DirectStorage. Given that it is fairly new, developers are still coming up with their versions to ensure they are compatible.
However, Forspoken has released its first DirectStorage game for Windows PCs and PlayStation. Given that it is aroleplaying game, a lot of data is involved when streaming, but with DirectStorage, you can expect significantly improved load times.
How do I turn on DirectStorage in Windows 11?
One of the key benefits ofupgrading to Windows 11is that you don’t need to do anything to enable DirectStorage. The feature already comes shipped with the OS and is enabled by default.
All you have to do is download a game that supports the feature, ensure your OS is up-to-date, andupdate your drivers regularly.
Still, you can check whether your Windows 11 supports DirectStorage by:
What are the benefits of DirectStorage?
After telling you about all the requirements and how to enable DirectStorage on your Windows 11. One significant question we are yet to answer is whether it is worth it. Does it have any benefits?
If you want to make your game stand out from the crowd, you must ensure a good storage system. This will help to ensure that the game loads quickly and runs smoothly. The storage system should also be robust enough to not crash during gameplay.
Some of the benefits of DirectStorage include:
While you may see benefits on any storage device, installing games to an NVMe SSD will maximize your IO performance and help you more fully experience the benefits of DirectStorage.
This release of DirectStorage provides developers with everything they need to move to a new model of IO for their games. There’s still work to be done on even more ways to offload work from the CPU but this is a great start.
Windows 11 has previously been rated thebest OS yet for gaming, and with features like DirectStorage, it is easy to see why.
Still, you can tweak some settings tooptimize your Windows 11 for the best gaming performanceand experience.
Have you gotten a chance to experience DirectStorage with any game on your PC? What is your verdict? Let us know in the comment section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11 Software & Apps
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
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Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
