Windows 11 Gets New Optimizations for Windowed Games

Windows 11 is an operating system that can be used for working, creating, and having fun, so it goes without saying that games continue to be an important part of the genuine Windows experience.

This is why Microsoft is always working on improving the gaming experience on Windows, and the most recent preview build shipped to insiders comes with an important change on this front.

Windows 11 build 22557 is equipped with a new feature called Optimizations, and its purpose is as simple as it could be: polish the experience of games running in a windowed mode.

The Redmond-based software giant explains users should notice a significant performance boost, including improved latency.

Currently exclusive to users running preview builds

“This build introduces a feature called Optimizations for windowed games and is designed to significantly improve latency and unlock other exciting gaming features including Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR),” Microsoft says.

“Latency improvements can benefit all gamers – from improving your input lag to creating a competitive edge in your gaming experience. Go to System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings to enable the feature. Note that this feature may be already on by default and is also required to use other graphics features such as Auto HDR.”

The new Optimizations feature is currently available only for Windows insiders, but it will land for everybody running Windows 11 later this year.

Microsoft says it plans to release improvements for Windows 11 at a much faster pace and without waiting for new feature updates. This means it would rely more on quality updates, and for users, this is a sign that certain and smaller refinements could be shipped without having to wait for a major feature update, now landing just once every year, as per the new Microsoft update policy.