Windows 11’s latest preview build is out and looks likely to fix a major headache of RGB aficionados everywhere.
Dropped as part of preview build 25295 this month, one of the highlights of this upcoming preview is the Windows 11 RGB lighting support. The new feature was noted by user @thebookisclosed, On Twitter, but is available to anybody on this early access build of the Microsoft operating system. The new addition isn’t set in stone for full release yet but teases the ability to control the function of RGB peripherals without the need to install a myriad of custom control software. The new lighting option can be found in the Personalization settings of this build, and screenshots from the menu show it can directly address compatible keyboards, mice, microphones, and more. There’s a sneak peek at some of the options, including brightness, effect, speed, color, and customization with the windows scheme.
New settings for device lighting make an appearance in build 25295. Is this the beginning of the end for low quality RGB gamer gear apps? 🎮 The spec for this is from 2018 and references to the feature have been around for years. Not cancelled after all 🥳https://t.co/oG4JbKsoeB pic.twitter.com/bMtxCH8REo
— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) February 10, 2023
The new menu option leverages an API named Windows.Devices.Lights . This isn’t exactly brand new but the LampArray class provides the option to detect, talk with, and change the setting on compatible HID LampArrays. You can dig into the technical proposal here, or just know that many modern RGB illuminated cases, fans, and connected devices will fall into this category. While we’ve yet to see it in action, it floats one huge benefit for PC gamers. It’s not the first time we’ve seen major movements in peripheral support from Microsoft. Not too long ago Xbox Cloud finally unlocked the humble keybaord and mouse to console gamers too.
Until now the best way to ensure compatibility and consistent performance across peripherals has been to buy into a single ecosystem. The alternative is installing a separate piece of software for every illuminated object on your desk. While a few pieces of software like SignalRGB and OpenRGB can be the one code to rule them all, performance can vary and sometimes be a little complex for plug-and-play types. This new feature might mean I never have to dedicate another sentence to bespoke RGB software ever again, and I’m excited to see how much cleaner it makes my desktop.
You can check out thefull details on this Windows 11 RGB support at the Windows Insider Preview program if you’re brave here.
