Windows 11 Is Getting a Built-In Upscaler for Gaming | Lifehacker


Right now, if you wish to reap the benefits of AI upscaling on Windows, it is advisable to lay out some money for it. Companies like Nvidia supply AI upscaling as a part of their graphics playing cards, and with out one, you are caught with the resolutions your PC can deal with natively. However, it appears to be like like Microsoft is is altering that. Soon, you must have the ability to upscale your video games natively in Windows 11, while not having a proprietary GPU.

Twitter consumer PhantomOcean3 confirmed off the brand new AI upscaler function in a tweet. If you are working Windows 11 model 24H2, at present in testing within the Insider Preview, you may discover the choice below Settings > System > Displays > Graphics. Windows calls the function “Automatic super resolution,” and says it makes use of AI to “make supported games play more smoothly with enhanced details.” While the function does not appear lively but, it signifies built-in AI upscaling is on its method.

As The Verge’s Tom Warren factors out, this function is paying homage to AI upscalers from firms like AMD (FidelityFX), Intel (XeSS), and, specifically, Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). If Windows’ built-in AI upscaling function works near how Nvidia, AMD, and Intel’s upscalers do, that would take away the necessity to have {hardware} from one in all these firms in your rig so as to take benefit.

What’s so nice about AI upscalers?

The most important advantage of native AI upscaling is the power to render video games in a better decision with out the necessity for extra superior {hardware}. For instance, in the event you’re working Windows 11 24H2 in your PC, you might use this function to upscale a 1440p recreation to 4K, slightly than natively working the sport within the 4K decision. The latter would usually be extra demanding in your GPU, and in case your {hardware} is not fairly highly effective sufficient, you might run into slowdowns.

Upscaling from 1440p, nonetheless, can assist you to see enhanced particulars with out the pressure in your system. And if Microsoft actually desires to compete with upscalers like DLSS, they will implement different perks, too. DLSS not solely upscales from 1440p to 4K, it additionally provides particulars that are not there when taking part in video games at 4K with DLSS disabled, and will increase body charges utilizing AI to “guess” what the extra frames ought to appear like. Hopefully, Windows 11’s AI upscaler will supply comparable advantages, however on the very least, it is cool to see Microsoft reducing the bar for entry for this type of expertise.