For a long time, Microsoft has prioritized the PC as the default platform for gaming. This has led to the integration of APIs and functions in Windows that were previously exclusive to consoles, such as automatic HDR for games. One function that has generated excitement in the PC gaming community is DirectStorage.
DirectStorage is a Microsoft technology designed to enhance the performance of games on PCs that meet certain requirements. The first requirement is an NVMe SSD, and the second is the ability to communicate directly with the graphics card. With DirectStorage, the technology eliminates the need for the CPU to serve as a mediator between the components, reducing the CPU load and decreasing loading times for games.
The advantages of DirectStorage technology include faster loading of game textures, models, and animations, resulting in shorter waiting times and a smoother experience. Additionally, developers can create larger games and more detailed worlds without sacrificing performance or load times thanks to faster and more efficient data access.
While there are only a few games currently supporting this technology, more are being added to the list. Some titles that support DirectStorage include Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Crysis Remastered Trilogy, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Check if your PC is compatible
To utilize DirectStorage, specific requirements must be met by the computer. Firstly, it must have Windows 11 installed, although a limited version of this API is also supported by Windows 10. Additionally, the computer must contain an NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 Ultimate. The SSD previously had to be at least 1TB, but Microsoft has recently removed this requirement.
To determine if a computer is compatible with DirectStorage, the user should open the Game Bar by using the Windows + G keyboard shortcut. After opening the Game Bar, the user should proceed to the “Game Features” section located in the Settings panel.
To fully utilize DirectStorage technology, it is important to ensure that your computer meets specific requirements. Firstly, your computer must have Windows 11 installed, although Windows 10 can still support a limited version of this API. In addition, you must have an NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 Ultimate. Previously, an SSD with a minimum of 1TB was required, but Microsoft has recently lifted this restriction.
To check whether your computer is compatible with DirectStorage, simply open the Game Bar using the Windows + G keyboard shortcut and navigate to the “Game Features” section. Here, you will find a section specifically dedicated to DirectStorage. You can verify if your graphics card, operating system, and storage units support this feature. In case any of these components do not support DirectStorage, it will indicate that it is not compatible and suggest appropriate measures.
If your PC is compatible with DirectStorage, you can start playing a compatible game right away to experience significantly reduced load times.