Microsoft DirectX is a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that provide Windows programs and apps with the support needed to power video games and game programming on most Microsoft platforms. DirectX is normally updated automatically through routine Windows Updates, but can also be downloaded and updated manually for select versions of Windows.
Automatic Windows Updates
Click on the Start menu and type “update” into the search field.
Click on “Windows Update,” then click on “Change settings” in the left pane.
- If using Windows 8, click on “Choose how updates get installed.”
Select the option to install or check for updates, then place a checkmark next to “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.
Click on “OK,” then type the administrator password for your computer.
Going forward, DirectX will automatically be updated when new Windows updates are available.
DirectX 11.1 for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
Navigate to the Microsoft Platform Update page for DirectX at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36805.
Click on the “Download” button, then select “Run” at the prompt.
Microsoft will now install the latest updates for DirectX.
DirectX 11.0 for Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2
Navigate to one of the following URLs based on your version of Windows:
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2008: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21608
- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based systems
Click on the “Download” button, then select “Run” at the prompt.
Microsoft will now install the latest updates for DirectX.
DirectX 9.0c for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Navigate to the Download Center for DirectX 9.0c at https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=34429.
Click on the “Download” button, then click on “Open” or “Run this program from its current location.
Microsoft will now install the latest updates for DirectX.
Troubleshooting DirectX Updates
Try installing DirectX End-User Runtime if you receive the following error when installing an application or game that requires DirectX 9:
Installing the DirectX End-User Runtime program can often help resolve this error.
- Navigate to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 and click on the “Download” button.
- Click on “Open” or “Run this program from its current location” to install the program and resolve the error.
Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool if you experience problems when playing games or movies after installing DirectX updates.
In many cases, this tool can help identify the source of problems associated with DirectX.
- Click on the Start menu, type “dxdiag” into the search box, then press “Enter.” The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will run and identify any existing problems with DirectX.
Try updating the drivers for your video card, or replace the video card itself if updating DirectX fails to resolve problems with certain apps and programs.
In some cases, a faulty video card can prevent DirectX from working efficiently.