Microsoft Expands Advanced Shader Delivery to All Major GPUs

Microsoft has expanded Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) support to NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm GPUs on Windows 11, bringing faster game launches and reduced shader compilation stuttering to more PC gamers.

According to the Microsoft DirectX team, the technology allows games to use precompiled shaders instead of compiling them during startup or gameplay.

ASD previously supported select AMD and Qualcomm hardware, but Microsoft has now added Intel and NVIDIA GPUs.

Microsoft previously opened ASD to more PC games through new developer tools and announced expanded NVIDIA and Intel support.

Advanced Shader Delivery system requirements

Advanced Shader Delivery requires Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, compatible graphics hardware, and supported drivers.

Microsoft confirmed the following GPU requirements:

• AMD: RDNA 1, RDNA 2, RDNA 3, RDNA 3.5, and RDNA 4, with Adrenalin 26.6.1 or newer.
• Intel: Arc B570, Arc B580, and Core Ultra Series 2 and Series 3, with driver 32.0.101.9150 or newer.
• NVIDIA: All GeForce RTX GPUs and RTX Spark, with driver 621.01 or newer.
• Qualcomm: Snapdragon X2 Series, with driver 2026.08.3 or newer.

Users must install compatible graphics drivers and run games that support ASD to benefit from the improvements.

Steam and Epic Games Store will support ASD

Microsoft also confirmed plans to expand Advanced Shader Delivery beyond the Microsoft Store and Xbox PC app.

Steam and Epic Games Store will gain ASD support, allowing more PC games to benefit from precompiled shaders regardless of storefront.

Microsoft is also improving shader compilation through its October Agility SDK, including support for partial programs that give developers more flexibility.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 demonstrates faster startup

Microsoft highlighted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 as an example of how Advanced Shader Delivery improves the gaming experience.

With ASD, the game can reportedly launch in seconds rather than several minutes on its first run, as precompiled shaders eliminate lengthy compilation during startup.

Players who want to test the feature should install the Xbox PC app before downloading the game.

However, ASD improvements still depend on individual games, graphics drivers, and storefront support. Compatible hardware alone does not guarantee faster loading or reduced stuttering in every game.

In other Xbox news, reports suggest that Project Helix could cost $1,800 when it launches in 2028.