Pre-SP1 Performance Boost for Windows 7 DirectX 11 Graphics Platform

Customers running the latest iteration of the Windows client can gain a performance boost for the operating system’s graphics platform.

Microsoft has released an update designed to improve the performance of DirectX 11 in Windows 7, as well as in Windows Server 2008 R2.

According to the Redmond company, the refresh is also set up to enhance the functionality of the graphics platform in the latest versions of the Windows client and server.

However, the software giant has offered little additional details about the graphics technology refresh delivered to Windows 7 and Windows server 2008 R2 customers earlier this week.

“This update is a separate package of changes that must be installed in addition to Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. This update provides new functionality and performance improvements for the graphics platform,” Microsoft explained.

In addition to being served through Microsoft Update, the refresh is also available through the Download Center.

The standalone downloads are tailored to 32-bit (x86) Windows 7 RTM and to 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM.

Judging by the information shared by Microsoft, the performance and functionality boost update for Windows 7 is designed to kick up a notch key APIs (application programing interfaces) of DirectX 11.

The Redmond company mentions such APIs as Direct2D, DirectWrite, Direct3D 10.1, and DirectX Warp.

The software giant has been consistently trying to decrease the customers’ reliance on major upgrades for Windows, such as service packs, and to gear them toward smaller, incremental and flexible updates.

While undoubtedly, Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 will bring various optimizations to the table, Microsoft’s position is that waiting is not required for some of the tweaks, as they are already available through Windows Update.

Windows 7 Sp1 is currently in Beta, and still available for download. Microsoft plans to RTM the upgrade in the first half of 2011.

Download the Update for Windows 7 (KB2028560) package now.

Download the Update for x64-based Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2(KB2028560) package now.