Maximizing GTX 1660 Super Performance with Windows 11

The transition to Windows 11 has many gamers—and PC enthusiasts alike—curious about whether their trusted hardware will keep pace with Microsoft’s bold new OS. If you’re one of those users sporting the ever-reliable GeForce GTX 1660 Super, here’s an in-depth look at how this mid-range GPU fares under Windows 11, along with practical tips and troubleshooting steps to ensure a smooth upgrade.

Revisiting Windows 11 System Requirements​

Before diving into GPU specifics, it’s essential to understand what Windows 11 demands from your system. Microsoft has set stricter standards compared to Windows 10, emphasizing modern hardware and enhanced security. The key requirements include:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC.
• RAM: Minimum of 4 GB.
• Storage: At least a 64 GB storage device.
• System Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: Must support DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver or higher.
• Display: High-definition display (720p minimum, greater than 9″ diagonally, 8 bits per color channel).

These foundational requirements ensure not only better performance but also improved security and enhanced graphical capabilities that are increasingly integral to the Windows 11 experience.

GTX 1660 Super: A Perfect Match for Windows 11​

The heartening news for users with the GTX 1660 Super is that it fully complies with Windows 11’s demands. Here’s why:

• DirectX 12 Compatibility and Beyond:
  The GTX 1660 Super supports DirectX 12, even extending its capabilities with DirectX 12 Ultimate. In essence, it not only meets the baseline requirement but also unlocks enhanced graphical features for modern gaming.
• WDDM 2.0 and Updated Drivers:
  With support for drivers that exceed Windows 11’s WDDM 2.0 requirement (often running on WDDM 2.7 or later), the GTX 1660 Super is well-equipped to handle the new operating system’s advanced display driver framework.
• Turing Architecture Advantages:
  Even without the ray-tracing cores found in RTX cards, the GTX 1660 Super’s Turing foundation ensures efficient performance and reliable stability under Windows 11.

In short, if you’ve been enjoying your GTX 1660 Super on Windows 10, you can confidently upgrade, knowing your GPU is not the weak link in your system.

Staying Current with NVIDIA Driver Support​

It’s one thing for your hardware to be compatible; it’s another for it to run efficiently. NVIDIA recognizes the importance of smooth transitions, which is why dedicated driver packages for Windows 11 are readily available. Key points to note include:

• Optimized Driver Packages:
  NVIDIA has released drivers specifically optimized for Windows 11’s WDDM 3.0 implementation. This proactive support helps ensure that performance remains robust and that any graphical discrepancies are minimized.
• Easy Update Process:
  Updating your drivers is straightforward. Whether you choose to download the latest version directly from the official NVIDIA site or use the GeForce Experience app, both methods ensure your GTX 1660 Super always runs with the latest optimizations.

Here’s a quick checklist for updating your drivers on Windows 11:

1. Visit the official NVIDIA driver download page.
2. Select “GeForce” under Product Type.
3. Choose “16 Series” under Product Series.
4. Select “GeForce GTX 1660 Super.”
5. Pick Windows 11 as your operating system and download the recommended driver package.
6. Install the driver following on-screen instructions, and consider using GeForce Experience for hassle-free management.

Gaming Performance: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11​

A perennial concern among gamers is whether an OS upgrade might introduce performance hiccups. Extensive benchmarking suggests that, for the GTX 1660 Super, the differences are negligible in most cases. Here’s what you need to know:

• Marginal Framerate Differences:
  Across various popular titles—whether competitive esports games or graphically intensive AAA titles—the performance difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 generally falls within a 1-3% margin. This variance is often within the standard error of benchmarking tests.
• New Gaming Features:
  Windows 11 brings several innovative attributes to the table:
  • DirectStorage: This feature significantly reduces CPU overhead by accelerating game asset loading, particularly beneficial for systems running on NVMe SSDs.
  • Auto HDR: For users with HDR-capable monitors, Windows 11 automatically enhances supported games, even if they weren’t originally designed for HDR.
  • Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling: This option can deliver a slight, yet noticeable, performance boost during gaming sessions by optimizing how tasks are distributed across the system.

While the GTX 1660 Super is traditionally celebrated for its 1080p prowess, these new features add an extra layer of finesse to the gaming experience.

Preparing for a Windows 11 Upgrade: A Step-by-Step Checklist​

Upgrading to Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a practical guide to ensure a seamless transition:

1. Verify Complete System Compatibility:
   Confirm that all your system components—including CPU, RAM, and motherboard firmware—meet Windows 11’s requirements.
2. Backup Your Data:
   Before any OS upgrade, perform a full system backup to safeguard your essential files and settings.
3. Update Current Windows 10 Installation:
   Make sure your system is fully updated. Installing all available updates can prevent complications during the upgrade process.
4. Update NVIDIA Drivers:
   Install the latest drivers for your GTX 1660 Super. This preemptive measure can prevent common graphical issues post-upgrade.
5. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
   Download this tool from Microsoft’s official site for a streamlined upgrade process. Follow the prompts carefully, especially when configuring privacy settings and preferences.
6. Post-Installation Checks:
   After the upgrade, re-check for any driver updates to ensure your system is optimized for Windows 11. Running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) can help verify that your graphics settings are functioning correctly.

Following these steps not only minimizes the risk of post-upgrade hiccups but also leverages Windows 11’s new features to boost overall system responsiveness.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Upgrade Issues​

Even with careful preparation, a few bumps along the road can occur. Here are some common issues and their remedies:

• Black Screen After Login:
  Typically a driver conflict. Boot into safe mode and use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove current drivers, then reinstall the latest driver.
• Performance Drops in Specific Games:
  Check if Game Mode is enabled in Windows 11 settings, verify that hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling is active, update the game to the latest version, or temporarily disable the NVIDIA overlay.
• Missing NVIDIA Control Panel:
  On Windows 11, right-click on the desktop and select “Show more options” to locate the Control Panel. If it remains absent, reinstall your NVIDIA drivers or download the control panel from the Microsoft Store.
• System Not Recognizing the GTX 1660 Super:
  Ensure the card is securely seated in its PCIe slot, check Device Manager for detection issues, and consider resetting BIOS to default settings before reinstalling the drivers.

These troubleshooting tips have proven effective in resolving post-installation quirks—ensuring that you get back to your gaming or productivity tasks as fast as possible.

Expert Recommendations & Key Takeaways​

For those still on the fence about upgrading, here are some consolidated expert recommendations:

• The GTX 1660 Super not only meets Windows 11’s requirements but also excels with its support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and updated WDDM drivers.
• Clean installations of Windows 11, where feasible, might offer enhanced performance and stability over traditional upgrades.
• Regularly updating your NVIDIA drivers—preferably by using GeForce Experience—ensures your system remains optimized for the latest Windows patches and game updates.
• Don’t let minor issues deter you. With the right troubleshooting steps, most concerns, such as display or performance anomalies, can be swiftly resolved.
• Finally, explore the new gaming features such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR; even small enhancements can lead to a noticeably improved gaming experience.

Conclusion​

After extensive hands-on testing and thorough investigation, it’s clear that the GeForce GTX 1660 Super is more than equipped to handle Windows 11. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a multitasking professional, the GPU manages the transition gracefully—with minimal performance deviations and robust support from NVIDIA’s dedicated driver updates.
As Windows 11 continues to roll out updates that further optimize gaming and system performance, users with the GTX 1660 Super can remain confident in their hardware choice. Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about adopting a new OS—it’s about unlocking enhanced capabilities that seamlessly integrate with your trusted GPU, ensuring that your experiences keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.
Have you upgraded to Windows 11 with your GTX 1660 Super yet? Share your insights and experiences—every bit of feedback helps us all navigate this exciting new chapter in PC gaming and productivity.

---

Source: H2S Media GeForce GTX 1660 Super Windows 11 Compatibility: Everything You Need to Know