How To Enable Direct Storage Windows 10

Are you looking to optimize your storage performance on Windows 10? One powerful feature that can help you achieve this is Direct Storage. By enabling Direct Storage, you can experience faster load times, reduced latency, and improved overall gaming performance. So, how can you enable Direct Storage on your Windows 10 device? Let's dive in and find out.

To enable Direct Storage on Windows 10, you'll need to ensure that you have the necessary hardware and software requirements. First, your system should be equipped with an NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) and a compatible graphics card. Additionally, you'll need to have the latest version of Windows 10 installed, preferably the May 2020 Update or later. Once you have these prerequisites in place, you can enable Direct Storage by going into the Windows Settings, selecting "Update & Security," and then clicking on "Windows Insider Program." Join the Windows Insider Program, choose the Dev Channel, and ensure that you receive Insider Preview builds of Windows 10. With this, you'll have access to the latest features and updates, including Direct Storage.

Introduction: Understanding Direct Storage in Windows 10

Windows 10 is constantly advancing its features and capabilities to provide users with an enhanced computing experience. One such development is the introduction of Direct Storage, a technology that aims to revolutionize storage performance on Windows 10 systems. Direct Storage enables faster loading times for games and applications by allowing them to access data directly from storage devices, bypassing traditional input/output (I/O) systems.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling Direct Storage on your Windows 10 system. We will explore the benefits of Direct Storage and provide step-by-step instructions to help you optimize your gaming and application experience. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Benefits of Direct Storage

Direct Storage brings significant advantages to Windows 10, especially for gamers and application users who require fast and efficient loading times. Here are some key benefits of enabling Direct Storage:

• Reduced game and application loading times: Direct Storage enables faster data transfer between storage devices and the CPU, reducing the time it takes for games and applications to load.
• Improved overall system performance: By optimizing storage performance, Direct Storage enhances the overall performance of your Windows 10 system.
• Enhanced gaming experience: Gamers can experience reduced stuttering and lag, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
• Seamless multitasking: Direct Storage allows for faster file access, enabling seamless multitasking between multiple applications and tasks.

Enabling Direct Storage can significantly improve your system's speed and responsiveness, making it a valuable feature for both gamers and productivity users.

System Requirements for Direct Storage

Before enabling Direct Storage, it's important to ensure that your Windows 10 system meets the necessary requirements. Here are the system requirements for Direct Storage:

Operating System	Windows 10 (version 1909 or later)
Storage Device	One or more NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs)
Storage Controller	PCIe Gen3 x4 or higher
Graphics Card	DirectX 12 Ultimate compatible
Processor	Modern CPU with support for DirectStorage
RAM	8 GB or higher

Ensure that your system meets these requirements before proceeding with the steps to enable Direct Storage.

Enabling Direct Storage: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the benefits of Direct Storage and have confirmed that your system meets the necessary requirements, let's dive into the steps to enable Direct Storage on your Windows 10 machine:

Step 1: Update Windows to the Latest Version

The first step is to ensure that your Windows 10 operating system is up to date. To update Windows, follow these steps:

• Click on the "Start" menu and select "Settings."
• In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security."
• Select "Windows Update" from the left sidebar.
• Click on the "Check for updates" button and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
• Restart your computer if prompted.

Updating Windows to the latest version ensures that you have the necessary system files and updates required for Direct Storage.

Step 2: Install the Latest NVIDIA or AMD Graphics Drivers

To enable Direct Storage, you'll need to ensure that you have the latest NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers installed on your system. Follow these steps to update your graphics drivers:

• If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, visit the official NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers for your specific card model.
• If you have an AMD graphics card, visit the official AMD website and download the latest drivers for your specific card model.
• Once downloaded, run the driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Restart your computer to apply the driver updates.

Updating your graphics drivers ensures compatibility with Direct Storage and optimizes your system for the best performance.

Step 3: Check and Enable Direct Storage in Windows Features

After updating Windows and your graphics drivers, you need to check and enable the Direct Storage feature in Windows Features. Follow these steps:

• Click on the "Start" menu and select "Settings."
• In the Settings window, click on "Apps."
• From the left sidebar, click on "Optional features."
• Scroll down and check if "Direct Storage" is listed.
• If "Direct Storage" is not listed, your system might not meet the specific hardware requirements. Ensure that you have an NVMe SSD and a compatible storage controller.
• If "Direct Storage" is listed, click on it and select "Enable."
• Follow any additional prompts or instructions to complete the enabling process.
• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Enabling Direct Storage in Windows Features allows your system to utilize the benefits of this technology for faster loading times and improved performance.

Verifying Direct Storage is Enabled

Once you have completed the steps to enable Direct Storage, it's essential to verify that it is indeed enabled on your system. Follow these steps to check if Direct Storage is enabled:

• Download and install the DirectStorage Validation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If the validation tool indicates that Direct Storage is enabled, congratulations! You can now enjoy faster loading times and improved performance.
• If the validation tool indicates that Direct Storage is not enabled, double-check the steps mentioned earlier and ensure that you have met all the requirements.

By verifying the status of Direct Storage, you can ensure that it is functioning correctly on your Windows 10 system.

Exploring More About Direct Storage in Windows 10

In addition to enabling Direct Storage on your system, it is important to understand its inner workings and potential further optimizations. Here are some advanced aspects of Direct Storage in Windows 10:

DirectStorage API and Game Development

DirectStorage introduces a new API (Application Programming Interface) that game developers can utilize to optimize their games for faster loading times and improved asset streaming. By using the DirectStorage API, games can exploit the full potential of NVMe SSDs and leverage the benefits of Direct Storage. This API allows for efficient data loading and reduces the need for duplicate or redundant data, resulting in improved game performance for players.

If you are a game developer or interested in game development, exploring the capabilities of the DirectStorage API can help you create games that take full advantage of this technology.

Future Enhancements and Compatibility

Direct Storage is an evolving technology, and Microsoft continues to work on further enhancements and optimizations. It is expected that future updates to Windows 10 will introduce additional features and compatibility improvements, allowing even more systems to benefit from Direct Storage.

As a Windows 10 user, staying up to date with the latest updates and versions will ensure that you can take advantage of these future enhancements as they become available.

Alternative Solutions for Non-Compatible Systems

If your system does not meet the specific hardware requirements for Direct Storage, there are alternative solutions available to improve storage performance. One such solution is upgrading your storage device to an NVMe SSD, as they offer faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs. Additionally, optimizing your Windows 10 system by disabling unnecessary startup programs, clearing unneeded files, and ensuring your system is free from malware can also contribute to improved storage performance.

While Direct Storage provides the most efficient and optimized solution, these alternatives can still enhance storage performance on non-compatible systems.

Final Thoughts

Enabling Direct Storage on your Windows 10 system can significantly enhance your gaming and application experience by reducing loading times and improving overall system performance. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you'll be able to optimize your system for Direct Storage and enjoy the benefits it brings.

Remember to verify that Direct Storage is enabled on your system using the validation tool, and stay updated with the latest Windows 10 versions and updates to ensure compatibility and access to future enhancements.

Enabling Direct Storage in Windows 10

Direct Storage is a feature introduced in Windows 10 to enhance the performance and load times of games and applications. By leveraging the power of the NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs), Direct Storage allows for faster access to game assets and data, reducing load times and improving overall gaming experience.

To enable Direct Storage on your Windows 10 system, follow these steps:

• Ensure that your PC meets the hardware requirements. Direct Storage requires an NVMe SSD and a compatible CPU and motherboard.
• Update Windows 10 to the latest version. Direct Storage is available starting from Windows 10 version 1909.
• Install the latest graphics drivers from the manufacturer's website.
• Enable Direct Storage in the Windows settings. Go to Settings > System > Storage, and toggle on the "Enable Direct Storage" option.

After enabling Direct Storage, you may need to restart your system for the changes to take effect. Once enabled, you can enjoy faster load times and improved performance in games and applications that support Direct Storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about enabling Direct Storage in Windows 10.

1. What is Direct Storage in Windows 10?

Direct Storage is a feature introduced in Windows 10 that allows for faster loading and streaming of game assets directly from the NVMe SSD (Solid-State Drive). It leverages the power of the NVMe SSD to reduce load times and improve overall gaming performance.

By enabling Direct Storage, you can experience reduced loading times in games, seamless world streaming, and faster access to game content, resulting in a more immersive and responsive gaming experience.

2. Is Direct Storage available for all Windows 10 users?

No, Direct Storage is currently only available to Windows 10 users with compatible hardware. It requires an NVMe SSD that supports PCIe Gen4 and a DirectX 12 Ultimate-compatible GPU.

If you are unsure whether your system meets the requirements, you can check the specifications of your NVMe SSD and GPU to determine compatibility.

3. How can I enable Direct Storage in Windows 10?

Enabling Direct Storage in Windows 10 requires a few steps:

1. Make sure you have the latest Windows 10 update installed. Direct Storage is supported on Windows 10 version 2004 or later.

2. Ensure that your NVMe SSD and GPU meet the compatibility requirements for Direct Storage.

3. Update your GPU drivers to the latest version.

4. Enable Direct Storage in the Windows settings by going to "Settings" > "System" > "Storage" > "Advanced storage settings" and toggling on the "Enable Direct Storage" option.

4. What are the benefits of enabling Direct Storage in Windows 10?

Enabling Direct Storage in Windows 10 offers several benefits for gamers:

- Reduced loading times: Game assets are loaded directly from the NVMe SSD, resulting in shorter loading times and faster in-game experiences.

- Seamless world streaming: With Direct Storage, game worlds can seamlessly stream in the background, allowing for smoother transitions and eliminating pop-in.

- Improved performance: Due to faster asset loading, game performance can be improved, resulting in smoother gameplay and reduced stutters.

5. Can I enable Direct Storage on older versions of Windows?

No, Direct Storage is only available on Windows 10 version 2004 or later. If you are using an older version of Windows, you will need to update to a compatible version to enable Direct Storage.

It's recommended to keep your Windows installation updated to the latest version to take advantage of new features and improvements, including Direct Storage.

Enabling Direct Storage on Windows 10 can significantly improve loading times and performance for games and applications. By following a few simple steps, you can take advantage of this feature and enhance your gaming experience.

To enable Direct Storage on Windows 10, ensure that you have the latest version of Windows installed. Then, check if your PC meets the hardware requirements, including a compatible NVMe drive and PCIe 3.0 support. Next, update your graphics driver to the latest version.

Once these prerequisites are met, you can enable Direct Storage by navigating to the Windows Settings. Go to System, then select Storage. Under the More Storage Settings, click on Storage Sense and turn on the toggle for 'Use Storage Sense'. This will optimize your storage automatically and enable Direct Storage.

Enabling Direct Storage on Windows 10 can result in faster load times, reduced loading screens, and smoother gameplay. It is a valuable feature for gamers and can greatly enhance their overall experience.