Windows 11 Unveils AI-Enhanced Automatic Super Resolution Feature | PCWorld
Microsoft has discreetly introduced a potential game-changer in a test version of Windows 11 known as Automatic Super Resolution, a cutting-edge AI-driven technology that could rival Nvidia’s DLSS. This innovation, reminiscent of the Dynamic Lighting feature, has surfaced in Windows 11 Build 26052, initially brought to light by Twitter users @PhantomofEarth. While Microsoft has not confirmed a public release, the feature is currently accessible in the Coral and Dev Channels of the Windows 11 Insider programs, hinting at its imminent availability.
Automatic Super Resolution, or Auto SR, is shrouded in secrecy, with tech-savvy users uncovering it through specialized tools that delve into Windows settings to activate hidden features. Microsoft has intentionally obscured certain aspects to facilitate A/B testing and user feedback. Upon activation, Auto SR appears alongside the AutoHDR setting in the Windows 11 Settings menu under System>Display>Graphics, with a link to Microsoft’s DirectX developer blog for further details and a toggle switch for easy control.
Moreover, users can customize Auto SR settings on a per-game basis, allowing for individual toggling within the same menu. Interestingly, Auto SR and Auto HDR cannot be simultaneously enabled, raising questions about potential conflicts between the two technologies. Auto SR offers users the choice to toggle it on or maintain a consistent quality level, providing flexibility in performance optimization.
Functionally, Auto Super Resolution seems akin to Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FidelityFX, employing upscaling techniques to enhance image quality and frame rates. While quality settings can be adjusted to balance performance, the core principle aligns with the advancements seen in FSR 2.0 and DLSS 2.0.
In practical testing on a Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 equipped with high-end hardware components, including an Intel Gen 3 Movidius 3700VC NPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, and Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, the impact of Auto SR on gaming performance was not immediately discernible. Despite enabling Auto SR, the visual quality remained consistent, suggesting minimal tangible improvements in frame rates or image quality.
Auto SR’s integration aims to streamline gaming settings within Windows 11, akin to the Dynamic Lighting feature, simplifying user access to essential controls. However, questions linger about the precise objectives and potential conflicts with existing software ecosystems. Microsoft’s response to these queries remains pending, leaving room for speculation on the true capabilities and implications of Auto Super Resolution.
As game developers continue to refine rendering techniques for enhanced performance, the future inclusion of Automatic Super Resolution in Windows 11 24H2, slated for release this fall, holds promise for further advancements in gaming technology.
About the Author:
Mark Hachman, Senior Editor at PC World, specializes in device systems and Microsoft coverage, drawing on a wealth of experience from notable publications such as ReadWrite, PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, and eWEEK.
