Applies ToWindows 8.1 Windows 10

DirectX is a set of components in Windows that allows software, primarily and especially games, to work directly with your video and audio hardware.  Games that use DirectX can use multimedia accelerator features built-in to your hardware more efficiently which improves your overall multimedia experience. 

If your PC doesn't have the right version of DirectX installed (the product box should tell you which one you need), your game might not work properly.

Checking your version

Follow these steps to use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool to check your DirectX version:

  1. In the Search box on the toolbar, enter dxdiag. Then select dxdiag from the list of results.

  2. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, select the System tab, then check the DirectX version under System Information.

Note: The first time you use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, you might be asked whether you want to check if your drivers are digitally signed. We recommend that you select Yes to help ensure that your drivers have been signed by a publisher that has verified their authenticity.

Updating DirectX

To get the latest version of DirectX for your version of Windows, use Windows Update. If you have Windows 10 or 11, then you already have the latest version of DirectX installed.

Note: Not all versions of Windows can run the latest versions of DirectX.

Share results

This tool is used to collect info about devices to help troubleshoot problems with DirectX sound and video. A support person might ask for this info, or you might post it in a forum when you ask for help.

Launch dxdiag, and then select Save All Information... for an easily shared format.

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