The next feature update for Windows 11 will likely introduce support for a new technology that Microsoft calls DirectSR. This technology promises to make the life of game developers easier. While gamers do not benefit directly from it, they will benefit indirectly, as games will make use of the technology.
DirectSR, the SR stands for Super Resolution, is a new DirectX API designed to improve the implementation of upscaling in games. Microsoft collaborated with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel to develop DirectSR.
Developers have to implement specific upscaling technologies currently to support them. If they want to support these for AMD and NVIDIA cards, they need to implement NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). These implementations take time to develop as the systems require different implementations.
This led to issues in the past, when games supported only one of the available upscaling technologies.
DirectSR promises to improve how upscaling is implemented. It offers a standardized interface for multiple upscaling technologies. Developers may use this option to implement upscaling technologies in their games across Windows and Xbox systems.
How DirectSR works
The core idea is simple: developers feed data that the API then routes to the upscalers. This works because upscalers tend to require the same set of data.
In other words: the API takes care of the processing of the data that the upscalers need to improve game performance and visuals. This means that developers need to provide the data just once to support all upscalers.
Microsoft promises that its new API covers upscaler updates as well. Company engineers update the API whenever necessary to support new features and changes.
Closing Words
Microsoft has not announced a release data for the new API yet. A likely target for inclusion on Windows is the release of the 2024 feature update for Windows 11. This will be released in the second half off 2024, like at the end of September or beginning of October 2024.
As is the case with new gaming technologies, it will take some time before games will make use of them. While some games may support the feature early, it may take years before a good number of games support it.
Much depends on Microsoft’s promise that the technology will make things easier for game developers.
Now You: do you play games at all?
My PC’s are purpose built for gaming and I see this issue, which is most definitely in the present not the past, all the time and suffer from it on occasion.
You know M.$ is not doing this for gamers or developers. They are doing it for themselves as they continue to grab a bigger and bigger share of the gaming market.