The “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine” error appears when your PC cannot access the Direct3D hardware level 10.0. When trying to run apps with higher graphics, your system needs to interact with the 3D rendering engine of your GPU. This GPU uses different feature levels, depending on the configuration of the graphics unit that you are using. Most graphically intense games are only compatible with DX11 feature level 10.0 and may give out the error.
What Is A DX11 Error?
This error, in short, is a Windows PC error that occurs when a user runs a game or application that requires DirectX 11 but fails to initialize it. This results in performance issues like black screens and PC crashes. Some reasons for this error include incompatible hardware, missing or corrupted DirectX files and drivers.
What Are DX11 Installation Requirements on a Windows PC?
Here are the requirements –
| Operating System | Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA: GeForce GTX 400 series and later AMD: Radeon HD 5000 series and later Intel: HD Graphics 2000 and later |
| RAM & Storage | At least 4GB RAM (8GB recommended for gaming). Minimum 100MB free disk space for DirectX installation files. |
| Software & Updates | Latest GPU drivers Windows Updates installed |
Causes of the Error –
Usually, the issue arises in the following situations –
- The GPU in use does not support the DX11 feature level 10.0.
- PC does not meet the minimum system requirements to run a game.
- The game does not use the dedicated GPU available
- The GPU is using an outdated driver to interact with the system
- DirectX is outdated or missing from the system
- The operating system is not updated.
In all the cases, one common thing is the error “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine”. If you encounter that DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine on common games like PUBG, Fortnite, or ARK games, you have come to the right place. Fortunately, some ways can help you resolve the issue and run your games smoothly.
Prerequisite – Determine If The Issue Is Specific To One Game Or Application
If your GPU supports DirectX feature level 10.0 and your system is running the latest version of DirectX, the next step is to check whether the error appears only with a specific game or program, or if it affects your system more broadly. Try launching other games or applications, especially those that are less graphics-intensive, to see if the same issue occurs.
If the problem seems isolated to one game, follow these two steps to troubleshoot:
- Open the Display tab in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool box to view your graphics card specifications. Compare these with the game’s minimum system requirements. If your GPU falls short, you may need to upgrade it. If your GPU meets the requirements, move on to the next step.
- Running an outdated version of the game can also cause unexpected errors. Check for updates by visiting the game’s official website. Look for any patches or updates released by the developer and install them if available.
Ways to Fix – “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine” Error
Before we begin with the core fixes, make sure you have tried the following things to fix the issue –
- Restart the PC to check if it was just a glitch.
- Ensure that your GPU is connected to the PC properly.
- Try using a different game to check if the issue is limited to one.
If you find out that the GPU is working fine, and the error appears while launching a single game, try uninstalling and reinstalling it to fix it. If none of the above preliminary steps do the trick for you, look at the following fixes!
Fix 1 – Check If Your GPU Supports Feature Level 10.0
As mentioned earlier, Feature Level 10.0 is a configurational figure for a GPU. While you may be using a dedicated GPU on your PC, it is crucial to check whether it supports the required feature level.
Here are the steps you can follow –
Step 1 – Press Win+R to bring up the Run search utility on your PC.
Step 2 – Use the command dxdiag and hit enter to open the detailed configuration of 3D services on your PC.
Step 3 – In the DirectX Diagnostic Window, navigate to the Display tab for related information.
Step 4 – You may spot the Feature Level as a criterion in the right column of your PC. Check if it supports the feature level 10 by spotting the 10_ in the list.
If you can find 10_ in the list of Feature levels, then your GPU is good to go. However, you might have to upgrade your GPU.
How to change DirectX feature level?
If the DXDiag window does not display the required DirectX feature level on the screen, then you will have to replace your graphics card to a newer model.
Fix 2 – Check the Version of DirectX
After ensuring that your GPU supports the feature level 10.0, figure out if your GPU is using the latest version of DirectX.
Step 1 – Press Win+R to bring up the Run search utility on your PC.
Step 2 – Use the command dxdiag and hit enter to open the detailed configuration of 3D services on your PC.
Step 3 – In the DirectX Diagnostic Window, navigate to the System tab to find the configuration.
You may find all the information about the DirectX version in this System tab. At the time of writing, the latest stable version is DirectX 12 Ultimate. Ensure you are using the same.
Fix 3 – Ensure Your PC is Using a Dedicated GPU and Not the Integrated One
It is crucial to identify which GPU the system uses while launching the game. The Integrated GPU is usually less efficient than the dedicated one. Which means it consumes less resources and power while running. Eventually, when you set your PC configuration to low power consumption, you launch applications on the integrated GPU.
This may cause the “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine” error as not every integrated GPU is advanced enough to support feature level 10.0. Fortunately, you can manually decide which GPU should be used when you launch the game. Check out the following steps to learn how –
Step 1 – Press Win+I to open the System Settings on your PC.
Step 2 – In System Settings, click on Display to open options.
Step 3 – In the Display options, navigate to Graphics.
Step 4 – In Graphics, scroll down to find the application from the list. If it is unavailable, click on the Add app option and browse to find the .exe file for your game.
Step 5 – Click on the game to expand and click on Options.
You now have the option to choose what sort of performance you want from your GPU. Choose High Performance to ensure your dedicated GPU is initiated.
Fix 4 – Update Graphics Drivers on Your PC
Another factor causing the “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine” error on your PC may be an outdated graphics driver. Drivers are crucial for any dedicated component to work in sync with the system. Hence, if your PC has outdated graphics drivers, the chances of such errors are high. There are two ways to update your drivers – the Manual method and the Automatic method.
Manual Method To Update Drivers
The manual method to update drivers is by using the built-in Device Manager tool. Here are the steps to complete the driver update manually.
Step 1 – Press Win + X to open the Power menu.
Step 2 – Choose Device Manager and then click on Display Adapters.
Step 3 – Next, right-click on your graphics card and select Update Drivers.
Step 4 – Follow the onscreen steps to complete the driver update process
Automatic Method To Update Drivers
All the above-listed steps make it typical for a user to download updates manually. Fortunately, there is an application that can help you update the drivers automatically. Yes, the Advanced Driver Updater does it all for you!
Here’s how the application works –
Step 1 – Download and install the application on your PC.
Step 2 – Launch the application to find the Start Scan Now option. Click on it.
Step 3 – Let the Scan run. This will fetch a list of all the outdated drivers currently installed.
Step 4 – Once the scan is over, you can individually update the GPU driver or simply use the Update All button to download the latest driver versions for all.
Step 5 – After choosing your option, you only have to wait, and the application will take care of the rest.
From finding the latest version by comparing your current drivers with the database to restarting your PC after the drivers have been updated, Advanced Driver Updater does it all! Download the app today and fix the DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the Engine error with just a few clicks.
Fix 5 – Check for Windows Updates
Last but certainly not least, ensure your PC is up to date with the latest Windows build. There are major updates, and then there are optional updates. You must ensure all the updates, even the optional ones, are installed. That is because optional updates usually have the components that optimize internal components like your GPU.
Step 1 – Press Win+I to open System Settings.
Step 2 – From the left pane, navigate to Windows Update.
Step 3 – Click on Check for Updates to find the latest updates.
If you find any update pending or available, you can instantly download and install it on your PC. This will help you ensure minimum to no bugs on your PC.
Fix 6 – Install DirectX End-User Runtime
Some experts recommend that installing the DirectX End-User Runtime can help support your game and fix these issues. Follow the steps mentioned below –
Step 1 .Click on the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer link to open the official webpage. Select the Language and click on the Download button.
Step 2. Double click on the file downloaded and follow the instructions on your screen to complete the setup process.
Step 3. Next click on the DirectX End-User Runtimes link to visit the webpage.
Step 4. Choose your preferred language and click on the Download button.
Step 5. Double click on the file downloaded and follow the onscreen steps to complete the installation process.
Fix 7 – Install the Latest Game Patch
There have been DX11 issues which were resolved by the game manufacturer’s end by releasing patches. These updates help fix issues with the game and add new features to make gaming experience even better. It is recommended to keep a watch for new game patches or updates from your game developers by visiting the official website or websites of game launchers like Steam, Ubisoft, Epic, etc. After you have installed the latest patches and updates, the DX 11 issues may be fixed.
Bonus Tip – Install The Latest DirectX End User Runtime For Older Games
If you want to install the DirectX End User Runtime for older games, then here is what you need to do –
Step 1 – Navigate to the official Microsoft website.
Step 2 – Scroll down, select the language, and click on the Download button.
Step 3 – Double-click on the file downloaded and follow the onscreen instructions to install the tool on your PC.
“DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine.” – Issue RESOLVED!
Using the above fixes, you can easily eliminate any issues you may encounter due to the error “DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine”. It can become really difficult to run games and heavy graphic-intensive applications if the drivers or the DirectX version are not current. Hence, we advise you to use the above fixes.
That’ll be all for this post. Thanks for reading. Good luck!
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