How to enable direct storage in Windows 11

The recent announcement that Windows systems integrate DirectStorage has raised the expectations of gamers around the world. This Xbox-based storage enhancement API allows developers to dramatically improve the user’s gaming experience. In this article, we’ll look at how to enable direct storage and everything you need to know about it.

What is direct storage in Windows 11?

Microsoft’s DirectStorage is a low-level storage API that you can use to load your games in milliseconds.

DirectStorage saves all game resources to your computer’s hard drive when you load the game. This includes graphics, sounds, maps, and character models. The game then uses an application programming interface (API) to access the data on the hard drive.

The APIs are responsible for storing and retrieving data from the system hard drive to the system RAM. After that, it is sent to be processed by the computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU).

To preserve storage space, game data is compressed before downloading. Compressed data cannot be used on the GPU. As a result, decompression occurs in the CPU instead of RAM. The game is then transferred to the GPU’s VRAM for display.

There is a bottleneck between the CPU and the graphics card or GPU due to compression difficulties. The legacy process of loading through the CPU is slower.

To alleviate these bottlenecks and improve PC gaming, Microsoft has introduced DirectStorage, which was previously only accessible to Xbox Series X/S game creators.

DirectStorage mechanism

Since it replaces older APIs, DirectStorage has a lot to offer developers. For starters, CPU-level decompression is no longer possible after transferring game data to your PC’s RAM. DirectStorage, on the other hand, incorporates innovative GPU compression methods. There are no delays in graphics rendering as the GPU receives a large amount of compressed data at once and does not have to wait. Modern high-end GPUs are required to decompress data at a faster rate than CPUs.

Previous gaming APIs read data at a much slower rate, at speeds of MB/s or less. DirectStorage takes advantage of the speed and GB/s bandwidth of the NVMe SSD. This results in improved frame rates, near-instant loading times, and allows game developers to create more complex games. The only thing holding it back right now is the lack of DirectStorage support in games that can take advantage of Windows 11’s new features.

How to enable DirectStorage in Windows 11

Since DirectStorage is an API, you don’t need to do anything to activate this feature if you are using Windows 11. However, you need to wait for third-party developers to include this functionality. Your computer will take care of the rest when you launch a DirectStorage-compatible title.

This feature has not yet been implemented in any game as of this writing. The first games compatible with DirectStorage are expected to arrive in early 2023. We will have to wait and see how soon the gaming industry adopts this new technology.

Is DirectStorage necessary?

No. If you don’t have DirectStorage, you can still play your games as you have been doing until now. However, DirectStorage will improve your gaming experience. So, it’s nice to have, but it’s not necessary.

Does my PC have direct storage?

Not all machines can run the DirectStorage subsystem. To use DirectStorage, you must have a computer that meets the system requirements. You’ll need a 1TB (or larger) NVMe SSD to save and play your games. NVMe drives must also be able to support and use the standard NVM Express Controller, which is required by the NVMe specification and shouldn’t be a big setback.

You will also need a powerful GPU capable of running DirectX 12 Ultimate and supporting Shader Model 6.0. Nvidia RTX 2000 or RTX 3000 series or AMD RDNA 2 graphics cards required.

It is possible to use DirectStorage alongside games if you meet the minimum system requirements and have the appropriate hardware.

PCs must also have Windows 11 or Windows 10, patch 1909 and higher.

DirectStorage performance comparison: Windows 11 vs Windows 10

For games running on Windows 11, the new DirectStorage improvements will have a more significant impact because the DirectStorage API is built into Windows 11. The improved system memory stack in Windows 11 allows for better performance than the system stack legacy operating system in Windows 10 and future Windows. patches will not change legacy features. However, don’t be discouraged if you are using Windows 10 because DirectStorage will continue to benefit Windows 10 users as long as your system is up to date. You will still have all the benefits mentioned above, such as faster data loading and higher frame rates, but the raw speed will not be as high as in Windows 11.

Therefore, if you want to stay at the forefront of gaming performance, it may be necessary for you to install the latest operating system. Fortunately, that’s relatively easy with the free Windows 11 upgrade plan.

Even though DirectStorage is still in its infancy, game creators will soon be able to create high-quality games without having to deal with long loading times. Gamers will enjoy a new level of immersion in their favorite games, but other PC programs will also benefit from DirectStorage such as Office.

Additional FAQs

Which version of Windows is best for DirectStorage?

DirectStorage works significantly better on Windows 11 due to the implementation of new improvements to the storage stack.

Is DirectStorage a completely new application programming interface (API)?

Not completely. The DirectStorage API is included in Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. However, it is completely new as far as Windows is concerned.

Is DirectStorage now available for download? Where can I download it?

In July 2021, the DirectStorage developer preview became available. The DirectStorage API for PC can now be downloaded from microsoft website.

DirectStorage still has a long way to go

In theory, DirectStorage can play a vital role in improving the gaming experience of thousands of PC gamers. Still, video game creators aren’t entirely on board with the idea at the moment. Microsoft is trying to make DirectStorage a de facto standard in the industry, but only time will tell whether its efforts are successful or not.

Game developers will now be able to create worlds of greater scope and with higher quality images. As long as your games support DirectStorage, you’ll also enjoy significantly faster loading times.

The current state of DirectStorage support is inconsistent, but is expected to improve in the coming years as the technology matures.

What do you think about Windows incorporating DirectStorage? How will this affect the world of video games, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments section below!