Updated: 31 October 2026. Microsoft says Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) is broadly available across Windows devices powered by AMD, Intel, NVIDIA and Qualcomm. It aims to prepare supported game shaders before first launch, reducing some loading delays and shader-compilation stutter. The important word is supported: ASD needs a compatible Windows build, GPU, driver, game package and storefront integration.

What is shader compilation?

Games use shaders to describe how materials, lighting and visual effects are rendered. Traditionally, some shader preparation happens on the player’s PC when a game starts or when an effect is encountered for the first time. That work can add to loading time; if it happens during gameplay, it can contribute to pauses or uneven frame delivery often called shader stutter. Not every hitch is shader-related: asset streaming, CPU limits, storage, memory pressure and game-engine behavior can also matter.

How Advanced Shader Delivery works

Game developers create a State Object Database (SODB). This data can be used to prepare a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB), which a supported storefront can deliver with the game. The aim is to reduce the amount of shader compilation the player’s PC must perform at first launch.

Microsoft describes the intended benefits as faster initial loading, less stutter caused by just-in-time shader compilation, and lower power use during local compilation. These are intended benefits, not a guarantee of instant loading or higher average FPS in every game.

Windows, GPU and driver requirements

Microsoft’s 21 October 2026 announcement lists Windows 11 version 24H2 or higher. Its published requirements include:

• AMD: RDNA 1, 2, 3, 3.5 and 4 GPUs; Adrenalin 26.6.1 or later.
• Intel: Arc B-Series B570/B580, Core Ultra Series 2 and Series 3; driver 32.0.101.9150 or later.
• NVIDIA: RTX GPUs and RTX Spark; driver 621.01 or later.
• Qualcomm: Snapdragon X2 Series GPUs; driver 2026.08.3 or later.

These are the requirements in Microsoft’s announcement at the time of writing. Check the current Microsoft documentation and GPU vendor driver page before assuming a PC is ready.

Does it work with Steam and Epic Games Store?

Microsoft’s 21 October announcement says ASD is broadly available across Windows, while expansion to Epic Games Store and Steam is coming soon. Microsoft also mentions planned ASD support for Fortnite through an upcoming update. The announcement uses Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 as an example of ASD working through the Xbox PC app.

A compatible GPU alone does not enable ASD in every game or launcher. Developers must prepare the required shader data and the storefront must support delivery. Do not assume a Steam or Epic game is using ASD just because your GPU meets the hardware requirements.

What should PC gamers do?

1. Keep Windows 11 and your graphics driver current, using the driver version required for your GPU family.
2. Check whether the specific game and storefront support ASD.
3. Look for the game’s own confirmation that precompiled shaders have been installed, where available.
4. Do not repeatedly clear shader caches as a general performance fix; that can force work to be repeated.
5. If stutter continues, also check CPU use, VRAM, system memory, storage activity, temperatures and game updates.

Will ASD replace shader compilation on every PC?

No. ASD depends on developer and storefront adoption. Games without the required integration still use their existing shader-preparation path. Even supported games may need to prepare some shaders again after updates or when the available package does not match the current game and driver configuration.

Related Alfrensia guides: GPU VRAM explained · How to diagnose PC bottlenecks · Gaming PC builds by budget.