How to Enable DirectStorage in Windows 11 — A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 28, 2025

If you’re a gamer or someone who loves lightning-fast load times, you’ve probably heard of Microsoft DirectStorage. This feature is a game-changer, designed to unlock the full potential of modern NVMe SSDs by dramatically reducing loading times and improving performance in supported games. But here’s the catch: even if you’re running Windows 11, DirectStorage isn’t always enabled by default.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable DirectStorage in Windows 11, explain what it is, why it matters, and how to check if your system is ready. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to squeeze the most out of your storage for a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.

Key Takeaways

  • DirectStorage is a Windows 11 feature that speeds up game loading and reduces CPU overhead.

  • To use it, you need an NVMe SSD, a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0, and the latest Windows updates.

  • Enabling DirectStorage requires checking your system’s hardware, updating drivers, and verifying settings.

  • Not all games support DirectStorage yet, but more titles are adopting it every year.

What is DirectStorage in Windows 11?

DirectStorage is a storage API developed by Microsoft that allows games to load assets directly from your SSD into your GPU’s memory, bypassing traditional CPU bottlenecks.

Think of it like skipping the middleman: instead of your CPU unpacking game files and then sending them to your GPU, DirectStorage lets the GPU handle it directly. The result? Faster load times, seamless open worlds, and fewer stutters.

Why Should You Enable DirectStorage?

You might wonder, “Do I really need this?” The answer depends on how much you value performance.

Here are some clear benefits of enabling DirectStorage:

  • 🚀 Faster load times — Say goodbye to long splash screens.

  • 🎮 Better game performance — More stable frame rates and smoother gameplay.

  • 🧩 Optimized asset streaming — Open-world games can load textures and maps on the fly.

  • 🔮 Future-proofing — Many upcoming games are being built with DirectStorage in mind.

System Requirements for DirectStorage in Windows 11

Before you can enable it, make sure your PC meets these requirements:

Component Requirement How to Check
Operating System Windows 11 (version 10.0.19041 or higher) Settings > System > About
Storage NVMe SSD with PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 Device Manager > Disk drives
Graphics Card DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support Run dxdiag
Game Support Must be built to use DirectStorage Check game’s official site

⚡ Pro Tip: Even if you meet all requirements, games must explicitly support DirectStorage for you to see benefits.

How to Enable DirectStorage in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get to the main part — enabling DirectStorage on your PC.

Step 1: Update Windows 11

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Windows Update.

  3. Click Check for updates and install the latest patches.

Keeping your OS up-to-date ensures you have the DirectStorage runtime.

Step 2: Update Your GPU Drivers

  1. Identify your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

  2. Visit the official website:

  3. Download and install the latest drivers.

✅ GPU drivers often include optimizations for DirectStorage-enabled games.

Step 3: Verify You Have an NVMe SSD

  1. Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.

  2. Expand Disk drives.

  3. Look for your SSD model — it should say NVMe.

If you don’t see NVMe, you won’t get full DirectStorage benefits.

Step 4: Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

This isn’t mandatory, but it improves performance.

  1. Open Settings > System > Display.

  2. Scroll down and click Graphics settings.

  3. Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to On.

  4. Restart your PC.

Step 5: Check if DirectStorage is Enabled

Microsoft doesn’t have a direct toggle for “turning on” DirectStorage. Instead, it activates automatically when the system and games support it.

Here’s how to check:

  • Download and run the DirectStorage sample demo (from Microsoft or GPU vendors).

  • Some games like Forspoken or Diablo IV explicitly mention if DirectStorage is active in their settings or loading screens.

How to Know If a Game Supports DirectStorage

Not every game takes advantage of this technology yet. Look for:

  • Official mentions on the game’s website.

  • Patch notes or updates from developers.

  • Settings in-game mentioning DirectStorage or NVMe optimization.

Popular titles like Forspoken and Diablo IV already support it, and many more are on the way.

Troubleshooting: What If DirectStorage Isn’t Working?

1. Your SSD isn’t NVMe

If you’re on an older SATA SSD or HDD, you won’t benefit. Consider upgrading.

2. Outdated Windows or Drivers

Re-check for updates. Both OS and GPU drivers are critical.

3. Unsupported Game

If the game isn’t coded for DirectStorage, it won’t use it regardless of your setup.

4. Background Apps Hogging Resources

Disable unnecessary apps from starting with Windows:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to Startup apps.

  3. Disable resource-heavy apps.

Extra Tips to Optimize Gaming Performance in Windows 11

DirectStorage is one piece of the puzzle. For the best performance:

  • Enable Game Mode (Settings > Gaming > Game Mode).

  • Use High-Performance Power Plan.

  • Keep your system free of unnecessary startup programs.

  • Defrag or optimize drives (only for HDDs, not SSDs).

Future of DirectStorage in Gaming

DirectStorage is just the beginning. As developers embrace it, we can expect:

  • Instant loading open-worlds.

  • Better VR and AR performance.

  • Reduced reliance on large amounts of RAM.

It’s paving the way for next-gen gaming experiences on PC.

Conclusion

Enabling DirectStorage in Windows 11 isn’t about flipping a single switch — it’s about ensuring your system has the right hardware, drivers, and updates. Once set up, it works in the background, giving you faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a future-ready gaming rig.

If your PC already meets the requirements, congratulations — DirectStorage is likely already active! All that’s left is to play games that support it and enjoy the difference.

FAQs About DirectStorage in Windows 11

1. Does DirectStorage work on Windows 10?

Yes, but it’s optimized for Windows 11. Microsoft provides limited support on Windows 10.

2. Can I enable DirectStorage without an NVMe SSD?

No. You need an NVMe SSD to unlock its full potential. SATA SSDs won’t cut it.

3. How do I check if my game is using DirectStorage?

Some games display it in their settings or loading screens. Otherwise, check the developer’s notes.

4. Do I need a special GPU for DirectStorage?

Yes, your GPU must support DirectX 12 and Shader Model 6.0.

5. Will DirectStorage improve FPS?

Not directly. It mainly reduces load times and stutters, but smoother streaming can lead to more consistent frame pacing.

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