DirectStorage provides fast load times and rich details in PC games. This is possible by allowing developers to use the speed of the latest storage devices fully.
The API is anticipated to significantly decrease the number of I/O operations on a device’s storage through parallelization. Also, DirectStorage provides an enhanced user experience, chiefly when using streaming services. It can handle huge file sizes. Moreover, it decreases the workload on servers by reducing the number of requests for data.
All machines can’t run the DirectStorage subsystem. To use DirectStorage, you should have a computer fulfilling its system requirements. A PC that supports DirectStorage is compatible with Windows 10 devices. However, Windows 11 supports the latest storage optimizations built-in and is suitable for gaming.
Using DirectStorage with gaming is possible if you fulfill the minimum system requirements and have the appropriate hardware. Here are the DirectStorage Windows 11 system requirements:
- A 1 T B NVMe SSD (or higher) (to save and play your games)
- NVMe drives should be able to support and use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver that is required by the NVMe specification.
- A powerful GPU is competent in operating DirectX 12 Ultimate and supporting the Shader Model 6.0.
- Nvidia RTX 2000 or RTX 3000 series or AMD RDNA 2 graphics cards
- A compatible storage controller
- A fast processor if you want to use DirectStorage for streaming, video editing, and other tasks.
In addition to these requirements, your PC must have a compatible CPU. DirectStorage supports the following CPUs:
- Intel 8th Gen Core processors or newer
- AMD Zen 2 processors or newer
Note: NVMe drives are commonly found in high-end desktops and modern laptops. But, if you’re uncertain whether your system has one, it’s advisable to contact your PC’s manufacturer or check their documentation for more details.
How to check whether your Windows 11 system supports direct storage?
If you are unsure whether your Windows 11 system fulfills the DirectStorage requirement, there is a simple way to check. Here are the steps:
- Step-1: Use your Microsoft account to register for Insider Access.
- Step-2: From the Microsoft Store, download the Xbox Insider Hub.
- Step-3: Open the Xbox Insider hub and click on the “Preview tab.” Now select “Windows Gaming Preview.”
- Step-4: Go back to the Microsoft Store and see for any updates.
- Step-5: Now update the Xbox Game Bar app.
- Step-6: After it is updated, press Win+G to start the overlay.
- Step-7: Open the “gaming features” tab and check whether your system is validated.
- Step-8: Now, you will see that your OS, drive, and GPU are labeled as optimized. If not, you may have to upgrade the system.
Note: You can’t do anything to turn DirectStorage on. However, you require your Windows 11 system to be ready for it if you wish to use it.
Once you have enabled DirectStorage, you will need to restart your PC. After your PC has restarted, you can take advantage of the performance benefits of DirectStorage in compatible games.
Here are some of the performance benefits of DirectStorage:
- Faster load times: DirectStorage can significantly reduce load times for games that use it.
- Smoother gameplay: DirectStorage can help to reduce stuttering and hitches in games.
- Improved texture streaming: DirectStorage can enhance the quality of textures in games by streaming them more efficiently.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to improve the performance of your games, DirectStorage is a great option. However, it is important to note that not all games will support DirectStorage. Only games that have been specifically designed to use it will benefit from the performance improvements.