How to Check DirectX Version in Windows 11
You check your DirectX version in Windows 11 to ensure your PC meets the requirements for games and demanding applications.
DirectX is a collection of Microsoft technologies, essentially application programming interfaces (APIs), that manage how your hardware, especially your graphics card, interacts with software for tasks like gaming and video. This ensures smooth performance.
Knowing your specific DirectX version, such as the commonly found DirectX 12 on modern systems, helps you troubleshoot compatibility issues. It confirms your system supports the features required by the software you want to run.
This process provides a quick report of your current DirectX version, offering peace of mind that your PC is ready for the latest software capabilities.
Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. The DirectX Version is displayed on the System tab of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure your system is connected to the internet. You should also update your graphics card driver to the latest version from your manufacturer. You don’t need special permissions to check the version, but installing updates might require administrator rights.
How to find your DirectX version
Checking your DirectX version in Windows 11 is simple using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which you can open by typing ‘dxdiag’ into the Windows search bar.
- Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
- Type
dxdiagand press Enter. - Look at the System tab.
- Find the line that says DirectX Version to see your current number.
Alternatively, you can use the Run command:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Type
dxdiaginto the box and press Enter.
If this is your first time opening the tool, it might ask if you want to check if your drivers are digitally signed. Select Yes to confirm your drivers are safe and verified.
Note: This process does not require admin privileges.
Understanding DirectX Feature Levels
The DirectX version is not the only thing that matters. Your graphics card (GPU) also needs to support a specific DirectX feature level. This determines which advanced graphics effects your card can handle. You can check this in the Display tab within the dxdiag tool under the Drivers section.
Updating DirectX
Windows 11 updates DirectX automatically through Windows Update. If you are having issues, you can download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from the official Microsoft website to repair missing files.
Troubleshooting
If you’re getting errors when trying to play games, the most common fix is to update your graphics drivers and make sure Windows is up to date.
- Update your graphics driver via Device Manager.
- Run the Windows Update tool to ensure your Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) is current.
- Check if your game requires legacy components. You may need to enable them in Turn Windows features on or off.
Summary
Checking your DirectX version helps you fix game problems and improve your computer’s performance.
Does 🪟 Windows 11 support DirectX 9?
Yes, Windows 11 supports DirectX 9. While it is an older technology, Windows includes legacy components to ensure that older games and applications continue to run correctly. If a game fails to launch, you may need to manually enable the Legacy Components feature in the Windows Control Panel settings.
How do I reinstall DirectX?
You cannot uninstall DirectX because it is a core part of Windows. However, you can reinstall or repair it by downloading the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft. This tool scans your system for missing or corrupted files and replaces them with the correct versions automatically.
Why does dxdiag show a different version than my game requires?
The DirectX version shown in the tool is the highest version your Windows installation supports. If a game asks for a different version, it usually refers to the specific feature level of your graphics card. Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date to support the required feature level.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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