If you’re playing games on your PC and the graphics aren’t displaying properly, you either need to install or upgrade your DirectX API driver. If you’re not sure whether or not you already have DirectX, follow the steps below to check. While it’s not a regular app or program, installing it is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge.

How to Install or Upgrade DirectX

  1. Click on the Download button on the sidebar and a new tab will open directly to the DirectX download page.
  2. You can choose which language you want the page displayed in and then click the Download button.
    Download DirectX
  3. After the .exe file downloads to your computer, double click on it to open the setup wizard.
  4. After you accept the license agreement click Next.
  5. Microsoft offers DirectX as a tool, providing the choice to include a Bing toolbar with your browser installation. If you prefer not to have it, simply deselect the checkbox labeled “Install Bing Bar” and proceed by clicking the “Next” button.
    Bing Bar add on DirectX
  6. The rest of the installation will automatically finish, and DirectX will run in the background.

How to Uninstall DirectX

Unfortunately, uninstalling DirectX is a lot more difficult than installing it, but thankfully there isn’t really any reason to uninstall it. If the program is corrupted or outdated, simply download an updated version, and the old one will be removed and replaced by the new one. Similarly, if DirectX isn’t the sound or graphic driver upgrade that you need, check out these free alternatives, and when they are installed, they will automatically disable DirectX.

DirectX Overview

DirectX is a group of free APIs that enhance the graphic and sound capabilities on your Windows computer. The software runs in the background and rarely if ever, requires any user interaction. It is primarily used by game developers to include 3D and HD images as well as high-quality sound effects. If you’re playing a game that was developed with DirectX, and you already installed it, it will automatically run. If you don’t have DirectX yet, you may get an error warning from the game, or the game just won’t display correctly.

How to Check if you Have DirectX

Unlike other programs, apps, or games that you download, DirectX won’t appear in a list of apps or anywhere on your desktop or in the start menu. Follow these steps to check if you have DirectX and if so, what version.

  • Click Start, and then click Run to open the Command Prompt.
  • Type dxdiag, and then click Enter.
  • On the System tab, check if you have DirectX installed, and if so, what is the version number. If you don’t have the latest version installed, follow the steps above, and install the latest version.
  • You can look at the Display, Sound, and Input tabs for more information on the different parts of DirectX installed.

Checking DirectX version

Check whether you have DirectX installed on your computer

Free Alternatives to DirectX

  • OpenGL: A multi-platform API that specializes in rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.
  • Vulkan: One of the newest APIs that works across many different platforms to provide HD graphics for online games.
  • Realtek HD: If you’re looking for an audio driver that provides quality sound, Realtek HD is one of the best free drivers available.

FAQ

?Is DirectX safe?
DirectX is a safe driver that won’t do any harm to your computer. You will have to be careful when installing as Microsoft will try and slip in a Bing toolbar with the installation. For your protection, follow the steps above and download DirectX from the official Microsoft site. Otherwise, you run the risk of a third party website adding malicious software in the installation file.
?How do you open the DirectX control panel?
The only way to open the DirectX control panel is to run the Command Prompt and type dxdiag. Confirm that you want to run DirectX and a window will open with all the details will the information about your version of DirectX. Other than finding information about which version you’re running and the complete list of programs included in DirectX, there is nothing functional to do in the control panel.
?Do I need DirectX?

Typically speaking, there are two reasons to download DirectX.

  1. You’re playing games on your PC, and the graphics aren’t displaying properly.
  2. You’re trying to program a game or create a presentation that needs high-quality sound and graphic cards.
Download DirectX now!