Microsoft’s latest Xbox Game Bar update has sparked concerns among gamers who rely on the feature to optimize their AMD Ryzen CPUs. The app, which helps monitor resource usage and capture gameplay screenshots, is crucial for some of the fastest Ryzen processors.
However, a report by PC Games Hardware (PCGH) suggests that Microsoft may be quietly disabling the Game Bar on Windows 10 systems, specifically in Pro and Enterprise editions. This could potentially impact performance for users with Ryzen CPUs.
The issue lies in AMD’s X3D processor technology, which relies on task scheduling to optimize workload distribution across CPU threads. The Xbox Game Bar carries the necessary optimization, but PCGH notes that they were unable to get it working even after reinstalling Windows 10.
In an attempt to replicate the problem, an update to the Xbox Game Bar app caused issues with the “Remember this is a game” option and crashed the settings when clicked. Furthermore, the support article for the option has been removed from Microsoft’s website.
For Ryzen owners, including those with newer chips like the 7000X3D and 9000X3D, this could be a significant issue. Microsoft should take note of this temporary bug and ensure that future updates prioritize performance and compatibility for AMD processors.
Source: https://www.neowin.net/news/report-microsoft-quietly-disables-vital-windows-feature-crippling-many-amd-ryzen-cpus