- DirectStorage frees up the processor and speeds up game loading times by optimizing data transfer between the storage NVMe and the GPU.
- To be able to enjoy DirectStorage it is essential to have Windows 11, SSD NVMe, a compatible graphics card, and games that have implemented the technology.
- The technology enables smoother gameplay, more detailed open worlds, and faster loading of textures and models thanks to direct GPU decompression.
The arrival of DirectStorage a Windows 11 It has been a real revolution for PC gamers and performance enthusiasts, as it allows them to enjoy Ultra-fast loading in games and take full advantage of the speed of the latest generation SSDs. If you want to discover in detail how this technology works, what hardware you need and how to activate it, stay, because in this article you will find the most comprehensive and clear guide available in Spanish.
Until recently, the biggest advances in loading times and performance in video games were limited even on powerful computers by bottlenecks between storage and the graphics card. With the introduction of Direct Storage on Windows 11, inspired by what we already saw in Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft has taken the definitive leap to allow games to load maps, textures, and models almost instantly, achieving much smoother and more spectacular sessions. And the best part: you can take advantage of it if you meet the requirements, without technical complications.
What is DirectStorage and why is it so important?
DirectStorage is a API developed by Microsoft as part of the DirectX 12 Ultimate technology suite, which was first implemented on consoles and, relatively recently, adapted to Windows 10 and especially Windows 11. The main objective of DirectStorage is eliminate traditional bottlenecks which occur when game data must travel from the hard drive (now NVMe SSD) to the graphics card memory (VRAM), first passing through the system's CPU and RAM.
What DirectStorage does is allow compressed graphics data to be moved directly from storage to graphics hardware, much more efficiently, without overloading the processor. This way, the GPU can handle file decompression and copying tasks much faster than the CPU, resulting in Reduction of between 20% and 40% in processor load and, above all, in ultra-fast loading times that can completely change the experience of playing on PC.
Furthermore, the integration of Direct Storage open the door to larger, more detailed and ambitious game worlds, where the appearance of elements on screen is much more natural, allowing objects, settings, and NPCs to load dynamically and seamlessly. In fact, this is one of the keys that has allowed cutting-edge titles like Forspoken to display environments with virtually no loading screens and instant transitions.
How DirectStorage Works: From NVMe SSD to GPU
The traditional data flow in PC games involved moving files from the hard drive to RAM, and then from RAM to the GPU, with the CPU managing the process and also handling the data decompressionThis system, inherited from conventional hard drives and older PC architectures, involved multiple transfer layers, each with its own bottleneck, especially if the processor or memory were outdated.
With DirectStorage, the scheme changes radically. Now, compressed data can be transferred directly from the NVMe SSD to the graphics card memory, minimizing CPU intervention. In fact, data decompression no longer falls on the processor; instead, thanks to the computing capabilities of the GPU, it can quickly process large volumes of compressed data, such as textures, 3D models, and maps.
To achieve this, DirectStorage leverages the DMA (Direct Memory Access) drives present in modern graphics cards, allowing for optimized communication between the storage and the GPU. Thus, the work that was previously required to be performed by the CPU is delegated to asynchronous processes and computing shaders designed for these specific tasks. All of this means less latency, faster loading speeds, and more complex games in a matter of seconds.
Additionally, with the development of version 1.1 and later, Microsoft has included techniques such as Direct decompression on the GPU using algorithms such as GDeflate, an advanced version of the classic DEFLATE, which increases efficiency and further reduces waiting times when loading game assets. According to tests, with this improvement, loading times can be as low as be reduced to a third compared to conventional systems.
Hardware and software requirements for using DirectStorage
In order to benefit from , it is necessary meet a series of basic requirements, both at the hardware and software levels. Let's review them so you can check if your equipment is ready:
- Windows 11 operating system: DirectStorage has been designed and optimized for the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, although some limited compatibility with Windows 10 has been announced. For full functionality and future support, we recommend updating to the latest version of Windows 11.
- NVMe SSD connected via PCI Express: This is the key element that makes DirectStorage stand out. While it works with any NVMe SSD, if it's also compatible with PCIe 4.0 architecture, even higher transfer speeds can be achieved.
- DirectX 12 Ultimate compatible graphics card: In the case of NVIDIA, a GPU from the RTX 2000 family (including RTX 3000 and 4000) is required, while for AMD a RX 6000 card or higher is required. For users of IntelARC cards offer support from launch. Older cards won't be able to take advantage of DirectStorage.
- Compatible games: Although the API is enabled on Windows 11, It is necessary that the games are programmed to take advantage of itFor example, Forspoken is one of the first titles to implement it on PC.
NotaDirectStorage also works on Windows 10, but more advanced optimizations and full integration are only available on Windows 11, Microsoft says.
In addition, it is always advisable to have the latest Windows and firmware updates. drivers of the graphics card so you don't miss any DirectStorage-related improvements.
What advantages does DirectStorage offer over a traditional system?
Incorporation Direct Storage not only does it mean ultra-fast charges, but a true transformation in how video games are designed and enjoyed on PCs. Some of the most notable improvements users experience when games support this technology include:
- Radically reduced loading times: Open worlds and large maps can load almost instantly. No more long wait screens when switching between areas or entering new games.
- Greater fluidity and less jerking: The streaming of textures and 3D models is done in real time, avoiding the appearance of objects "out of nowhere" and achieving much more vivid, dense and detailed scenarios.
- Frees up the CPU for other tasks: By delegating decompression and data transfer to the GPU and SSD, the processor is freer to handle game logic, physics, or rendering. Artificial Intelligence, improving overall performance.
- Possibility of larger and more complex games: DirectStorage makes it easier to create larger texture atlases and models, allowing developers to design less constrained levels with a greater variety of assets.
- Smaller and more efficient facilities: Thanks to advanced compression and direct file management, games can take up less space and load data packets only when needed.
Thanks to these advantages, Direct Storage opens a new horizon for the industry, allowing games to truly harness the potential of modern hardware.
How to check if your PC is compatible and activate Direct Storage
Although DirectStorage is natively integrated into supported systems and doesn't require manual activation by the user, it's still a good idea to check that your computer meets the requirements and is ready to take advantage of the technology. Here are the key steps you should follow:
- Check the hardware: Make sure your computer has an NVMe SSD and a compatible graphics card installed (see requirements in the sections above). You can see this information in the device administrator and in Windows settings.
- Update Windows 11: Go to Settings –> Update & security –> Windows Update and make sure you have all updates installed. This is key to taking advantage of DirectStorage.
- Drivers up to dateDownload the latest drivers for your graphics card from the manufacturer's official website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). The latest versions include improvements and direct support for DirectStorage.
- Install compatible games: Check that the game you want to play supports DirectStorage. Check the game's official website or the update notes. Few games currently support it, but the list will grow in the coming months and years.
- In-game settingsSome titles allow you to enable or disable DirectStorage from their internal menus. If this option exists, make sure it's enabled.
What's new in DirectStorage 1.2 and how does it differ from previous versions?
The development of DirectStorage 1.2 continues to evolve and Microsoft launched the SDK version 1.2 with new features and fixes, many of them based on developer feedback. Some notable new features include:
- Expanded support for buffered file IO, which allows for better utilization of the system cache, especially with traditional hard drives.
- Incorporation of the IDStorageQueue2::GetCompressionSupport API, which helps determine the most efficient decompression path based on the format supported by the GPU.
- Library updates and compatibility improvements to facilitate API integration into projects across languages and platforms.
- Error correction related to file transfer and decompression, especially in advanced scenarios such as 3D texture management and memory usage in next-generation games.
These advances make that Direct Storage be even more flexible and powerful, making it easier for developers to load data quickly and stream data without bottlenecks.
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