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How to Fix DirectX Errors on Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step)

Jake Colins

Running into DirectX errors on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a new game or launch graphics-intensive software. These errors may stem from outdated drivers, missing components, or system file corruption. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can fix most DirectX-related issues without needing professional help. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to diagnose and repair DirectX errors on both Windows 10 and 11 systems.

What is DirectX and Why It Matters

DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft to handle tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video. It plays a crucial role in how software communicates with your graphics and sound hardware. If there’s any disruption in this link, you may encounter errors during game launches, gameplay, or even during system startup when resources are allocated to graphical processes.

Common DirectX error messages include:

These types of errors can surface for a myriad of reasons—from corrupted files and outdated software to incompatible system updates. The following steps outline how to identify and resolve DirectX issues methodically.

Step 1: Check Your DirectX Version

Before attempting any fixes, it helps to confirm what version of DirectX you have installed. Windows 10 and 11 usually come with DirectX 12 by default, but knowing the version helps guide your troubleshooting efforts.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
  3. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, look under the “System” tab for your DirectX version.

If the tool fails to open or doesn’t display the correct version, it may indicate a corrupted installation.

Step 2: Install the Latest DirectX Runtime

Microsoft offers the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer, which includes updates for older versions of DirectX components (particularly for DirectX 9, 10, and 11-dependent games). This is especially useful for older games that do not support DirectX 12.

  1. Go to the official DirectX download page.
  2. Download and install the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Note that Windows 10/11 already includes DirectX 12, and it cannot be uninstalled. Installing the End-User Runtime fills in any missing components that may be causing errors.

Step 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Faulty or outdated graphics drivers are one of the leading causes of DirectX errors. Always ensure that your GPU drivers are current.

To update manually:

  1. Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it).
  2. Expand the Display adapters category.
  3. Right-click your GPU and select Update driver.

For best results, use your GPU manufacturer’s official update tool:

Step 4: Run Windows Update

Sometimes DirectX system files are updated via Windows Updates. An outdated system can cause compatibility issues with DirectX runtimes and APIs. Follow these steps to check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

Restart your system after installing updates to apply changes effectively.

Step 5: Reinstall Problematic Games or Applications

Some DirectX files are bundled directly with games or applications. If you’re encountering DirectX errors with a specific game, reinstalling it might reload the necessary DirectX components.

To reinstall a game or app:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps.
  2. Find the game in the list and click Uninstall.
  3. Reboot your system.
  4. Reinstall the application from the original source.

During installation, allow the program to install any prerequisites or packages it requests.

Step 6: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can interfere with DirectX operations. Windows provides two powerful tools for fixing these errors: SFC and DISM.

Run SFC:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Let the scan complete and follow any instructions provided.

If SFC doesn’t solve the issue, use DISM:

  1. In the same command window, type the following:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  2. Press Enter and wait patiently—it may take several minutes.

Once complete, restart your PC and attempt to run the affected application again.

Step 7: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Many DirectX-dependent applications also require Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. These are separate from DirectX and may become corrupted over time.

To reinstall:

This ensures you have all the necessary components that DirectX may rely on for proper functioning.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot

There’s a chance that background software conflicts with DirectX or your graphics drivers. A clean boot runs Windows with minimal startup programs and services.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
  3. Now go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Disable all startup items.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

If this resolves the error, re-enable services one at a time to identify the conflicting application.

Step 9: Consider a System Restore or Reset

If you’ve recently started encountering DirectX errors after installing software or Windows updates, a System Restore can roll back your PC to a point when everything worked fine.

To perform a restore:

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
  2. Select a restore point from before the error started.
  3. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you don’t have any restore points, consider backing up your data and using the Reset this PC feature under Settings > System > Recovery.

Final Thoughts

DirectX errors may seem alarming at first,

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