Quite often this term is used when referring to games and graphics in them. Directx is a unique set of APIs that was created in order to solve multiple problems related to the programming segment. It was created specifically for Microsoft products - different versions of Windows, and is mainly effective when writing any games for computers. Directx is not only associated with graphics processing, it manages audio streams and is responsible for processing data coming from input devices - this could be a joystick or a standard keyboard. Modern versions require hardware support from devices - for example, those users who have more modern computers and a video card that supports Shader Model 4.0 can install Directx 10.
Features of new versions of Directx for Windows 7, 8, 10 you should know:
- Versions "7" and "8" do not support Directx 12 natively;
- Productivity will increase by 7-10 times;
- Older video cards will be able to partially support Directx 12.
If you are interested in improving the performance of your video card and more beautiful graphics in your favorite games, try downloading Directx for free, installing the latest version will improve the situation. The main thing is to make sure that your OS and video card are compatible with the new software, otherwise the updates will have no effect and you will simply waste your time.
Quite often, users of outdated versions experience a Directx error (missing certain files); to avoid such problems, you should constantly monitor updates. In most cases, you can update Directx by installing one of the modern games or downloading the version you need from our resource.
By updating/installing DirectX, you can fix many errors when installing games and programs
Select and install the version of DirectX you need for your operating system
Download DirectX 9 for Windows 2003/XP
Download DirectX 10 for Windows XP/Vista
Download DirectX 11(SDK) for Windows Vista/Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
Download DirectX 12 for Windows 10
Download DirectX web installer- The program will determine which components are missing and install them itself
We will be glad to hear your feedback, we will also help you install components and correct errors. Write everything in the comments below
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 image of Windows 7 (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!
Download the full set of DirectX libraries for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, 8. In one click, free download DirectX 11, 10, 9- via direct links - official website of DirectX Download Free Microsoft. No SMS, file sharing or surprises - secure and fast downloads are guaranteed.
You will find links for direct downloading from the official website below. Here and now, many would do well to get acquainted with the reason, read a few lines about what DirectX does and why Windows needs it. This will save you from unnecessary questions and add understanding to the process.
For a programmer, Direct X SDK is a set of ready-made procedures, structures, functions, classes provided by the application for a comprehensive solution to all kinds of problems related to development and programming under Microsoft Windows.
For a simple user's PC, DirectX is a set of instructions and interfaces (Direct3D, DirectPlay, DirectMusic, DirectInput, etc.) necessary for a computer to process commands from a joystick, mouse, keyboard, input-output of all kinds of video and audio data, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics. Responsible for the quality of sound and visual graphic effects (shader model - textures, lighting).
It is Direct X that tells your computer how to play music, how to process a graphic object and how to respond to your commands. Modern applications and games can use libraries (interfaces) of different generations. Partial absence of libraries (instructions) leads to errors in games and applications.
System requirements.
DirectX 11
— the assembly includes all 11th generation components, as well as all the necessary interfaces, a full set of DirectX 9.0c and 10 executable libraries. The best choice for operating systems Windows 7, 8, Server 2008.
DirectX 10 — drivers for systems running Windows Vista, Server 2008. Includes the entire set of DirectX 9 components.
DirectX 9.0c - final version for Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 with SP1 updates. The ninth generation can be used as an addition to 7, 8, Vista - supported.
● 
For most users, it is recommended to download Direct X 11, it contains all the necessary libraries. The installation is extremely simple - run the downloaded file, agree to the terms, click next, wait for the installation to complete, reboot the PC.
Important! Decided download DirectX 11- that's right, your PC will become “smarter”! If you have a question about installation, read comments 6-7. Nothing complicated - in English, Direct X asks you which folder to unpack into before installation. Official DirectX website www.microsoft.com Downloading is always free.
DirectX 11- a package of multimedia technologies that provides support for 3D visual effects and immersive surround sound, included in many modern computer games, allowing you to display realistic 3D animation and graphics that reflect the smallest details of objects. Supports stereoscopic 3D in games and videos.
DirectX 11 offers many improved features and improved PC and GPU performance, harnesses the power of modern multi-core processors, and supports advanced shading and texture technologies such as tessellation.
Basic DirectX 11 Components
- DirectX Graphics - output of raster graphics and three-dimensional objects.
- DirectInput - processing data coming from the keyboard, mouse, joystick, gamepad.
- DirectSound - sound processing (Wave).
- DirectMusic - music playback.
- DirectShow - input/output of audio and video data.
- DirectPlay - network games.
- DirectX Instruments - software synthesizers.
DirectX 11 free download
Download Direct X 11 for free for Windows 7 and Windows 8 from the official website. Our site monitors all software updates to ensure that you have the latest version of DirectX.
Checking the version of DirectX installed on your computer
DirectX is used by many games. If your computer does not have the required version of DirectX installed, as indicated on the product packaging, the game may not function properly or may not launch.
Please note that:
- DirectX 9.0c is included with Windows XP SP2.
- DirectX 10 is included with Windows Vista.
- DirectX 11 is included with Windows 7.
- DirectX 11.1 is included with Windows 8.
- DirectX 11.2 is included with Windows 8.1.
- DirectX 11.3 and included in Windows 10.
- DirectX 12.0 is included with Windows 10.
DirectX 12 free download
Lately, many people have been asking questions: how to download DirectX 12 for Windows 10 64 bit. It's worth noting that there is no standalone update package for DirectX 12.0. You cannot download DirectX 12 separately for Windows 7 64 bit - you will have to update your computer to Windows 10. Those who already have Windows 10 installed will not have to do anything additional - DirectX 12.0 is already included in Windows 10!
How to check which version of DirectX is installed on your computer:
- Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. To do this, click the "Start" button, click "Execute" and enter dxdiag in the "Open" field and then press the ENTER key.
- Go to the "System" tab and in the "System Information" group, check the DirectX version number.
First, let's define what DirectX is. This is a package of multimedia technologies necessary to run multimedia applications and games on a computer or laptop.
Often, in order for a game to launch, it is necessary to update the version of Direct.
In most cases, many toys installed on a modern device are accompanied by the current Direct package, but if it was not detected, then you need to independently see what the latest version was installed on the operating system.
Updating the package helps achieve better graphics in computer games, provided that a powerful video card is installed on the PC.
That is, for example, a game requires DirectX 9, and a person will install version 10, and at the same time, the video card will be weak, and significant changes will not be visible.
The instructions below for checking the installed version of DirectX will work for the Windows 7 operating system.
Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
First, you need to click on the “Start” button in the lower left corner of the screen, and there, in the “Search files and programs” field, enter a query such as dxdiag.
After the command has been entered, you must press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.
Next, a special window will open in which a person can easily see the installed version of DirectX on the PC in the “System” tab. 
Using auxiliary software
Traditional verification methods are not suitable for all people; some people like to verify the results using special utilities. And for this reason, a program such as Astra32 is often suitable for checking the DirectX version.
This software is distributed free of charge, and on the official resource it is possible to download Portable (version that does not require installation). After launching this software on your computer, scanning the system begins. After the scanning comes to an end, on the main screen, in the very first window, you can find out the installed DirectX on your PC.
The scan takes about a minute and the result will be displayed in the main window.
There are times when people do not need to view the installed version, but completely remove the direct from their PC.
You can completely remove this component from your computer using such current programs as “DirectX Killer” or “DirectX Happy Uninstall”. The named utilities do not have much functionality, but they cope with the main task one hundred percent.
Now, you don’t need to spend a long time figuring out why a purchased game with a system error may not launch; just read the information presented in this article to find out about the need to use Direct.
Now, anyone can learn how to correctly check which directive is installed on a working PC. In addition to the Windows 7 operating system, you can easily find out Direct X on other versions of Windows (XP, 10, and so on).
