Microsoft integrated into Windows 11 Auto SR It expands the scope of its technology to Intel Panther Lake-based Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The technology aims to reduce the load on the GPU by rendering the game at a lower resolution and upgrading the image with the help of NPU. Moreover, the input resolution on the Panther Lake side Up to 1080p and this change brings a significant technical difference compared to the previous Auto SR application. Thus, Intel-based Copilot+ PC models also benefit from Microsoft’s NPU-supported gaming technology.
Microsoft’s requirements for Auto SR show that the technology works differently than the games’ own upgrade options. Auto SR plugs directly into the Windows video pipeline and does not require the developer to add additional support to the game. The system renders the game at a lower resolution, then upscales the image to the screen resolution with the help of the NPU and integrated GPU. With this method, you can maintain smoother frame rates while obtaining more detailed images.
With this Auto SRIt does not replace upscaling technologies that are added directly into the game, such as Intel XeSS. If a game offers its own upgrade option such as XeSS or similar, Microsoft recommends that you use the game’s own solution first. Auto SR is activated via Windows, especially in games where the developer does not offer a similar option. In this way, you can turn on the feature in compatible games without waiting for the developer to prepare a game-specific update for support.
On the technical requirements side, Microsoft for Auto SR Windows 11 24H2 or newerIt requires at least 1080p screen resolution with up-to-date graphics and NPU drivers. Additionally, the technology works with compatible x64, x64 emulation and Arm64 games using DirectX 10 or newer. Games using DirectX 9, Vulkan and OpenGL are not included in the current support. HDR content also does not currently work with Auto SR.
Intel Panther Lake uses NPU power for Auto SR
Intel’s Panther Lake architecturebrings the company’s 18A manufacturing technology to consumer PCs. NPU 5 unit in the Core Ultra Series 3 family Up to 50 TOPS of AI processing power provides. In high-end models, the 12 Xe-core Intel Arc B390 graphics unit accompanies the processor. Intel estimates the platform’s total AI processing power when taking into account processor, graphics unit and NPU resources. Up to 180 TOPS takes it out.
Auto SR aims to preserve the resources allocated by the CPU and GPU for the game while using this NPU power in image upscaling. Microsoft has previously used it mostly for best results on eligible Copilot+ PC models. 1280 × 800 pixels It was suggesting the input resolution. The company’s current support page states that it supports resolutions between 700p and 900p in the standard Auto SR application. Panther Lake application adjusts the input resolution Up to 1080p provides a more detailed initial view of the NPU.
Microsoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows The results he shared on show how this difference can be used during the game. Using Intel Arc B390, the system runs the game naturally. Approximately 31 FPS at Very Low graphics settings at 1600p resolution operating at level. When Auto SR is activated, the system upscales the 1050p image to 1600p and Approximately 29 FPS at Ultra High settings getting it. Therefore, in this example, the technology enables the use of higher graphics settings at a similar frame rate rather than an FPS increase.
On the other hand, Auto SR does not give the same results in every game. Fine text and user interface details rendered at low input resolution may appear faded in some games. In addition, a small frame rate loss may occur on computers that use a common power budget with NPU, CPU and GPU. Microsoft therefore allows users to control supported resolutions via Game Bar and evaluate image quality on a game-by-game basis.
The way it is used on the Windows side also complements this approach. You can check whether the feature works or not and turn it on or off for a specific game from the Auto SR section in the Game Bar. If you want, you can enable Auto SR for all supported games using the System, Display and Graphics options in Windows Settings. Windows can also reduce the screen resolution to the value supported by Auto SR when the game starts and return it to the previous resolution when you exit the game.
Among the supported games Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Avowed, control, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Far Cry 6, Frostpunk 2, Grounded 2 And Rise of the Tomb Raider is available. Microsoft is also working on older Copilot+ PC models based on Snapdragon God of War, Dark Souls III, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Witcher 3 And Sekiro Shadows Die Twice He states that he verifies games such as. Therefore, Auto SR does not only work as a feature for new games.
In addition, Microsoft has 60 FPS limit to 90 to 120 FPS Exploring the possibility of expansion. The company has not yet announced a release date for this option. In the current version, Auto SR performs image processing on the device and does not send game graphics and details to the cloud. With Panther Lake support, compatible Copilot+ PC models with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors also access Windows’ NPU-based display upscaling technology.