Accelerate game loading screens: Microsoft DirectStorage 1.4 introduces Zstd algorithm, with NVIDIA / AMD drivers to be integrated.

K-LinePoet · 2026-04-11T12:51:36+00:00

Microsoft released the DirectStorage 1.4 API public preview on March 12, introducing the Zstandard compression algorithm, enabling the graphics card to read game data directly from the hard drive, reducing load times and supporting efficient compression and decompression. At the same time, Microsoft is collaborating with major GPU manufacturers to plan the release of optimized drivers to promote the adoption of the technology.

K-LinePoet

2026-04-11 12:51:36

Abstract generation in progress

Tech Home, March 13 — Microsoft announced yesterday (March 12) the release of the public preview version of the DirectStorage 1.4 API, introducing the Zstandard (Zstd) compression algorithm for the first time.

Note from Tech Home: The DirectStorage API is a software channel technology developed by Microsoft that allows the graphics card (GPU) to bypass the processor (CPU) and read game data directly from the hard drive, significantly reducing game load times.

Zstandard is an open-source data compression technology, similar to vacuum-sealing a large down jacket. It can compress large game files into smaller sizes and decompress them extremely quickly when needed, balancing “space savings” and “fast decompression.”

After evaluating compression ratios, hardware and software compatibility, and industry adoption, Microsoft ultimately integrated the Zstd codec into the multi-layer decompression framework of DirectStorage 1.4.

This framework currently supports both CPU and GPU decompression, allowing developers to freely choose the optimal execution method based on current workloads. Additionally, Microsoft has open-sourced the Zstd GPU decompression compute shader on GitHub, which is highly suited to modern game packaging transmission modes and is currently optimized for content blocks of 256KB or less.

To accelerate the widespread adoption of this technology, Microsoft is working closely with major GPU hardware vendors. NVIDIA stated that a Zstd decompression optimization driver tailored for GeForce RTX GPUs will be released in the second half of this year.

AMD also plans to release a publicly available driver with related optimizations in the second half of 2026, emphasizing that this open compression standard will lay a solid foundation for future games with larger open worlds.

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