Winhanced is preparing for its biggest update yet, with version 1.0 Beta scheduled to launch on October 31 as a free download for Windows 11. The software aims to make Windows gaming feel more natural on handhelds by bringing games from different stores into one controller-friendly interface while also providing direct access to important hardware controls.

What does version 1.0 offer?

One of the biggest additions in Winhanced 1.0 is a new in-game overlay. Instead of leaving a game or reaching for a keyboard and mouse, players can press the Guide button to access several features while their game continues running in the background. The overlay provides controls for performance, battery settings, music, achievements, guides, recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more.

The Performance section is particularly useful for handhelds, as players can adjust power modes, Dynamic TDP, refresh rate, resolution, frame limits, brightness, and HDR. Music from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music can also be controlled through the overlay, with separate volume controls for the game and music.

Another major addition is FSR 4.1 support for AMD-based handhelds. Winhanced will offer a switch that allows FSR 4.1 to replace FSR 3.1, including on Radeon hardware that AMD doesn’t officially support for FSR 4. OptiScaler is also being integrated directly into Winhanced, allowing supported games to use technologies such as DLSS, FSR, and XeSS. However, Winhanced won’t attempt to add OptiScaler to games using anti-cheat.

Storage management is also getting improvements. A new Storage page displays connected drives, available space, and installed games. From there, users can move or copy games between drives, uninstall them, open their folders, or compress them to save space. There’s even an option to automatically compress newly installed games.

Winhanced 1.0 also expands its library features. GeForce NOW integration will allow supported games players already own to be launched through the cloud, while Battle.net games can now be installed from within Winhanced. Ubisoft, EA, and Battle.net titles will also appear alongside games from other supported libraries.

Other additions include cloud save backups, controller-based gyro aiming, improved button remapping, an on-screen keyboard, PC game streaming, and Theatre, which groups services such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Plex, and others into one section.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.