Microsoft DirectX is a set of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and audio. DirectX includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX APIs.
This guide provides an overview of downloading, installing, and updating DirectX on your Windows 10 PC.
What Does DirectX Do?
DirectX is a bundled software that consists of APIs, also known as application programming interfaces. This software is created by Microsoft and ensures that the games and multimedia programs installed on Windows PC run efficiently. The main function of DirectX is to communicate with your PC’s hardware elements, like the Sound Card, Memory, and Graphics Card. Here are the main functions of DirectX –
- DirectX consists of a Direct3D component that helps users to render 2D & 3D graphics. This feature is used for playing video games that use high-quality visual effects.
- DirectX bridges the gap between software and hardware, which helps app developers develop code that can work across different hardware configurations.
- DirectX helps the Windows OS to handle sound playback and input devices like the mouse, keyboard, and game controllers. It also streamlines multimedia and gaming.
- DirectX can access hardware-accelerated features that improve the performance of the video and audio experience.
- DirectX is required by most games that run on the PC.
Read Also : [FIXED] DirectX 12 Is Not Supported on Your System
Different Ways to Download/Update DirectX in Windows 10/11
DirectX 12 is available through the Windows Update feature. Press Win + I to open the Settings window and click on the Windows Updates tab in the left panel. Next, click on the Check For Updates button and wait for Windows to download and install updates for you.
Before we learn how to update Directx, knowing its current version is essential. To get the version of DirectX, follow the steps below:
How To Know the Version of DirectX
- Press Win + R and type dxdiag into the box.
- Select the best search result.
- This will open a new window where you can check the DirectX version.
Once you have the version number of DirectX, follow the below steps to update it.
Update DirectX on Windows 10 PC
Now that you know that the version of DirectX you are running is outdated follow these steps to update it.
Note : As there isn’t a stand-alone package available for Windows 10, we will be able to update it through Windows Update.
- Press Windows + I to open the settings window.
- Click Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update > click Check for updates.
- Wait for Windows to run the scan and check for updates.
- If there are any, you will be notified. To install them, follow the on-screen instructions. This will update the version of DirectX on Windows.
This is how you can update DirectX on Windows 11. We suggest you keep the device driver updated. Advanced Driver Updater is one of the trusted and reliable driver updating tools.
The Free version will update one driver at a time while paid allows updating all, and it also comes with a 2-month money-back guarantee.
Writer’s Tip – Best Driver Updater Software to Update Device Drivers
To achieve this, you can use Advance Driver Updater. Without wasting your time or asking you to provide any information, the tool will detect outdated drivers and show compatible updates. Also, it will save you from downloading an incorrect driver. To use Advanced Driver Updater, follow these steps:
- Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.
- Open the driver updater to scan the PC and help update device drivers.
- Review scan results and update the drivers.
- If you are a Free user, click the Update driver link opposite to each driver to update them individually. However, if you are a registered user, you can click the Update All button and update all outdated device drivers to enjoy glitch-free PC performance.
- To save changes, you must reboot your computer. This will help see the difference in the PC performance and the way the device interacts with the computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DirectX safe?
Yes, DirectX is completely safe when downloaded from official sources, such as Microsoft’s website or via Windows Update.
Do I need to install DirectX manually?
No, the latest versions of DirectX 11 and 12 will be downloaded and installed automatically by updating your Windows OS via the Settings.
Is DirectX free to download?
Yes, all versions of DirectX are free to download and install.
What is better than DirectX?
There are a few APIs that can be considered as alternatives to DirectX, like Vulkan and OpenGL. And for macOS, users need to install Metal. Choosing a API depends on the platform and OS used by the user.
Should I install DirectX 11 or 12?
We recommend that you install DirectX 12 as it is the latest version. However, if you are playing a game that requires DirectX 11, then you have to install that version.
Update DirectX on Windows PC
This is how you can download the latest version of Direct X through Windows Update. In addition, to keep all devices running at optimal performance and avoid facing BSOD or any connectivity issues, you can use Advanced Driver Updater to update the driver. We hope you find the information we have shared useful and will use it to update DirectX, thereby avoiding any issues while you play games on PC.
Please leave your feedback in the comments section.
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