Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery Targets PC Gaming Stutter

Microsoft has unveiled a new DirectX feature called Advanced Shader Delivery, designed to tackle one of PC gaming’s biggest frustrations: shader stuttering.

The system will debut on October 16 with ASUS’ ROG Ally handhelds ($549.99 and $899.99), before rolling out to Windows PCs.

Developed in partnership with Xbox and AMD, Advanced Shader Delivery introduces a new way of handling shader data

. Instead of forcing players’ devices to compile shaders during gameplay – a process that often leads to stuttering – the system precompiles shader data and delivers it alongside the game via the Xbox PC app. Early tests on Avowed by Obsidian showed launch times cut by up to 85%, meaning less waiting and more actual playtime, with improved battery efficiency on handheld devices.

The process relies on a new standardized format called the State Object Database (SODB). Shader data is collected, packaged, and combined with a cloud-based compiler to form a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB), which is then distributed through the Xbox Store. When players launch a supported game, the shaders are already waiting in a local cache, eliminating most compilation stutter. If GPU drivers are updated, the cache refreshes automatically.

There is a catch: at launch, Advanced Shader Delivery will only work for games distributed via the Xbox app. Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and other storefronts aren’t supported yet. However, Microsoft says its upcoming AgilitySDK could open the door for broader adoption in the future.

While some skeptics argue Microsoft should embrace alternatives like Vulkan, this move suggests the company is serious about improving the PC gaming experience. If adopted widely, it could mark the beginning of the end for shader-related stutter on Windows.