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Microsoft may have just stunned the PC community with their latest available update involving DX 11.1. In a very unprecedented move, Microsoft has released a beta platform update that includes some DX 11.1 benefits for Windows 7 users. This is very unlike Microsoft considering they have always tried to use DirectX as a tool to force gamers into upgrading to their latest OS. 


Many XP users were very rattled when Microsoft announced DX 10 would only be available on Vista and newer Operating Systems, leaving XP users out in the cold when it came to DX 10. However we all know how few native DX 10 games we have today, so the upgrade to DX 10 was not very important until recently with games like BF3 or Sleeping Dogs that will only run on Vista and newer platforms (DX10 native games). The same DirectX upgrade fashion was rumored to be true for DX 11.1, however this latest update seems to debunk that Windows 8 myth that so many have heard (techPowerUP). If this does turn out to be true about DX 11.1 and Windows 7/Vista, then I applaud Microsoft for showing their customers they aren’t all about making money. This is also important due to mixed feelings about Windows 8 and desktop users, as I’m sure many of you know how Gabe Newell feels towards Windows 8 and gaming (Forbes) Many users feel that Windows 8 was designed for mobile devices such as tablets and phones with desktop users as an afterthought, now those users may have access to the latest DirectX without leaving their beloved Windows 7 OS. DirectX 11.1 may not offer very much in terms of graphics vs. DX 11 or DX 10, but it is nice to see Microsoft showing support for Windows 7 users as Windows 8 is launching.

*Note: Install this update at your own risk, as it is still considered a Beta Platform Update.