Upscaling technology is getting ready to leave the realm of graphics cards as Microsoft introduces its AI-powered solution. The latest Windows 11 build 26052 update, available only via its Insider Program in the Canary and Dev Channel, packs several new features but also one that Microsoft has quietly slipped in without any official announcement. Microsoft appears to be testing the waters in integrating its own upscaling technology that it is calling Automatic Super Resolution, or Auto SR for short.
Where to find Auto SR
Screenshots showing the new feature were posted online by @PhantomOfEarth who states that it is planned to be included in the next big update for Windows 11 called 24H2. Auto SR was found nestled in the System>Display>Graphics settings just above its reduced latency toggle. Microsoft has not yet said when 24H2 will become available but it is expected to arrive this year. A brief description of Auto SR reads “Use AI to make supported games play more smoothly enhanced details.”
Microsoft is also providing an app-specific option for Auto SR where users can create a list of which apps to use the feature with including an option to use the current display resolution for it. Gaming apps first come to mind when considering the performance benefits of upscaling, as does media playback but it is not known exactly how Microsoft plans for Auto SR to work.
AI-powered
The mention of AI-powered for Auto SR could imply that this feature will require an AI PC that features a CPU with dedicated AI processors. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have all announced their upcoming line of processors featuring the new technology. If true, this would follow a similar path that NVIDIA has already done with its DLSS technology that uses Tensor cores to aid in upscaling whereas Auto SR could rely on AI hardware in the CPU.
However, this approach could also be considered a bit of a hybrid step in that it would be built into the OS, and potentially working at an API or driver level, instead of using NVIDIA’s proprietary hardware and software. It will also be the first OS-based upscaling feature not to be dependent on a GPU such as AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Intel’s XeSS, and the aforementioned DLSS, and could also allow users to utilize upscaling without the need for integration by app and game developers.
Even as Microsoft introduces this feature in its insider build it is still not known if Auto SR will actually make it to 24H2. According to Neowin, toggling the feature on or off does not appear the be doing anything but then again, it was not mentioned if testing was done using an AI-powered PC since they are not expected to arrive until later this year.