Figuring out which version of DirectX your Windows 10 machine is running is surprisingly simple, but it’s one of those things that feels daunting if you’ve never done it before. Sometimes, games or apps throw errors or just refuse to run, and the first thing to check is whether your DirectX is up-to-date or compatible. It’s also handy for troubleshooting graphics or sound issues. Basically, that little piece of info can save a lot of headache and get you back up and running faster. The built-in dxdiag tool is the usual way, but there are some quirks—like, on some setups it only works after multiple tries, or you get weird errors. Of course, Windows has to make this harder than necessary, so here’s how to do it clean and simple, step-by-step.
How to Check DirectX Version Windows 10
Let’s run through the method that actually works most of the time: using dxdiag. It’s a small utility built into Windows that shows all the system info you need, including which DirectX version is installed. Knowing this can help confirm if your PC is ready for the latest games or multimedia apps, and it might flag if you need updates.
Open the Run dialog box
- Press Windows key + R — that’s the usual shortcut. The Windows key is that stupid key near the bottom-left corner, usually between Ctrl and Alt. Holding it down and pressing R pops open a tiny box in the corner. No fuss.
- On some setups, you might need to click around a bit if the window doesn’t show up right away. Or try running as administrator if normal doesn’t work. Sometimes Windows just wants to be extra about it.
Type “dxdiag” and hit Enter
- In that Run box, type dxdiag. It’s that simple. Then press Enter.
- This triggers the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, basically Windows showing off all its multimedia secrets. It opens pretty quick, but on some machines, it can hang or crash—so don’t be surprised if it takes a little longer sometimes.
Check the System tab
- Once dxdiag pops up, go directly to the System tab. Usually selected by default, but if not, click it at the top.
- Scroll down just a tiny bit—at the bottom of that tab, you should see the DirectX Version line. Looks like “DirectX 12” or “DirectX 11.3” or something similar.
- This number tells you exactly what’s installed, and surprisingly, knowing whether you’re on DirectX 11 or 12 can determine what games or programs will run smoothly.
Note the DirectX version
- Just take a quick glance at that line. Sometimes, it’s not in the most obvious spot if your display is scaled weird, but it’s usually pretty visible.
- On some setups, this info is kinda hidden behind other tabs or windows, so if you can’t find it, try maximizing the dxdiag window or dragging it around.
Close the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- Once you got your info, it’s totally safe to just click Exit. Nothing to save, no settings to change here. It’s just info gathering.
- On some rare occasions, rebooting after checking can help if you faced any glitches with dxdiag—because, of course, Windows needs to make everything more complicated.
And that’s pretty much it. Easy, right? Well, mostly easy. Sometimes, this method acts up if your system’s weird or if there’s a glitch. In such cases, you could try updating your Windows first, since DirectX updates happen via Windows updates. Or, if all else fails, go directly to the Microsoft website to grab the latest runtime files, especially if you’re missing features or facing compatibility warnings.
Tips for Checking DirectX Version Windows 10
- Make sure your Windows is fully updated. Sometimes new DirectX versions are included in major updates, and that’s the easiest way to keep things current.
- If dxdiag throws an error or hangs, restart the PC and try again. Sometimes it’s just a temporary glitch.
- Use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check if you’re on the latest build—more recent Windows versions tend to have better DirectX support.
- If you’re troubleshooting, don’t forget to check other system info—like your GPU driver version—since outdated drivers can cause misreports or issues with DirectX.
- On some setups, especially older hardware, the version list might be misleading, so cross-check your system specs online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DirectX anyway?
It’s basically a collection of APIs (that’s software interfaces) from Microsoft that make multimedia, especially 3D graphics and sound, run smoother on Windows. Without it, modern games and apps wouldn’t work right.
Why should I care about my DirectX version?
If you’re trying to run new games or VR apps, or troubleshoot audiovisual glitches, knowing your DirectX version is pretty crucial. Sometimes, older versions just don’t cut it anymore.
Can I update DirectX myself?
Most people get the latest via Windows Update—manual updates are rare. But if you need the latest runtime, Microsoft’s website offers installers for specific DirectX components. Just be cautious about downloading from third-party sources.
What if my DirectX is outdated?
Update Windows first. If that doesn’t help, you might need to install specific updates or redistributables. Sometimes, a driver update can solve issues caused by incompatible graphics hardware.
Is the dxdiag tool safe?
Absolutely. It’s built into Windows, created by Microsoft to help troubleshoot. No viruses or malware—just system info, plain and simple.
Summary
- Press Windows key + R to open Run.
- Type dxdiag and press Enter.
- Go to the System tab.
- Look for DirectX Version.
- Click Exit.
Wrap-up
Knowing how to check your DirectX version isn’t a huge secret, but it’s surprisingly useful — whether for gaming, troubleshooting, or just making sure your system is up to snuff. Sometimes, the process feels basic, but because Windows can be finicky, it’s good to keep this info in your toolkit. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone, or helps diagnose that weird graphics hiccup. Might not be fun every day, but knowing what’s under the hood never hurts.