DirectX 12 on Windows 7: A Surprising Move by Microsoft

In a surprising move, Microsoft has made DirectX 12 games available for download on Windows 7, despite ending support for the operating system in January 2020. The decision comes as a shock to many gamers and developers alike, given that Windows 10 is the recommended platform for running DirectX 12 games.

According to StatCounter, Windows 7 still holds a significant market share in China, with 49.46% of gamers using the operating system, compared to 41.13% who use Windows 10. This discrepancy highlights the fact that gamers tend to update their operating systems faster than the general public. Microsoft's decision to cater to Windows 7 gamers may be an effort to retain this loyal customer base.

The Stream Hardware Survey reveals that 71.57% of gamers use Windows 10, while only 20.4% use 64-bit Windows 7. This disparity further underscores the importance of supporting Windows 7 gamers. Microsoft's move is likely intended to appease this demographic and maintain its market share in China.

DirectX 12 on Windows 7 comes with some limitations, including no PIX or D3D12 debug layer, shared surfaces, cross-API interop, SLI/LDA support, D3D12 video, and WARP support. Additionally, Windows 7 does not support DirectML and certain fence usage modes. Despite these restrictions, Microsoft has published resources to help game developers optimize their DirectX 12 games for Windows 7.

The decision to support DirectX 12 on Windows 7 may be attributed to China's strong affinity for World of Warcraft, a popular online multiplayer game that recently added DirectX 12 support on Windows 10. Blizzard's addition of DX12 led to significant improvements in framerate and popularity among gamers. Microsoft's willingness to support DirectX 12 on Windows 7 likely stems from its desire to cater to this large demographic.

In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to make DirectX 12 games available for download on Windows 7 is a strategic move to maintain its market share in China and appease loyal customers who are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 10. Although the operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft, the company recognizes the importance of supporting gamers on this platform.

For those considering upgrading to Windows 10, it is essential to back up important data before doing so. MiniTool software can assist in this process, ensuring a smooth transition to the newer operating system.

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