- Windows 11 2022 Update includes several new gaming features.
- They include the new Controller bar, optimizations for windowed games, and HDR calibration.
- This release also updates Auto HDR and DirectStorage.
Alongside the slew of improvements, visual changes, and features, Windows 11 22H2 (2022 Update) also includes several new gaming features, such as a new Controller bar, HDR calibration app, and optimization for windowed games feature.
The “Controller bar” is an updated view of the Xbox Game Bar that gives you quick access to recently played games and game launchers. The new experience works when connecting an Xbox Wireless Controller or compatible controller and pressing the Xbox button.
The “optimizations for windowed games” feature affects presentation modes for windowed and borderless windowed DirectX 10 and 11 games. “Presentation” defines the process of rendering the game on frames in the most optimal way, allowing you to have a more consistent experience whether you play a game in full-screen or windowed mode. The gaming feature upgrades the legacy presentation model in games to a modern one to improve latency and unlock other features, such as Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). You can use these instructions to enable the feature after the upgrade to version 22H2.
The “Windows HDR Calibration” app is available for Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2, and it includes tools that allow you to tweak the display settings to improve color accuracy and consistency when viewing content on HDR monitors.
In addition to these new features, the company is also bringing Auto HDR to more titles, and DirectStorage is now supported in more configurations, including RAID 0.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].