DirectX is a set of programming tools for Windows, which, in most cases, is used to create games and other multimedia content. For full-fledged operation of applications that use DirectX libraries, you must have the latter as part of the operating system. Basically, the above package is installed automatically when you deploy Windows.
All games designed to run under Windows require a certain version of DirectX to be installed. At the time of this writing, the latest revision is 12. Versions are backward compatible, that is, toys written under DirectX 11 will also run on the twelfth. The only exceptions are very old projects running under 5, 6, 7 or 8 direct. In such cases, the necessary package is also supplied with the game.
In order to find out the version of DirectX that is installed on the computer, you can use the methods below.
Method 1: programs
Software that provides us with information about the system as a whole or about certain devices may also display the version of the DirectX package.
Method 2: Windows
If you do not want to install on a computer specialized software, that is, the ability to use the built-in system "DirectX Diagnostic Tool".
Good afternoon to all readers of my blog. This post will be quite short. Today we will talk about such a question: how to see which directx is installed on the computer? Most often, we ask this question when we install components for games or other software from the Internet that requires 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after installing a game, it simply does not start and the reason for this may just be the version of directx that is outdated for this game.
What is directx?
These files are a set of multimedia technologies that are needed for many games and graphics that are installed for Windows (from XP to the latest 10). If such components are not installed on the computer system, games may malfunction or constantly freeze. Sometimes there were problems with the launch of applications themselves, because the files simply could not be opened.
Want to know a little more about what it is? Look, I wrote a long time ago.
How to find out the version of directs? Quite simply, a special diagnostic system will help you with this.
Version check algorithm
It is not difficult to determine the version of Directex in the system. First you need to click the Start button, and then enter the combination dxdiag in the search bar.
With 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 called “DirectX Diagnostic Tool” on the screen.
If you don't have it, then you need to install it. Read to the end, link below.
In the "system" tab, we can directly check the data about the components, as well as view additional information about the system and, accordingly, find out the version of DirectX.
If such a check is carried out for the first time, we advise you to also confirm the check digital signatures 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 thanks to 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, basically everything.
After you have learned how to see which directx is installed, then you need to do 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, it is not difficult to check the compatibility of your computer, as well as the characteristics of the software. All the details about the PC you are interested in can also be viewed additionally on my blog.
Goodbye and see you again!
Before upgrading the computer, the user needs to figure out what hardware is currently installed. Otherwise, you can buy unnecessary or less powerful modules. Preferably provides work graphic applications, a type random access memory etc. This also applies to installed software. How to check which version of DirectX is installed on a computer running Windows?
Through the "Run" command
For the adequate operation of the computer, the most different programs and applications. For example, some utilities help. Often users need to look at this information in order to install more powerful cooling on the computer and avoid overheating of the system.
DirectX - a package of special multimedia technologies used by different Windows versions. In the absence of Direct X on your computer, many games and applications may not work correctly. You can see which generation of the library is installed on your computer using the following algorithm of actions:
- Click on Windows buttons and R.
- In the search bar enter the command dxdiag and confirm the action.
- After the DirectX Diagnostic Tools dialog box opens, click on the "Yes" button.
- In the window that opens, the user will see which version of DirectX is on the computer. You can't check for updates.
Attention: the specified verification method was performed on a computer with Windows 10 OS. For older operating systems, the interface may be slightly different, but in general the operation algorithm is the same.
Manual verification method
It can be done in different ways. The same statement applies to checking the DirectX version. If the method described above does not work for some reason, then install the library generation from Windows developers possible with the help manual mode search:
- Open "This PC".
- Go to drive C.
- Open the Windows folder.
- We make the transition to System32.
- Launch the dxdiag application.
After that, a window will open in which you can see which version of Direct X is on Windows. Regardless of the OS generation, the dxdiag application is always located in the System32 folder.
Summing up
On all computers running under Windows control 10, the default is DirectX version 12. However, this does not prevent you from installing earlier generations of the library. Checking what type of software is installed is no more difficult than. Look necessary information easier through the "Run" command. If this method does not work, you need to use the manual search method.
Often games also require latest version package, otherwise they simply will not start. However, not every user and gamer knows how to check the DirectX version.
Let's take a closer look at how to check the DirectX version and start the diagnostic service.
How to check DirectX version yourself
There is a very simple way to check the version of a multimedia package that works on any version of Windows:
- Click Start - Run...
- In the new window, enter "dxdiag" and click OK.
- In the "System" tab, find the "DirectX Version" item, where the current version will be indicated.
If the version is outdated, then you need to install a newer one by downloading from the company's website.
You can read more about installation in our article.
You can also read more about checking the package version from our article .
How to run the DirectX diagnostic tools
The DirectX diagnostic tools check all components of the media package for problems. Diagnostic tools can detect:
- Wrong version of DirectX. This means that DirectX needs to be updated or reinstalled.
- Absence hardware acceleration. Many programs will run much slower or not at all without acceleration.
- Not properly installed devices. This means that the joystick or other accessory or device does not work with the OS system due to incorrect drivers.
- Unsigned drivers. Some drivers may not be compatible with the latest version of DirectX, which will degrade their performance under Windows.
To run the diagnostic tool, you must:
- Press Start - Run.
- Enter the word "dxdiag" and click OK.
- The same window will open as in the instructions in the previous section. Diagnostics will run to check for problems. After the diagnostics is completed, in the tabs of the window you can see all necessary information about the system.
Also in these windows it will be possible to change some data, such as increasing hardware acceleration. However, this method only works on Windows XP. In their newer versions, you can't change any settings in the tabs. And updating DirectX occurs only through downloading and installing a new version.
DirectX like any other software, requires periodic updates. Why is it so important not to neglect them? How to determine the product version on your computer?
What is DirectX and what is it for?
DirectX is a set of APIs (various functions, constants, etc.), designed to solve various problems related to programming on Microsoft Windows . Direct is often bundled with computer games and is mainly used by gamers.
DirectX is free app, which is freely available on the official Microsoft website.
The program provides interaction between the video card and the game: it directs all the computing power of the computer to high-quality graphics. Thanks to DirectX, users can enjoy beautiful landscapes, well-drawn characters and detailed games.
DirectX allows game makers to improve graphics
DirectX does not improve graphics, it only gives developers the opportunity to make the picture more beautiful. If the game was written for version 9, then installing 10 will not change anything, but developed for 11 in 10 will look worse.
How to Check Current DirectX Version on Windows 7 PC
DirectX is among the programs installed by default in operating system. Each has its own version.
| Operating system | DirectX Version |
| Windows XP SP2 | DirectX 9.0c |
| Windows Vista | DirectX 10 |
| Windows Vista SP1 | DirectX 10.1 |
| Windows Vista SP2 | DirectX 11 |
| Windows 7 | DirectX 11.1 |
| Windows 8 | DirectX 11.1 |
| Windows 8.1 | DirectX 11.2 |
| Windows 10 | DirectX 12 |
But there may be differences when updating the system. How can I find out the version of DirectX on a computer running Windows 7?
If Windows could not find the dxdiag command, then version 5.0 or earlier is installed on the computer, in this case, install the latest version of DirectX through Windows Update.
How to check DirectX version (video)
DirectX - built into the operating system Windows software software that affects the graphics in computer games. If you want to enjoy realistic landscapes, well-drawn details, we recommend updating the product to the latest version regularly.
