Skip to main content
Tech Radar TechRadar the technology experts
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
  • More
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Best VPN
  • Back to school
  • Best laptop
  • ChatGPT
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
Recommended reading
Render of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X
Windows Microsoft's 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach to the threat of Steam in the new Xbox PC app is a great idea
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
Windows New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions
Using Zipped files and folders in Windows 11
Windows New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes - here are 4 things I'm looking forward to
The new ROG Xbox Ally
Gaming PCs Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally will feature a new “Xbox full-screen experience” to finally rival the Steam Deck’s ease of use – and more Windows 11 gaming handhelds will get it too
Windows 11
Windows Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they're addressed, I'll be saying 'adiós', Windows 11
Xbox App for PC redesign 2024
Gaming PCs I don't see how Microsoft's Xbox PC app will win me over – especially when I'm obsessed with SteamOS
Happy woman sitting on a bed with a coffee and a laptop
Windows I was about to upgrade to Windows 11, but I've decided to stick with Windows 10 – here's why
  1. Computing
  2. Software
  3. Windows

From DirectX 12 to Xbox streaming: what Windows 10's future holds for gamers

News
By Andrew Williams published 25 July 2016

You won't find these features elsewhere

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

We can't blame people for being wary about upgrading their version of Windows. In the past it has been no guarantee of a better experience. Anyone remember Windows Vista?

However, Windows 10 turns from a free to a paid upgrade for certain users on July 29. Simply put, if you're on Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.1, you would be silly not to make the leap.

Even if you're on an older version of Windows, the benefits to gamers that Windows 10 brings is worth considering splashing out on a completely new machine. To put it simply, to use anything else is to live in the past, in some fairly literal ways.

Still wedded to Windows 7 or Windows 8? Here's why it's time to get on-board with Windows 10.

  • Here's everything you need to know about using Windows 10
Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
DirectX 12 is Windows 10 only

DirectX 12 is Windows 10 only

We're going to start with the biggie. Windows 10 is the only version of Microsoft's OS that supports DirectX 12.

It's easy to think of DirectX as that annoying piece of software you have to update every now and then before you play games, but it's an essential part of the gaming chain. It is what provides the APIs that give a game access to your graphics hardware.

DirectX provides even deeper access to the GPU than DirectX 11, meaning less overhead and better performance in a like-for-like test.

It also enables a kind of next-gen SLI effect, where two graphics cards are used at the same time. DirectX 12 loosens this up, letting the resources of two completely different cards be used simultaneously.

Of course, this doesn't mean you can plug in your knackered old GPU into your computer and expect a big boost: that thing won't support DirectX 12. However, it could mean games start using the GPU integrated into your CPU as an extra little brain for specific lower-level tasks.

Integrated GPUs are nowhere near as bad as they used to be, so it's nice to think if you have a proper gaming rig, the CPU's graphics section won't just be sitting there idle anymore.

This article is part of TechRadar's Windows 10 week. Microsoft's latest operating system turns from a free to a paid upgrade on July 29, and we're looking to answer the question of whether it's good for you.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
DirectX 12 boosted graphics

DirectX 12 boosted graphics

If that all sounds a bit too much like navel-gazing tech speak, how about the improved graphics DirectX 12 will enable? It introduces new shader and rendering techniques that will be particularly useful in upgrading the quality of reflections, fog, smoke and lighting.

You can look as deep as you like into this, way beyond our pay grade, but a lot of it centres around breaking down calculations to a per-pixel level. Not only is this going to make environmental effects look better, it'll make player interactions with things like smoke easier to model.

These are of course developer tools, not improvements that will suddenly appear in existing games, but will help to define what elevates high-end PC graphics over console visuals. While a version of DirectX 12 is gradually rolling out to the Xbox One, the hope is that it'll be able to match PS4 performance with version 12, not level-up visuals.

At present the Xbox One often has to use a lower resolution or frame rate than its Sony rival, which has a more powerful GPU and uses the OpenGL API library rather than DirectX.

  • Here's even more on why DirectX 12 matters to gamers
Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Upcoming DirectX 12 games

Upcoming DirectX 12 games

So far we've talked about Windows 10 potential. It can sound like far-off future promise. But where are we going top see it really kick in?

PC-exclusive games will benefit most from a development approach led by DirectX 12. One of the titles to look out for is the already jaw-dropping Star Citizen, perhaps one of the most ambitious games currently in development.

Star Citizen is a space sim and action game, a much more hardcore take on No Man's Sky's interstellar exploration.

In an interview with Gaming Nexus, Star Citizen creator Chris Roberts talked a little about DirectX 12 is being used to enhance the game:

"There's plenty of cool stuff coming up. We're focusing a lot of our efforts and work on things like fluid sims that we could use for gas clouds, background COMPUTE stuff to allow us to do voxelization of asteroids, and then there's a bunch of GPU tessellation stuff that we've actually been planning for our planetary stuff."

DirectX 12 is going to make space look a lot nicer.

The other huge PC exclusive to look out for is Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord. However, developer TaleWorlds Entertainment hasn't really talked about the role DirectX 12 plays in the game's visuals.

DirectX 12 support was also patched into Unreal Engine 4 back in late 2015. It was always going to happen, of course, but is another confirmation we're just waiting for dev to start using more of what DirectX 12 offers.

A few games have already seen very significant performance boost just from DirectX 12 too. For example, it grants strategy game Ashes of the Singularity up to an extra 20fps with an AMD graphics card. AMD's hardware in particular benefits massively from the improvements of DirectX 12.

  • Many of the best PC games take advantage of DirectX 12
Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Windows 10 lets you record your gaming

Windows 10 lets you record your gaming

There's much more to Windows 10's gaming bonuses than just the power of DirectX 12 too. Catching up with the way people share their gaming experiences these days, Microsoft has packed video capture into the OS.

This is part of the Xbox app, called Game DVR. There are a few ways to approach it. The Background Recording feature caches the last 15 seconds to 10 minutes of footage, so you don't have to worry about manually hitting record during play. There will be a slight performance hit when you use this, though.

Longer "Let's Play" style video recording is possible too. You simply have to manually start recording rather than just letting this feature silently brew in the background. Pressing Windows + Alt + R starts recording, and while the default max length is an hour you can change that in the Xbox app to two hours if you want.

You can choose the resolution (720p/1080p) and quality (bit-rate) of the recordings, making this much more than the Mickey Mouse take on DVR you might expect for something all-but built into Windows 10.

Audio quality is also customisable (32kbps to 192kbps) and your computer's mic, if it has one, feed can be recorded too, to let you commentate play with zero editing involved. The only missing part is a picture-in-picture mode that edits together the game feed and webcam footage, for zero-editing YouTube style videos.

Still, for a 'free' Windows 10 feature, it's pretty great.

  • You might also want to know how to livestream like a pro gamer
Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
You can stream games right from an Xbox One

You can stream games right from an Xbox One

Here's an extra side benefit that, funnily enough, isn't about PC gamers at all. Windows 10 lets you stream games directly from an Xbox One on the same network thanks to what Microsoft calls Xbox Play Anywhere.

Similar to PS4 Remote Play streaming, you see on your computer monitor what you would see on your TV screen, with your controller inputs transmitted over your network. If you can use a wired connection, or a direct Powerline hook-up, the experience is excellent.

Performance will take a hit if you use Wi-Fi, with more obvious lag, but that's just something you'll have to deal with if you can't handle an Ethernet cable.

This is a smart feature if you live with a partner, or anyone, who doesn't appreciate staring at the TV as you play Destiny on your Xbox One.

  • Learn how to stream Xbox One games to a PC
Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
TOPICS
Windows 10 Microsoft
Andrew Williams
Andrew Williams
Social Links Navigation

Andrew is a freelance journalist and has been writing and editing for some of the UK's top tech and lifestyle publications including TrustedReviews, Stuff, T3, TechRadar, Lifehacker and others.

See more Computing News
Read more
Render of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X
Microsoft's 'if you can't beat them, join them' approach to the threat of Steam in the new Xbox PC app is a great idea
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
New update for Windows 11 24H2 is the most feature-packed for some time, delivering some seriously useful additions
Using Zipped files and folders in Windows 11
New Windows 11 update delivers a host of new features and fixes - here are 4 things I'm looking forward to
The new ROG Xbox Ally
Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally will feature a new “Xbox full-screen experience” to finally rival the Steam Deck’s ease of use – and more Windows 11 gaming handhelds will get it too
Windows 11
Only two things are stopping me from moving to SteamOS on my desktop PC permanently – the moment they're addressed, I'll be saying 'adiós', Windows 11
Xbox App for PC redesign 2024
I don't see how Microsoft's Xbox PC app will win me over – especially when I'm obsessed with SteamOS
Latest in Windows
happy woman using a Windows 10 laptop
If Windows 12 is anything like this concept, I'd switch from Windows 11 (or 10) in a heartbeat
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
Not a fan of the Copilot app in Windows 11? You might change your mind, as Microsoft just beefed up its powers
Sad business man and laptop
I'm fed up with ads in Windows 11, but Microsoft may introduce yet another one to the Start menu
A man getting angry with his laptop.
Can't reset your Windows 11 or 10 PC? Microsoft rushes out fix after breaking vital recovery features
Happy woman sitting on a bed with a coffee and a laptop
I was about to upgrade to Windows 11, but I've decided to stick with Windows 10 – here's why
Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
Bug in Windows 11 update reportedly breaks some SSDs - and Microsoft says it's now 'investigating'
Latest in News
Young woman sitting on the floor with a laptop biting nails, nervous and very anxious
Microsoft turns to AI to improve Edge browser – but after the Recall debacle I'm worried it could be another privacy nightmare
Final Fantasy 14 x Monster Hunter Wilds
Final Fantasy 14 director has a pretty simple explanation for why the Monster Hunter Wilds collab will feature Omega – 'In the Monster Hunter team, there are many Warriors of Light'
password manager example
Multiple top password managers vulnerable to password stealing clickjacking attacks - here’s what we know
Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Google Pixel 10 Pro might be even worse for gaming than the Pixel 9 Pro
Directive 8020
Directive 8020 developers on finally introducing the one feature that I always wanted in Until Dawn – and why it will change how you play
iPhone 15 Pro FineWoven case
The iPhone 17 could get these leaked TechWoven cases, but Apple fans still miss its old leather cases
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Swann's new subscription-free home security camera stays charged with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day
  2. 2
    Multiple top password managers vulnerable to password stealing clickjacking attacks - here’s what we know
  3. 3
    Final Fantasy 14 director has a pretty simple explanation for why the Monster Hunter Wilds collab will feature Omega – 'In the Monster Hunter team, there are many Warriors of Light'
  4. 4
    Directive 8020 developers on finally introducing the one feature that I always wanted in Until Dawn – and why it will change how you play
  5. 5
    The iPhone 17 could get these leaked TechWoven cases, but Apple fans still miss its old leather cases

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...