One of the main features of Windows 11 24H2 is the fact that it presents the “Super Resolution” option, which is based on DirectSR. During the Game Developers Conference (GDC 2024) event, Microsoft shared some interesting information about how DirectSR allows game developers to easily improve the quality of games.
Windows 11 receives automatic Super Resolution for games
Game designers often display certain elements, such as reflections or shadows, at lower resolutions and then increase them to meet the demands of high-resolution displays. Super-resolution is useful for improving game graphics so they look good on devices with high-resolution displays.
Super-resolution is not a new technology. However, implementing it in all games is difficult for developers, especially those with low budgets. This is because developers have to test separate shader codes for different upscaling technologies.
Microsoft's solution with DirectSR is to make it easier for developers to support multiple upscaling technologies without having to test their code for multiple upscaling technologies such as DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. Or any other technology can be supported, including those that depend on the NPU.
For example, previously game developers had to test their games with every vendor that offered super-resolution. However, Microsoft now forwards all data to upscale. The company's API forwards variables, parameters or other information to all upscalers (DLSS, FSR, etc.).
The processing of the necessary data, which was previously carried out by developers, is now carried out by Microsoft using DirectSR.
However, there is another interesting element. In previous versions of Windows 11 24H2, there is a mention of a new feature called 'Auto Super Resolution' (Auto SR), which uses the power of AI to let you play games with improved details.
This feature is based on DirectSR, allowing Windows to automatically resize graphics for supported games, rather than switching settings within games.
Auto Super Resolution in Windows 11 only works with games. However, it is not limited to NPU devices, as DirectSR also works with GPUs.