Windows 11 preview includes FAQ to help casual PC gamers optimize hardware

A new FAQ section in the Settings app guides users on PC specs

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In context: Tech-savvy PC gamers typically have a solid understanding of their hardware and how it performs. However, Microsoft may soon offer additional support for more casual users still working to complete or optimize their hardware setups.

A recently released Windows 11 Preview Build (26120.3576) includes a hidden FAQ section in the Settings app. Discovered by Windows Insider "phantomofearth," the new section is shown on the "About" page of the Settings app, under the System tab. Microsoft didn't reveal any info about this new FAQ page, which Insiders can manually enable using ViVeTool.

The Verge notes that the FAQ page lists additional information about the Windows version, GPU's capabilities and VRAM, and the amount of system RAM. The page provides users with helpful information, like how low VRAM amounts affect high-end gaming and other "demanding" video tasks.

Today's gaming PCs generally include at least 16GB of RAM to meet the bare minimum for running AAA titles. Microsoft's new FAQ tells users that 4GB to 8GB of RAM only performs well with basic computing tasks, like web browsing, document editing, and emails. More demanding applications, including video editing or gaming, may find this configuration "challenging."

New Frequently Asked Questions list in Settings > System > About hidden in builds 26120.3576 and 22635.5090. Has some questions related to the Windows version and device specs. (vivetool /enable /id:55305888)

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– phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth.bsky.social) 18 marzo 2025 alle ore 00:52

Starting with Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced the Windows System Assessment Tool (WinSAT) and the Windows Experience Index (WEI) with Vista to score and measure the performance of various hardware subsystems, including CPU, GPU, and storage. It is unclear if the FAQ page is static or if it uses similar metrics that dynamically change when users upgrade components.

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Starting with Windows 8.1, users could only access the WEI score through external tools, while WinSAT monitors hardware performance in the background. The new FAQ page could aim to replace the old WEI scoring system. Of course, considering that developers have it hidden is a good indication of it being an experimental feature so early in development that it's not even ready for beta testing.

Microsoft usually rolls out newly half-baked features to Insider beta testers seeking user feedback and bug reports. Microsoft expects to release the changes in Preview Build 26120.3576 later this year. However, Redmond has not commented on the FAQ, so don't hold your breath on that feature – at least not until it shows up enabled in a future preview.