You don’t install Vulkan separately on Windows 11 or 10. The Vulkan runtime comes with your graphics driver, so the way to “install Vulkan” is to install or update the latest driver from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Games that need Vulkan then work automatically. If you’re a developer, download the Vulkan SDK from LunarG at vulkan.lunarg.com for tools like vulkaninfo and validation layers.
Check if your GPU supports Vulkan
Most graphics cards from about 2016 onward support Vulkan:
- NVIDIA: GeForce GTX 600 series and newer
- AMD: Radeon cards based on GCN or newer, including RX series
- Intel: 6th-generation (Skylake) integrated graphics and newer, plus Arc GPUs
To see your GPU, open Task Manager > Performance > GPU, or Device Manager > Display adapters.
Step 1: Install the latest graphics driver
- NVIDIA: Download the NVIDIA App or the Game Ready driver from nvidia.com, then install it.
- AMD: Download AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition from amd.com and run the auto-detect installer.
- Intel: Use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant from intel.com.
- Laptops: If the chipmaker’s driver won’t install, get the graphics driver from your laptop maker’s support site.
Restart your PC after installing. The driver adds the Vulkan runtime (vulkan-1.dll) automatically.
Step 2: Confirm Vulkan is working
- If you’ve installed the Vulkan SDK or runtime tools, open Terminal and run
vulkaninfo --summary. - Look for Vulkan Instance Version and your GPU listed under Devices.
No command-line tools? Launch a game that uses Vulkan, or check your GPU’s control panel. NVIDIA’s System Information and AMD’s System tab list the supported Vulkan version.
Step 3 (developers): Install the Vulkan SDK
- Go to vulkan.lunarg.com and download the SDK for Windows.
- Run the installer and choose the components you need.
- Restart your terminal and run
vulkaninfoor the vkcube demo to test it.
Regular gamers don’t need the SDK.
Fix “Vulkan not found” or “vulkan-1.dll is missing”
- Reinstall your graphics driver. Use the clean install option if your driver installer offers one.
- On laptops with two GPUs, set the game to use the dedicated GPU in Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Don’t download vulkan-1.dll from DLL websites. It can be outdated or unsafe.
- Verify the game’s files in Steam or your game launcher.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vulkan a virus? I see “Vulkan Run Time Libraries” in my apps.
No. It’s installed by your graphics driver and is safe. Removing it can break games.
Should I use Vulkan or DirectX 12?
If a game offers both, try each. Performance depends on the game and your GPU.
Is this the same on Windows 10?
Yes. Updating your graphics driver adds Vulkan on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.