What is DirectX? This is a set of APIs necessary for solving problems related to programming in the operating version of Windows. It is most often used when writing games, so often newly released games can only work under new versions of DirectX. Today I will talk about how to find out which version is installed on your PC or laptop.
First method
To begin, we will use the standard component diagnostic tool, which is built into Windows. To do this, you need to use a utility called “Run” (Start - Run, or Win + R). In the window that opens, enter the word dxdiag and click OK.
A window will appear in which you can not only see the version of DirectX installed, but also a number of other parameters, including computer name, model, manufacturer, amount of memory, and so on.
Second method
If for some reason you cannot use the method indicated above, you can use third-party utilities. There are a great many such programs, take at least the legendary EVEREST, which shows absolutely all the information about your computer.
You need to install the program, then run it and wait until the system collects the necessary information. Go to the “Computer” - “Summary Information” section and all information will be displayed on the screen, including DirectX (see screenshot). In my case, the program is in English, but I highlighted the main points.
By the way, do not forget to update DirectX as it is released, so that you will always be able to play modern games.
Good afternoon to all readers of my blog. This post will be quite short. Today we will talk about this question: how to see which directx is installed on the computer? Most often we ask ourselves this question when we install components for games or other software from the Internet that require this software.
Some installation packages (for example, games) require you to update directx to the latest version, but it happens that after installing a game it simply does not start, and the reason for this may just be the outdated version of directx for this game.
What is directx?
Such files are a set of multimedia technologies that are necessary for many games and graphics that are installed on Windows (from XP to the newest 10). If such components are not installed on the computer system, games may malfunction or constantly freeze. Sometimes there were problems with launching applications itself, since files simply could not be opened.
Would you like to find out a little more about what it is? Read it, I wrote it a long time ago.
How to find out the direct version? Quite simply, a special diagnostic system will help you with this.
Version checking algorithm
It is not difficult to determine the directory version in the system. First, click the Start button, and then enter the dxdiag combination in the search bar.
By pressing the Enter key we start the search process. Next, click on the result that appears.
After opening this application, we will see a special window on the screen called “DirectX Diagnostic Tool”.
If you don't have this, then you need to install it. Read to the end, I left the link below.
In the “system” tab we can directly check the component data, as well as view additional information about the system and, accordingly, find out the DirectX version.
If such a check is carried out for the first time, we recommend that you also confirm the verification of digital signatures of drivers. Such verification is necessary in order to ensure the authenticity and originality of the drivers from the publisher.
If you have Windows XP, then the search will need to be performed using the “Run” command, which opens the Start panel in the lower left corner of the screen. Further, the algorithm remains the same as for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10.
Well, that's basically it.
After you have learned how to see which directx is installed, then you need to make an update, if you need it, of course. To do this, go here: https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/download and download the web installer, and then install the package itself. That's all ;-)
As you can see, checking the compatibility of your computer, as well as the characteristics of the software, is not at all difficult. All the details you are interested in about the PC can also be additionally viewed on my blog.
Goodbye and see you again!
You can download DirectX for free now; installation will only take you a few minutes. On our portal this is possible without SMS and registration. This program is not useful to every user, since it has a narrowly targeted special purpose. Let's talk about him.
DirectX for Windows 7, 8, XP is a package of multimedia APIs (Application Programming Interface) and high-level drivers. The software is designed to simplify a number of tasks related to the creation of computer games and video programming.
It offers turnkey solutions for audio and video processing in game development. It is noteworthy that the utility initially found its application in engineering/mathematical software.
Direct X for Windows 7, 8
Supports the most popular operating systems: Windows XP 64-bit, Vista, 7, 8, etc. The system includes several functional components:
- DirectX Graphics - 2D/3D graphics.
- DirectShow - streaming video, audio and/or video input/output.
- DirectInput - processing of data received from different input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc. game controllers).
- DirectSound and DirectMusic - low-level audio processing (Wave) and playback in Microsoft formats.
- DirectPlay is a common interface for network communication based on various network providers and protocols.
You can install the latest version of Direct X on any modern device that has compatible drivers. Downloading the software to your computer will allow you to enjoy a wider range of its capabilities.
Latest version of DirectX software
Main advantages of versions 9, 10, 11:
- Volume effects.
- Maximum realistic animation.
- High shadow clarity.
- Saturation and complexity of landscapes.
- Enlarged battle scenes.
- Dynamic game scenarios.
- Minimized blurring of objects.
- Realistic smoke reflected in glass/water.
You can update the program and see the quality of the innovations. Please also note that the CPU load is reduced. The new software uses the resources of the video card to draw and detail files.
DirectX 11 for Windows 7 was installed by probably all modern gamers who like to play all sorts of shooters, simulators, real-time strategies and other modern and demanding games on their computer. Today, there are probably no games for desktop PCs that do not require you to download and install the latest version of DirectX for your OS.
DirectX 11 and some software were developed for the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (on Windows 8 the package is already integrated into the system). Thus, as the OS developed and spread, software manufacturers released various multimedia applications for work and entertainment.
The main and leading positions are, naturally, occupied by computer games, in the development of which enormous amounts of money are invested annually. And every new year these amounts only increase.
This, in turn, further popularizes the operating system from Microsoft, which is forced to ensure that all new gaming products launch without problems and work stably with the appropriate computer hardware.
Why install the latest version of the software?
So, as we noted earlier, Directx 11 - This is an add-on for the Windows 7 or 8 operating system (already integrated, but may require an update), which provides support for technologies used in the development of virtual entertainment and special media programs. Thanks to it, avid gamers can run any modern and hardware-demanding games (real-time strategies, fights, shooters that will run without glitches and with high FPS). At the same time, each such update contains a number of improvements that affect the quality of the reproduced image in the game.
Of course, all these factors further motivate computer equipment manufacturers involved in the production of processors and video cards to monitor any failures associated with the launch of computer games and any other resource-intensive graphics applications. In addition, ordinary users should also be careful, because before starting the game they should make sure that the appropriate version of DirectX 11 for Windows 7 (64-bit or 32-bit) is installed on their PC, otherwise the desired games may not start at all .
DirectX updates
We recommend that you constantly monitor updates to this software, because if you have problems with a specific or several games (for example, the sound lags or low FPS occurs during the game), you should install the latest version of the program. To check the current version, you can use a system utility called dxdiag(with its help you can find out the version of installed DirectX, as well as check the correctness of its operation). You can read more on the official Microsoft website.
It should also be noted that it makes sense to update only when you have the latest versions of drivers installed (including for the video card), because without this no auxiliary software will help.
You can update all drivers automatically using the program DriverPack Solution, which itself will find missing or uninstalled drivers in the system and update them to the latest versions.
Starting with Windows 7 and higher, DirectX 11 has expanded support for animation effects and an optimized algorithm for processing specific media file formats, which means you can fully enjoy all the special effects that computer entertainment developers have designed for you.
table of correspondence
Below is a table that shows which version of DirectX can be installed on which version of Windows.| DirectX version | Windows version |
| 12 | 10 |
| 11 | 7 and 8 |
| 10 | XP, Vista |
For those who do not want to bother downloading installers and installing them themselves, we can recommend a universal installer that will determine which version of DirectX is installed on the computer and, if necessary, automatically update it to the latest version (taking into account support for the existing video card): http:// www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/download/details.aspx?id=35.
conclusions: We all love shooters and adventure games with good graphics, but these benefits of civilization require an up-to-date version of the software and suitable computer hardware. And if it is not always easy to change computer hardware (due to financial costs or lack of user literacy), then in the case of software things are much simpler (as a last resort, you can always ask on a forum or on a specialized website). Thus, we advise you to download the latest version of DirextX 11, which works perfectly with Windows 7 (8) based on the 64-bit / 32-bit platform and provides support for the required technologies needed to run modern media applications.
DirectX is required for the launch and normal operation of most professional programs and 3D applications. Incorrect installation or absence of this component in the system results in errors. For example, "file is missing d3dx9.dll" The following article will help you correctly install the correct version of DirectX on your computer.
Introduction. The need for DirectX on Windows OS
DirectX library is a set of components for the Windows family that provides games and programs with the ability to interact directly with audio and video devices. DirectX-enabled applications unlock a range of hardware features and benefits available on your hardware. Thus, performance The processing power of a computer when processing multimedia tasks increases significantly.Download DirectX 9 for Windows 7 (x32/x64-bit)
DirectX 9 is required if you are running older games or programs and see a window with one of the following errors:
- The program cannot be launched because the computer does not have d3dx9.dll;
- "...missing d3dx9_ xx.dll" where xx – almost any two-digit number.
For the online installer, an Internet connection is required, since the installer downloads all the necessary files from Microsoft online servers. Be careful!
On the developer's website you can also find DirectX 9s. However, this version of the libraries is only suitable for Windows XP and below. Therefore, the installation wizard simply will not allow you to start the installation process. The link to the latest current version is located in the block below.
There is also a complete DirectX 9 installation package that does not require internet access.
There are currently more official pages with the standalone version of DirectX 9 does not exist. However, you can download it from our website or from the Microsoft website.
This version of DirectX is also useful if the online installer:
- Gives an error message;
- Informs that on the computer the current version is already installed component.
- Open "directx_Jun2010_redist.exe"→ confirm the license agreement by pressing the button "Yes" ;
- Select a location for the DirectX files to be extracted using "Browse..." → start unpacking by clicking on "OK" ;
- Wait for the process to complete → open the folder selected in step 2;
- Run executable file DXSETUP.exe → perform the standard step-by-step installation procedure.
Figure 1. Procedure for installing DirectX 9 on Windows 7.Ready. Now you need to restart the computer and make sure the component is working by opening the application that requires the DirectX 9 library you just downloaded.
Download DirectX 10 for Windows 7 (x32/64-bit)
Before you download 10th version, please read the following information. This variation of the component cannot be downloaded separately, since it is already built into the DirectX 11 library, which was originally present in Windows 7. The bit size and year of release of the system does not matter.
You can find out the version of DirectX installed on your computer. There you can also see which versions of DirectX libraries are preinstalled in various operating systems. However, if you experience problems when running 3D applications Problems, follows:
- Update DirectX by downloading the official installer from our resource. To further install DirectX 11, you will definitely need an Internet connection;
- Update/install the software part of your video card by downloading the necessary driver from the manufacturer’s website for devices from Nvidia, AMD, etc.;
- Check for updates. Because the problem may occur if the update is not installed on your computer KB2670838, which can be downloaded by selecting the bit size of your OS (download 32-bit version or 64-bit version).
Download DirectX 11 for Windows 7 (x32/64-bit)
DirectX 11– the latest version of the component that is supported by the Windows 7 operating system. Just like DirectX 10, it is integrated by default and does not require additional downloading.
If you have problems running programs that require support for this component, you must:
- Install update KB2670838 for your OS (download 32-bit version or 64-bit version). You can also download from the official website on this page (MS website);
- Update your video adapter drivers by visiting the website of your equipment manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, etc.).
Download DirectX for Windows 8 or 8.1
There is no separate component file for these OSes. DirectX 11 is already integrated into both G8 and, if necessary, can be updated by installing some important security components from "Windows Update".
remember, that DirectX 12 is not supported these OS!
The latest version that you can install on your computer can be found in the chapter: . If you need to use older applications that run on earlier libraries, you can find it in the chapter: . The version for Windows 7 in this case is completely fits and for the 8th (8.1).
How to find out the installed version of DirectX
This question might arise if you were trying to run the latest 3D game and ran into compatibility issues. It’s worth noting right away: Windows 7 does not support DirectX 12 libraries. You can read more about this in the chapter: "". You can find out the version of DirectX installed on your computer as follows:
- Open menu "Start" → enter the query in the search: "dxdiag"→ press the key Enter(a warning may appear about the need to check the signature of digital drivers, it is advisable to agree) ;
- Now in the tab "System" (opens by default), in the section system information check number DirectX versions in the corresponding line. Figure 2 shows the exact location of the desired point.
Figure 2. We look at our version of the required component.As you can see, just two simple steps will help you find out your version of DirectX. Also for the future you can take into account that:
- DirectX 9c is integrated into Windows XP SP2;
- DirectX 10 is integrated into Windows Vista;
- DirectX 10-11 is integrated into Windows 7;
- DirectX 11.1 is integrated into Windows 8;
- DirectX 11.2 is integrated into Windows 8.1;
- DirectX 11.3 and 12(!) integrated into Windows 10 OS.
Why DirectX 12 cannot be downloaded on Windows 7
A user who is seriously interested in modern 3D graphics has recently increasingly asked questions about the compatibility of Windows 7 with recently released games. Thus, a new system began to “penetrate” the system requirements for recently released parts of games. DirectX.
However, unfortunately, you will not be able to install the latest version of this component on your computer. This is due to the fact that the only one system supporting DirectX 12 – Windows 10. Naturally, theoretically, older versions of the OS are also capable of “pulling” the latest computer graphics developments.
Only Microsoft decided otherwise. After all, we need to promote the new operating system to the masses and increase sales. Accordingly, in order for end users to pay attention to the newly released product, it is necessary to introduce certain chips(even if you have to exclude them from old developments).
It’s a common practice that potential buyers don’t see the point in paying for updates or are simply afraid of the surveillance systems built into new versions of the OS. You can dispel all the myths and learn about the advantages of Windows 10 in the next chapter.
Updating DirectX to the latest version on Windows 7 (8, 8.1, 10)
Before you begin reading this chapter, please review the information about the best version of the component that can be installed on your computer (in the form of "OS - latest version of DirectX"):
- Windows XP – 9.0c;
- Windows 7 – 11.1;
- Windows 8/8.1 – 11.2;
- Windows 10 – 11.3 and 12 (most current version).
If your operating system does not support the version of DirectX you need, do not despair. There is a solution: you can upgrade your system to Windows 10, which works with the latest versions of DirectX and also contains many other improvements. Read more about them.
Uninstalling and reinstalling DirectX on Windows 7 (XP, 8, 8.1, 10)
Sometimes errors occur in the operation of some highly specialized programs or 3D games. This may be due to problems in the application itself or with the installed DirectX component.
Before uninstalling or reinstalling DirectX, you need to make sure that it is faulty and only then take the necessary measures. Note!
If the program or game previously worked correctly, and there were no changes to important system files or drivers, it is recommended to reinstall the application and also reset its settings.
It is impossible to remove DirectX from Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
First of all, you need to pay attention to the fact that in Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
The DirectX component is integrated, so you can remove any version of DirectX using standard OS tools will not work. This is only possible through third-party programs. Attention!
Removing DirectX on the specified versions of Windows may entail a number of irreversible consequences, including complete system failure.
If you are sure that the problem is solely due to DirectX, first reinstall it using the full standalone version from the official Microsoft website.
In most cases, the problem will be resolved and you will be able to use any program that requires DirectX libraries installed.
If the problem persists, go to chapter: .
Removing DirectX 9 on Windows XP using standard OS tools
On Windows XP DirectX 9 (9c) libraries can be removed through standard system functionality: "Installation and removal of programms".If you are not sure that a component has failed, it is not recommended to take any action to change its files. First, you should update the component using the DirectX 9 standalone installer. The version from the chapter is quite suitable for this: . If reinstalling DirectX on Windows XP did not solve the problem:
- Try using a different version of the application software that is experiencing problems;
- After taking steps to identify the faulty program/game, check out the errors that may occur when operating this component in the next chapter.
Solving problems with installation and operation of DirectX
Before reading this chapter, it is recommended that you read the chapter “ Uninstalling and reinstalling DirectX on Windows 7 (XP, 8, 8.1, 10)", to immediately eliminate cases associated with faulty user software.
If the steps in the above chapter did not bring the desired result, proceed to familiarize yourself with examples of errors.
Error when starting the application (0xc000007b)
An error window with this code may appear when running a number of applications or a single game or program.
In this case, the true “culprit” of the problem is very often incorrectly indicated, because the cause 0xc000007b This could also lead to your computer becoming infected with a virus.
To get rid of this error you need to:
- Check the functionality of another application that also uses DirectX;
- Update your video card drivers, which can be found on the Nvidia or AMD websites (depending on the manufacturer of your graphics card);
- Install/update libraries ".Net Framework", « Visual C++" to the latest versions. You can download the archive with these system components for free from our website ( only for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10; bit depth does not matter);
- Completely scan the system with an antivirus or free utility "Dr.Web Cureit!" to exclude the possibility of infection of the OS with malicious code;
- Restore system files via command line.
In the window that appears, run the command without quotes: “ sfc /scannow» → wait for the recovery procedure to complete → restart the computer.
Figure 3. Scan and restore damaged system files using “sfc /scannow”.
- Roll back the OS to a working state using the standard tool: "System Restore", if the problematic application previously launched normally. This action should be used only as a last resort, or if the previous ones did not help.
"The Direct3D 11.1 API component is unavailable. Windows 7 update required."
If you are using an original Windows 7 image (no matter: licensed or pirated), you just need to update the system and install Internet Explorer 11 from the official Microsoft website to fix this problem.
You can download IE 11 from the official website by clicking on this link. Note!
In builds of Windows 7 that have the update function or other important system services removed, install Internet Explorer impossible.
The only way to solve a problem with a component is "Direct3D 11.1 API"– installation of the original Windows 7 image with the necessary updates.
If important OS features are not cut by the author of your build, you need to download the update "KB2731771", which can be downloaded from our website.
Your problem will be solved and IE 11 will install normally when you try again.
After these steps, you must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
DirectX installation or operation fails in certain applications
This chapter describes problems that you may encounter while operating some programs or games. In the content you can find a solution for your (or similar) error code and find recommendations for resolving the problem.
Problems installing DirectX (DXEerror.log, critical or internal error)
Sometimes errors with DirectX also occur during its update/installation. The solution to each of these problems is quite simple. Before attempting to install the component again, you must:
- Temporarily disable antivirus;
- Use the recommended settings in the properties of the downloaded file by running it with the right mouse button in "Compatibility Fixes".
Figure 4. Launch the installer in optimal settings mode.” Files:
If this doesn't help, check system requirements installer to completely eliminate cases of incompatibility of your OS with the downloaded DirectX component.
DirectX does not start or “Failed to initialize...”
Solution to this problem individually for each user.
Error "Failed to initialize DirectX" occurs mainly when the application itself malfunctions. To fix this problem, you should update your game/program by installing all the necessary " patches» from the developer.
To do this, you need to visit the forum or website of the desired application and find the section that describes the solution to the problem. If the above steps do not help, use the recommendations from the chapter:. This will help solve the problem.
Why you should switch to Windows 10 and DirectX12
Microsoft Corporation is a huge company that has been producing perhaps the best operating systems for computers for many years. However, starting from version Windows 8, user tracking functions were integrated into the OS. Not everything is as scary as it seems at first glance, because:
- Firstly, this option can easily be disabled at one stage of the installation of any new Windows;
- Secondly, law-abiding citizens should not worry about their personal data even when surveillance is turned on, since it is mainly aimed at people involved in illegal activities.
Advantages of Windows 10 over Windows 7, 8, 8.1
Windows 10 is a fast, beautiful and functional operating system. Let's describe some dignity new Microsoft product:
- Of course, support for DirectX 12, which will take gaming graphics and computer performance to a new level;
- The system is not susceptible to attack by most viruses that seriously affected both Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and XP.
- The requirements for computer components have not increased. This will save the resources of your PC or laptop for running heavy programs and multitasking;
- Support for multiple desktops, friendly design and other features that you would not find in Windows 7 and 8.
DirectX 12: is it worth upgrading the system? Gaming and graphics capabilities of the future
DirectX 12– the latest version of graphics libraries from Microsoft, presented to the people at the “Annual Game Developers Conference”. Development companies (in particular, their programmers) have finally discovered a completely new tool to simplify the interaction of the computer software with the hardware.DirectX 12 allows game creators not only to use PC components more efficiently, but also to connect previously unavailable hardware advantages of central processors and video cards to the process of working with graphics. Company representatives AMD(a popular manufacturer of graphics solutions for players around the world) officially noted that new technologies will make it possible to compete with Nvidia in leading price categories. 
Figure 5. Comparison of mid-price video cards from AMD and Nvidia.
While DirectX 12 is just gaining popularity, while DirectX 11 is used almost everywhere.
However, very soon the new version will be implemented in all upcoming projects. Fortunately, you can now upgrade to Windows 10 and be fully prepared for a potential breakthrough in the game development industry, which is planned thanks to the advent of DirectX 12. The largest manufacturers of video games and components are already creating their own mini-masterpieces, demonstrating excellent graphics and miracles of optimization.
Microsoft Corporation together with software engineers Nvidia made it possible to develop games for the new DirectX now by creating a special driver. Moreover, Nvidia promised to release support 12th DirectX versions on All released video cards compatible with version number 11
.
Therefore, the majority of end users will be able to get a completely new pleasure from video games, and developers will be able to take computer graphics to a fundamentally different level. Even video cards from 2009 received support for DX 12. More on this in the next chapter.
Nvidia has added DirectX 12 support for GeForce 400 and GeForce 500 series video cards
The ability to use new graphics processing technologies was also added to video cards that have long been out of stock, since many devices from older series are still present on the computer market. Thanks to this, the once gaming versions of video adapters of the GeForce GTX 570/580 level will be able to receive a small bonus to picture quality. However, you should not hope for increased productivity. DirectX 12 for these video cards is needed primarily so that users can get good compatibility with the new Windows 10 OS.
The results of testing graphical capabilities from a popular foreign site only confirm the above (translated for the site): 
Figure 6. FPS indicators in the game Battlefield 1 on versions DirectX 12 and 11, respectively.
Still, the GT 500 series came out a long time ago and cannot boast of good performance when working with new technologies.
But modern gaming video cards are already optimized for DirectX 12. Therefore, a complete transition to a new level of progress is only a matter of time!
