This tutorial will show you how to see if your GPU and drives support DirectStorage in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
DirectStorage is an API feature of DirectX 12 designed for the Velocity Architecture to Windows PCs. DirectStorage will bring best-in-class IO tech to both PC and console just as DirectX 12 Ultimate does with rendering tech. With a DirectStorage capable PC and a DirectStorage enabled game, you can look forward to vastly reduced load times and virtual worlds that are more expansive and detailed than ever.
DirectStorage minimum system requirements:
- DirectX 12 GPU
- PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD
References:
DirectStorage is coming to PC — DirectX Developer Blog
Earlier this year, Microsoft showed the world how the Xbox Series X, with its portfolio of technology innovations, will introduce a new era of no-compromise gameplay. Alongside the actual console announcements, we unveiled the Xbox Velocity Architecture, a key part of how the Xbox Series X will…
devblogs.microsoft.com
DirectStorage API Now Available on PC — DirectX Developer Blog
Starting today, Windows games can ship with DirectStorage. This public SDK release begins a new era of fast load times and detailed worlds in PC games by allowing developers to more fully utilize the speed of the latest storage devices. In September 2020, we announced DirectStorage would be…
devblogs.microsoft.com
DirectStorage API Downloads
Welcome to the DirectStorage landing page where you’ll find links to the SDKs and other helpful info. Check out the DirectStorage 1.2 Announcement Blog and see the latest samples and documentation on the DirectStorage GitHub. PIX support for DirectStorage is now available, check out what’s…
devblogs.microsoft.com
DirectStorage 1.2 Available Now — DirectX Developer Blog
Today we’re releasing the 1.2 version of the DirectStorage SDK, where we’ve added new features and made some fixes based on your feedback. The full list of changes can be found on the NuGet page and you can update to the latest version using NuGet update.
devblogs.microsoft.com
Here’s How:
1 Open the Xbox Game Bar (Win+G).
2 Click/tap on the Settings (gear) icon on the Home Bar. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on Gaming features in the left pane of Settings.
4 Under DIRECTSTORAGE, you will see if your GPU, OS, and connected drives are «DirectStorage supported» or not.
That’s it,
Shawn Brink
Microsoft made an announcement regarding DirectStorage which is an API designed for Windows PCs. Though, it was originally intended for the Velocity Architecture featured in the Xbox Series X consoles. DirectStorage is a novel approach for games to access data on storage devices, enabling faster and more efficient loading of game assets. This API will be comparable to DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is a graphics API that empowers games with advanced rendering features.
In addition, by integrating DirectStorage into a game and utilizing a compatible PC, gamers can foresee notable refinements in loading times and general game performance. This is conceivable because DirectStorage will authorize games to quickly access and load assets from the storage device, which indicates games can load more swiftly and display more intricate and expansive virtual worlds than before. In brief, DirectStorage will enrich the gaming venture by delivering best-in-class IO technology to both PC and console gaming.
What is DirectStorage and how does it work?
Modern SSD and PCIe technologies, particularly NVMe, enable gaming PCs to have storage solutions that deliver higher bandwidth than older hard drive technologies, resulting in faster load times. Nonetheless, modern games load more data more efficiently by breaking assets into smaller pieces and only loading what is necessary for the current scene, generating more IO requests. Existing storage APIs cannot tolerate this high number of requests, creating jams that limit game performance invariant with fast hardware and NVMe drives.
Therefore, DirectStorage for PC is a solution to the changing storage and IO landscape in PC gaming. It is an API that will support NVMe drives on distinct systems, enriching the gaming experience. Further, Microsft also noted that, if DirectStorage is not supported on your system, there is no need to worry for you as games will resume to function as they always have.
The DirectStorage API works by moving the decompression workload from the CPU to the GPU, the new DirectStorage API accelerates the procedure. As the files must be generated by the GPU after decompression, this relocation assures that the files are in the correct location when that ensues. As a consequence, the CPU is liberated to conduct further tasks and is no longer delayed down by the decompression workload.
Besides, when game developers choose to take advantage of DirectStorage, the results can be astounding – Microsoft claims that load times can be up to 40 times faster. With such impressive performance enhancements, you may even find yourself experiencing near-instantaneous loading times in some cases.
Also Read- How To Enable Or Disable Open Search On Hover in Windows 11
What are the Requirements for DirectStorage and How to use it?
DirectStorage is a game-changing technology built into the latest Windows operating system, Windows 11. You don’t have to stress about enabling it as it’s already incorporated into the system. As long as your PC has the required hardware specifications and you’re playing a game that supports DirectStorage, this feature will furthermore automatically be employed to enrich your gaming by enhancing load times and prevalent game performance. To take advantage of DirectStorage, your computer must fulfill or surpass the following requirements mentioned down below:
- An NVMe SSD, with PCIe 4.0 is the recommended choice for optimal performance
- A Graphic card that supports DirectX 12 as well as Shaded model 6.0
- You are running Windows 11 OS (While Windows 10 even supports DirectStorage through a patch, it’s favorably advised to operate Windows 11 for the best experience.)
Also Read- How To Delete Windows.old Folder In Windows 11
How to Check DirectStorage Support in Windows?
To check if your PC supports or is compatible with DirectStorage, you will require to check the specifications of your storage drive and video or graphic card. This info can furthermore be utilized to confirm whether DirectStorage can be enabled on your system or not. To Check DirectStorage Support in Windows 10 as well as 11, follow the steps given down below.
- First, you require to go to the Xbox Game Bar on your Windows 10 or 11 which you can do by pressing Windows + G and after that, you have to click the Gear (Setting) icon.
- Now you require to tap on Gaming Features.
- Finally, you need to see the note that says Your system is DirectX 12 Ultimate ready beside Graphics, and then under DIRECTSTORAGE, check for the note DirectStorage supported.
Also Read- How To Turn On Or Off Tablet-Optimized Taskbar In Windows 11
How Can You Enable/Turn on DirectStorage on Your System?
DirectStorage is a seamless feature that doesn’t need explicit activation on Xbox consoles, Windows 11 PCs, or even Windows 10 computers. If you possess the correct hardware and play a DirectX 12 game that supports the feature, you’ll relish the performance improvements it delivers.
Nonetheless, if your computer doesn’t fulfill DirectStorage’s requirements, your games will still work but may take longer to load and may suffer from more asset pop-ins. It’s worth commenting that while the feature isn’t a necessity for gaming at the moment, it’s conceivable that forthcoming games may require it. Still, it’s anticipated that most gaming systems will be capable to take benefit of DirectStorage by that point.
Also Read- How To Adjust Transparency Of Xbox Game Bar Pinned Widgets In Windows 11
frequently asked questions
Does direct storage increase FPS?
Well, many gamers have queries that if the DirectStorage feature could impact the increase of frame rates, which are important for smooth gameplay. Nonetheless, some gamers have tested this by playing games with DirectStorage enabled to see if there is any increase in frame rates. Though the PC Gameplay test found a slight dip in frame rates of around 10 percent when utilizing a PCIe 4.0 SSD with DirectStorage, overall performance was similar. Nonetheless, load times were drastically improved when DirectStorage was enabled, making it a worthwhile feature for many gamers.
Also Read- Windows 11 Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration: Issue Solved
Can DirectStorage Work on Windows 10?
Yes, it works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but you require specific hardware for it to function. You will require an NVMe SSD along with a DirectX 12 GPU to utilize DirectStorage. Furthermore, if you possess an older GPU, you will not be able to even operate it. For Windows 10, you should update your computer to version 1909 or later versions.
Nonetheless, DirectStorage will not perform to its full potential on Windows 10 because it doesn’t function adequately with the latest APIs. Besides that, Windows 11 is additionally suitable for DirectStorage because it takes the utmost benefit of it. If you wish to have the finest gaming venture, you require to upgrade to Windows 11.
Also Read- 5 Ways To Fix “Error 0x80004005” On Windows 10/11
Tarim Zia
Tarim Zia is a technical writer with a unique ability to express complex technological concepts in an engaging manner. Graduating with a degree in business studies and holding a diploma in computer science, Tarim brings a diverse set of skills to her writing. Her strong background in business allows her to provide valuable insights into the impact of technology on various industries, while her technical knowledge enables her to delve into the intricacies of emerging technologies.
Благодаря твердотельным накопителям (SSD), консоли текущего поколения, такие как PlayStation 5 и Xbox Series X/S практически избавились от долгих загрузок игр. Но что делать, если вы играете в игры на компьютере? Стоит отметить, что использование SSD значительно ускоряет обмен данными, но для существенного повышения производительности можно воспользоваться новой технологией DirectStorage для Windows.
Что такое DirectStorage
DirectStorage — это технология, разработанная компанией Microsoft, которая призвана оптимизировать и улучшить процесс загрузки игр и работы с данными в компьютерных играх на операционной системе Windows. Впервые она получила широкое распространение в Windows 11.
Основной целью DirectStorage является сокращение времени загрузки игр и уменьшение нагрузки на процессор и память, путём более эффективной работы с данными с помощью новых аппаратных и программных возможностей. Технология использует высокоскоростные накопители (SSD), позволяя им напрямую передавать данные в графическую память без лишних задержек и обработки процессором.
Если раньше игры загружали объёмные данные разом, вынуждая игроков ждать, то теперь многие игры используют постоянную подгрузку текстур и других важных компонентов во время игрового процесса. Обычно диск отправляет сжатые данные в центральный процессор для декомпрессии, а затем отправляет их на графический процессор для отрисовки в игре. Однако такая декомпрессия занимает время и создаёт нагрузку на CPU. Учитывая, что процессор и так отвечает за множество системных задач, это может приводить к падению производительности.
DirectStorage позволяет обойти эту проблему, передавая все тяжеловесные данные непосредственно на видеокарту. Это значительно упрощает процесс обработки данных, а процессор освобождается от лишней нагрузки для выполнения других задач.
Однако для работы с DirectStorage потребуется выполнить несколько важных
Как проверить поддержку DirectStorage в Windows 11
DirectStorage стал доступен для операционных систем Windows 10 и Windows 11. Однако для работы с данной технологией потребуется выполнить несколько важных условий:
- Последняя версия Windows 11 (или Windows 10 версии 1909 и выше)
- Твердотельный накопитель NVMe/SSD
- Видеокарта, поддерживающая DirectX 12 и Shader Model 6.0.
Чтобы проверить, поддерживает ли ваш компьютер технологию DirectStorage, достаточно открыть специальный оверлей Xbox Game Bar.
- Нажимаем комбинацию клавиш «Win + G», чтобы открыть оверлей.
- В верхней панели выбираем «Настройки».
- Переходим во вкладку «Игровые функции».
- В разделе «Графика» будет указано, поддерживает ли ваша система DirectX 12 Ultimate и также указана информация о DirectStorage.
Какие игры поддерживают DirectStorage
Внедрение DirectStorage API в современные игры требует значительных усилий и одного наличия в системе недостаточно. Это в первую очередь зависит от самих разработчиков, которые оптимизируют игры под различные консоли, включая ПК.
Первой игрой, которая добавила поддержку DirectStorage стала Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. При использовании этой технологии скорость загрузки увеличивается на 20-40%. Сюда же стоит отнести ролевую игру Forspoken от студии Luminous Productions. Но это не означает, что такой производительности можно добиться и в других играх.
Список игр пока остаётся достаточно небольшим, но разработчики планируют и дальше внедрять эту технологию. Компания Crytek (Hunt: Showdown) и Blizzard Entertainment (Diablo IV) заявили, что их игры получат совместимость с DirectStorage в ближайшем будущем.
Как включить DirectStorage на неподдерживаемой системе
Если ваш компьютер с Windows 11 не соответствует требованиям к DirectStorage, то включить эту функцию не удастся. Увы, но для этого потребуется установить твердотельный накопитель NVMe и обновить видеокарту для поддержки DirectX 12 Ultimate.
После всех выполненных условий система автоматически включит технологию DirectStorage для тех игр, которые её поддерживают.
Денис Быковский
Профессиональный лингвист-переводчик. Пишу информационные статьи о свежих событиях в видеоиграх, IT-технологиях, и программировании.
Enabling DirectStorage in Windows 11 is a game changer for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. This feature uses your computer’s NVMe SSD to reduce game load times significantly and boost overall performance. To enable it, you only need to ensure your hardware supports DirectStorage, have the latest Windows updates installed, and enable the feature in the settings menu. This process takes just a few minutes and can drastically improve your gaming experience.
DirectStorage is like a turbo booster for your gaming experience, speeding up load times and enhancing performance. Here’s how to supercharge your Windows 11 setup.
Step 1: Check Your Hardware Compatibility
Ensure your computer has an NVMe SSD and a DirectX 12 Ultimate graphics card.
Before you can enable DirectStorage, your hardware must meet the basic requirements. An NVMe SSD and a Compatible GPU are essential. You can check your system specifications by navigating to the System Information tool in Windows 11.
Step 2: Update Windows 11
Ensure that your Windows 11 is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
Having the latest updates ensures that all DirectStorage features and improvements are fully supported. Go to Settings, click on Windows Update, and prompt your system to check for updates.
Step 3: Update Your Graphics Card Driver
Download and install the latest driver for your graphics card from the manufacturer’s website.
Updated GPU drivers are crucial for taking full advantage of DirectStorage. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website—be it NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel—and download the latest driver package.
Step 4: Open Game Bar
Use the Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
Opening the Xbox Game Bar is necessary for accessing game settings related to DirectStorage. Once it’s open, you’ll find various widgets that allow you to optimize your experience.
Step 5: Enable DirectStorage
Navigate to the settings in the Xbox Game Bar and toggle on DirectStorage.
Look through the settings menu for the DirectStorage option and switch it on. This final step activates the feature, allowing your system to use the NVMe SSD to improve load times and game performance.
Once you’ve enabled DirectStorage, you should notice smoother load times and enhanced graphics performance in games that support the feature. It’s like giving your games a shot of adrenaline, making them quicker and more responsive.
Tips for Enabling Direct Storage in Windows 11
- Ensure your SSD has enough free space for optimal performance, as DirectStorage works best when there’s spare capacity.
- Regularly check for system and driver updates to maintain compatibility and get the best performance.
- Consider upgrading to a higher capacity NVMe SSD if you frequently run out of space.
- Look for games that specifically support DirectStorage for the best performance boost.
- Monitor your system temperatures to ensure your hardware doesn’t overheat when using demanding features like DirectStorage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DirectStorage?
DirectStorage is a feature that allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD, bypassing the CPU for quicker load times and improved performance.
Do all games support DirectStorage?
Not all games support DirectStorage, but more titles are adopting it. Check game specifications for DirectStorage support.
Can I enable DirectStorage on HDD or SATA SSD?
DirectStorage requires an NVMe SSD to function. HDDs and SATA SSDs do not offer the same speed benefits.
Is DirectStorage automatically enabled in Windows 11?
No, DirectStorage must be enabled manually through the Xbox Game Bar settings.
Does DirectStorage improve non-gaming applications?
While primarily designed for gaming, DirectStorage can theoretically improve data-heavy applications, but it’s mainly optimized for gaming use.
Summary
- Check hardware compatibility.
- Update Windows 11.
- Update graphics card driver.
- Open Game Bar.
- Enable DirectStorage.
Conclusion
Enabling Direct Storage in Windows 11 is a straightforward yet impactful way to enhance your gaming setup. By leveraging the power of NVMe SSDs, games load faster and run more smoothly, offering an experience that feels like switching from a tricycle to a race car. While the process is simple, the benefits are substantial, making it a must-do for anyone serious about gaming on Windows 11.
Moreover, as more games begin to support DirectStorage, the feature will only become more valuable, akin to a hidden treasure chest of performance gains waiting to be unlocked. If you’re excited about technology and want your system to perform at its peak, enabling DirectStorage is an essential step. Consider it a wise investment in the quality of your virtual adventures. Feel free to explore, test, and share your experiences with this remarkable feature, and happy gaming!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
- DirectStorage will massively improve game loading times if you have the right hardware.
- Learn how to check if DirectStorage is supported in Windows on your PC, how to enable, and use it when you play games.
- We’re also discussing the current state of Direct Storage supported games list. It’s not pretty.
If you ask conservative Windows users, you’ll find there’s no reason to upgrade to Windows 11. I, personally disagree, and I have been using the latest version of Windows since it was in beta.
I won’t lie to you, I like the way Windows 11 looks, among other things, and I’m also disappointed by some Microsoft decisions, but there’s one reason I do think we have to look forward and embrace the new Windows: it’s where cutting edge Windows features will be added first.
If you want the latest and greatest features you have to try Windows 11. Some of these changes and technologies may find their way down to Windows 10, but most likely they won’t.
DirectStorage is one technology that will work best in Windows 11, even if it will still be partially supported in Windows 10. I’ve explained what Direct Storage is, so I’ll just summarize it here: game assets will load much faster as they can be accessed faster from the SSD directly by the GPU, bypassing the CPU completely.
CONTENTS
- What are DirectStorage Requirements?
- How to Check if DirectStorage is Supported and Enabled in Windows?
- How to Enable DirectStorage in Windows
- What PC Games Currently Support DirectStorage?
What are DirectStorage Requirements?
Installing Windows 11 is not enough, you need hardware that supports DirectStorage to take advantage of this technology.
- NVMe SSD (the faster the better). SATA SSDs don’t support DirectStorage.
- GPU that supports DirectX 12 and Shader Model 6.0.
- Windows 11 updated to the latest version (just to be sure).
That’s it, so fairly modern hardware is enough. You don’t actually need the latest generation of CPUs and GPUs to use DirectStorage.
How to Check if DirectStorage is Supported and Enabled in Windows?
Enthusiasts know what hardware lies inside their PCs, but for regular folks, that’s not always the case. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to figure out if your computer is DirectStorage compatible.
1. Open the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the Win + G keyboard shortcut.
2. Wait for the Xbox overlay widgets to load, then click on the Settings cog wheel.
3. Another widget will show up. Use the left-side menu to navigate to Gaming features.
On the right side, you’ll see a section called DirectStorage. What you want to see is:
- GPU: DirectStorage optimized
- OS: This version of Windows supports the latest DirectStorage IO optimization.
Below there’s a list of all your partitions (or drives), each listing DirectStorage support. Mechanical hard drives and SSDs will say Non-NVMe drive.
If your computer is not compliant, in the image above you’ll see the message This version of Windows does not support DirectStorage IO optimizations.
Fortunately, there’s no need to enable DirectStorage. Windows will enable the technology automatically if all requirements are met. You don’t have to do anything else at this point, besides launching a game that supports Direct Storage.
Developers must support DirectStorage API for games to take advantage of this technology. It doesn’t work it’s not implemented at the software level.
What PC Games Currently Support DirectStorage?
And this is the tricky part right now: there’s only one game at the time of writing this article (April 2023) that supports DirectStorage in Windows, and that’s Forspoken.
This is sad, considering DirectStorage has been here for a while, being first introduced in Xbox consoles. So a lot of console games support it, but not their PC version.
I’m sure things will normalize in the next few years, but right now, DirectStorage is just a promising tech.
I’m a writer and Editor-in-Chief at BinaryFork. I am passionate about technology, science, space exploration, and movies. I started writing about tech more than 20 years ago, after graduating in Computer Science.
