It is no secret that gaming on Windows 11 has been just a little tough in recent times. Efficiency and value issues have been plaguing the OS for some time now, however it looks like Microsoft is lastly attempting to do one thing about it.
Microsoft has kicked off an inside initiative codenamed Windows K2, in accordance with Windows Central. Somewhat than being a model of Windows itself, this challenge appears to goal to alter the design philosophy of future Windows updates as an alternative.
Over the previous a number of years, Microsoft has been centered on releasing new options as quick as doable, which has led to some extremely terrible updates. Simply take a look at Recall, a Copilot+ function which makes use of AI to save lots of screenshots of actually all the pieces you do in your PC as a way to reference them later. Again in 2024, Microsoft tried to hurry that out tremendous shortly, solely to have to carry it again as a consequence of apparent safety points.
With K2, Microsoft slowing issues down a bit and trickling out updates with a better bar of high quality. We have already seen proof of this program, with the current AutoSR replace coming to the Xbox Ally X practically six months after its launch. Microsoft might have simply shipped the function with out ensuring it labored correctly – in any case, it has been accessible for Windows ARM systems for more than a year.
Hopefully which means that Microsoft could have some semblance of restraint when involves shoving new options into Windows 11. Or, on the very least, much less frequent updates that make you restart your gaming PC.
Microsoft Desires PC Gaming Again
PC gaming on Windows is clearly nonetheless big, with Microsoft’s working techniques making up for 92% of gaming PCs, in accordance with the latest Steam Hardware Survey. Whereas Windows does have a comfortable majority, Linux gaming is rising at an unimaginable charge, thanks largely to the Steam Deck, and different handhelds that are actually working SteamOS or Bazzite.
Simply final month, the quantity of individuals working Linux on their gaming PCs has gone up 3% to five.33% of Steam’s set up base. Definitely a giant a part of that’s there are extra gadgets on the market that include SteamOS lately, however proper now Linux simply has higher gaming efficiency than Windows, particularly on low-end {hardware}.
It looks like Microsoft is conscious of this. As Windows Central reports, Microsoft is now SteamOS because the benchmark for gaming efficiency, attempting to match its efficiency with comparable {hardware}. Hell, even in my testing, I’ve positively seen that handheld gaming PCs working on Valve’s working system have a little bit of a lead, which is why the Lenovo Legion Go S can nonetheless maintain its personal in opposition to the Xbox Ally X and the Legion Go 2 regardless of having a slower chip.
Microsoft paying extra consideration to its working system’s effectivity and efficiency is an efficient signal, however it’ll be a while but earlier than we see whether or not or not this renewed push for high quality pays off. Nevertheless, Windows 12 is lurking somewhere on the horizon, so hopefully Microsoft carries this K2 initiative ahead to its subsequent main OS launch.
Jackie Thomas is the {Hardware} and Shopping for Guides Editor at IGN and the PC elements queen. You possibly can observe her @Jackiecobra