DirectStorage - Improving the speed and efficiency of data storage operations for games

 What Is DirectStorage?

    DirectStorage is a new API (Application Programming Interface) that was introduced by Microsoft with the release of Windows 11 and is also available on Windows 10 with the latest updates. It is designed to improve the speed and efficiency of data storage operations for games and other applications that require fast access to large amounts of data, such as video editing or machine learning applications.

    DirectStorage works by streamlining the process of loading data from storage devices, such as solid-state drives (SSDs), into the computer's memory. Instead of relying on the traditional input/output (I/O) processing methods, which can cause delays and bottlenecks, DirectStorage uses a more efficient method of transferring data directly from the storage device to the graphics processing unit (GPU) or other system components.

    This results in faster loading times, improved graphics performance, and reduced strain on the CPU, which can improve overall system performance. DirectStorage also includes features such as hardware decompression, which can help reduce the amount of data that needs to be transferred from the storage device to the system.

    DirectStorage is expected to be particularly beneficial for gamers, as it can help reduce load times and improve the overall performance of games that rely on large amounts of data, such as open-world games or games with high-resolution textures. It is also expected to be useful for other applications that require fast access to large amounts of data, such as video editing or machine learning applications. 

How to enable DirectStorage in windows 11

    To enable DirectStorage on Windows 11, you will need to make sure that your system meets the necessary hardware requirements and that you have the latest updates installed. Here are the steps to enable DirectStorage on Windows 11:

1.    Check if your hardware meets the requirements:

·         Your system should have a DirectX 12 Ultimate-compatible GPU with hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling support, an NVMe SSD, and a compatible CPU.

2.    Make sure your system is up to date:

·         Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on "Check for updates".

·         Install any available updates, including optional updates.

3.    Enable DirectStorage:

·         Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

·         Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

·         Navigate to

       HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\ and create a new key named "2093230218".

·         Inside the key, create a new DWORD value named "EnabledState" with a value of "1".

·         Create another DWORD value named "EnabledStateOptions" with a value of "0".

·         Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

    After completing these steps, DirectStorage should be enabled on your Windows 11 system. However, keep in mind that not all games or applications may support DirectStorage, so you may need to check with the developers of the software you are using to see if it is compatible.