You can’t download the latest DirectX for Windows 11 as a separate installer. Windows 11 already includes DirectX 12, and Microsoft updates it only through Windows Update. To get the newest version, go to Settings > Windows Update, click Check for updates, install everything, and update your graphics driver. If an older game says a file like d3dx9_43.dll is missing, install Microsoft’s DirectX End-User Runtime, which adds the legacy DirectX 9, 10, and 11 files those games need.
This guide shows how to check your DirectX version, update it the right way, fix missing DirectX files, and understand what DirectX 12 Ultimate means for your graphics card.
How to check your DirectX version
- Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
- If asked whether to check for signed drivers, click Yes.
- On the System tab, look at DirectX Version at the bottom of the list.
- Click the Display tab to see Feature Levels and your graphics card’s driver version.
Every Windows 11 PC shows DirectX 12. What your graphics card can actually use depends on its feature levels, listed on the Display tab. A card that lists 12_2 supports DirectX 12 Ultimate features.
How to update DirectX on Windows 11
Step 1: Install Windows updates
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Click Windows Update, then Check for updates.
- Install all available updates, including any under Advanced options > Optional updates if you’re troubleshooting a game.
- Restart your PC.
DirectX updates are part of Windows updates, so there’s nothing separate to look for.
Step 2: Update your graphics driver
New DirectX features only work if your graphics driver supports them. Download the latest driver from your GPU maker’s website or app (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), or from your laptop maker’s support page. Not sure which card you have? See how to see what graphics card you have on Windows 11.
Step 3: Install the DirectX End-User Runtime (for older games)
- Go to the Microsoft Download Center and search for DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer. Only download it from microsoft.com.
- Run the installer. Uncheck any optional extra software it offers.
- Follow the prompts, then restart your PC.
This doesn’t change your DirectX version. It adds older helper files (such as d3dx9, d3dx10, xinput1_3, and xaudio2_7) that many games from the 2000s and early 2010s need. It’s safe to install alongside DirectX 12, and many games install it for you automatically.
DirectX versions explained
| Version | What it means on Windows 11 |
|---|---|
| DirectX 12 Ultimate | The newest feature set, including ray tracing, variable rate shading, and mesh shaders. Needs a compatible graphics card. |
| DirectX 12 | Built into Windows 11. Used by most modern games. |
| DirectX 11 | Built into Windows 11. Many games still use it. |
| DirectX 9, 10 | Core parts are built in. Some games also need the End-User Runtime files. |
How to fix DirectX errors
- “d3dx9_43.dll is missing” or “xinput1_3.dll was not found.” Install the DirectX End-User Runtime. Don’t download single DLL files from third-party websites, since they can be outdated or contain malware.
- “DirectX 12 is not supported on your system.” Your graphics card or driver doesn’t support the required feature level. Update the driver. If that doesn’t help, the card may be too old for the game.
- “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG” or DirectX crashes. Update your graphics driver, remove any GPU overclock, and install Windows updates. Verifying the game’s files in its launcher can also help.
- Damaged system files. Open Terminal as an administrator and run
sfc /scannow, thenDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs the built-in DirectX files along with the rest of Windows.
Can you reinstall DirectX on Windows 11?
Not directly. DirectX is part of Windows, so there’s no uninstaller. The steps above, updating Windows, running the System File Checker, and installing the End-User Runtime, fix almost every DirectX problem. If files are still damaged, you can repair Windows by reinstalling it in place from Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update, which keeps your files and apps.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a DirectX 13?
No. As of this writing, DirectX 12 is the latest version. Microsoft adds new features to it through Windows updates.
Is DirectX free?
Yes. It’s included with Windows, and the End-User Runtime is a free download from Microsoft.
Does updating DirectX improve performance?
Sometimes a little, mostly through graphics driver and Windows updates. It won’t make a slow graphics card fast, but it can fix bugs and crashes.
Are the steps the same on Windows 10?
Yes. Windows 10 also includes DirectX 12 and gets updates through Windows Update. The End-User Runtime works the same way.
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.