DirectX is a collection of applications designed to solve programming problems. Users most often hear about it in relation to computer games, since DirectX is needed to work with graphics, animation and sound. For stable operation and better performance, it is desirable that the DirectX version is the latest so sometimes it becomes necessary to update this software.
View installed version details
Before we figure out how to reinstall DirectX, we need to figure out which version your graphics card supports.
It makes no sense to install software that the graphics adapter will not "pull"... In addition, older Windows systems do not know how to work with the latest developments for multimedia (you cannot install DirectX 11 on XP, etc.)
Another important step is to view information about the current version of the suite of applications:
All preparatory actions have been completed, the necessary information has been received. Now you know what modification you need, and therefore we pass on to the consideration of the main question - how to update DirectX.
DirectX update
- Run the downloaded installer and accept the terms of the license agreement.
- Uncheck the "Install Bing Bar" checkbox to avoid removing unnecessary extensions from browsers later.
- Wait while the installation wizard downloads and installs the components.
- Close the installer window and restart your computer.
Done - you now have an updated package of graphics and sound applications installed on your computer. You can launch new games and check how they work.
DirectX is required for most professional programs and 3D applications to run and work properly. Incorrect installation or absence of this component in the system leads to errors. For example, "there is no file d3dx9.dll". The following article will help you install the correct version of DirectX on your computer correctly.
Introduction. Need for DirectX on Windows
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 that come with your hardware. In this way, performance computer processing multimedia tasks increases significantly.Download DirectX 9 for Windows 7 (x32 / x64-bit)
DirectX 9 is required if you run old 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 an online installer, an Internet connection is required, since the installer downloads all the necessary files from Microsoft's online servers. Be careful!
On the developer's site you can also find DirectX 9s... However, this version of the libraries is only suitable for Windows XP and below. Therefore, the installation wizard will simply prevent you from starting the installation process. The link to the latest up-to-date version is placed in the block below.
There is also a full DirectX 9 installer that does not require internet access..
The official page with the standalone version of DirectX 9 is larger at the moment does not exist... However, you can download it from our site or from the Microsoft site.
This version of DirectX will also come in handy 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" ;
- Choose a location for the extracted DirectX files 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 → follow the standard step-by-step installation procedure.
Figure 1. Procedure for installing DirectX 9 on Windows 7.Ready. Now you need to restart your computer and make sure the component is working by opening an application that requires the DirectX 9 library you just downloaded.
Download DirectX 10 for Windows 7 (x32 / 64-bit)
Before uploading 10th version, please read the following information. You cannot download this variation of the component separately, since it is already built into the DirectX 11 library, which was originally present in Windows 7. The bit depth 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, when running 3D applications, you experience 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 can be observed if the update is not installed on your computer KB2670838, which can be downloaded by choosing the bitness of your OS (download the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version).
Download DirectX 11 for Windows 7 (x32 / 64-bit)
DirectX 11- the latest version of the component, which is supported by the Windows 7 operating system. Like DirectX 10, it is integrated by default and does not require additional download.
If you have problems with the operation of programs that need support for this component, you must:
- Install update KB2670838 for your OS (download 32-bit version or 64-bit version). Can also be downloaded from the official site on this page (MS site);
- Update video adapter drivers by visiting the website of your hardware manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, etc.).
Download DirectX for Windows 8 or 8.1
There is no separate component file for these operating systems. DirectX 11 is already integrated into both "eights" and, if necessary, can be updated by installing some important security components from Windows Update.
remember, that DirectX 12 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 running on earlier libraries, you can find it in the chapter:. The Windows 7 version 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 launch the latest 3D game and encountered compatibility issues. It should be noted 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 the menu "Start" → enter a query in the search: "Dxdiag"→ press the key Enter(a warning may appear about the need to verify the signature of digital drivers, it is desirable to agree) ;
- Now in the tab "System" (opens by default), under system information check number DirectX versions in the corresponding line. Figure 2 shows the exact location of the desired point.
Figure 2. Let's look at our version of the required component.As you can see, just two simple steps will help you find out your DirectX version. 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.
Why DirectX 12 cannot be downloaded on Windows 7
A user who is seriously interested in modern 3D graphics has recently been increasingly asking about the compatibility of Windows 7 with recently released games. So, in the system requirements for recently released parts of games, a new one began to "penetrate" 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 DirectX 12 capable system - Windows 10... Naturally, theoretically, older versions of the OS are also capable of "pulling" the latest developments in computer graphics.
Only Microsoft decided otherwise. After all, you need to promote the new operating system to the masses, 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 designs).
It is so established that potential buyers see no reason to pay for updates or simply be afraid of the surveillance systems built into new versions of the OS. You can dispel all myths and learn about the merits of Windows 10 in the next chapter.
Updating DirectX to the latest version on Windows 7 (8, 8.1, 10)
Before you start reading this chapter, read 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 (the most current version).
If your operating system doesn't support the correct version of DirectX, don't despair. There is a way out: you can upgrade your system to Windows 10, which works with the latest versions of DirectX, and also contains many other improvements. Learn more about them.
Removing and reinstalling DirectX on Windows 7 (XP, 8, 8.1, 10)
Sometimes errors occur in the work of some highly specialized programs or 3D games. This may be due to both the appearance of problems in the application itself, and with the installed DirectX component.
Before uninstalling or reinstalling DirectX, you need to make sure it is malfunctioning and only then take the necessary measures. Note!
If the program or game previously worked correctly, and there were no changes in important system files or drivers, it is recommended to reinstall the application and reset its settings.
Unable 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 remove any version of DirectX using the standard means of the OS itself 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, up to 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 can use any program that requires DirectX libraries installed.
If the problem persists, skip to chapter:.
Removing DirectX 9 on Windows XP using standard OS tools
On Windows XP DirectX 9 (9c) libraries can be removed through the standard system functionality: "Installation and removal of programms".If you are not sure about the failure of a component, it is not recommended to take any action to modify its files. The first thing to do is to update the component using the DirectX 9 standalone installer. The version from the chapter is fine for that. If reinstalling DirectX on Windows XP did not solve the problem:
- Try using a different version of the application software that is crashing;
- After completing the steps to identify the faulty program / game, review the errors that may occur when this component is running in the next chapter.
Solving problems with installing and running DirectX
Before reading this chapter, we recommend that you read the chapter “ Removing and reinstalling DirectX on Windows 7 (XP, 8, 8.1, 10) " to immediately weed out cases associated with faulty user software.
If the actions from the above chapter did not bring the desired result, proceed to familiarize yourself with the examples of errors.
Application startup error (0xc000007b)
An error window with this code can appear when a number of applications or a single game or program are running.
In this case, the true "culprit" of the problem is often incorrectly indicated, because the reason 0xc000007b can become, including, and infection of the computer with a virus.
To get rid of this error, you must:
- Check for operability of another application that also uses DirectX;
- Update 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 a free utility "Dr.Web Cureit!" to exclude the possibility of infecting the OS with malicious code;
- Restore system files via command line.
In the window that appears, run the command without quotes: " sfc / scannow»→ wait until the end of the recovery procedure → restart the computer.
Figure 3. Scanning and repairing damaged system files using "sfc / scannow".
- Roll back the OS to a working state through a standard tool: "System Restore" if the previously problematic application started normally. This action should be used only as a last resort, or if the previous ones did not help.
“The Direct3D 11.1 API is not available. Windows 7 update required. "
If you are using the original Windows 7 image (it doesn't matter: licensed or pirated), you just need to update the system and install Internet Explorer 11 from Microsoft official site to fix this issue.
You can download IE 11 from the official site by clicking on this link. Note!
In Windows 7 assemblies that have the update function or other important system services cut out, install Internet Explorer impossible.
The only way out to solve the problem with the component 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 assembly, you need to download the update "KB2731771" which can be downloaded from our website.
Your problem will be solved and IE 11 will set up fine when you try again.
After the steps taken, you must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Crash when installing or running DirectX in certain applications
This chapter lists the problems that you may encounter while working some programs or games. In the content, you can find a solution for your (or a similar) error code and find recommendations for fixing the problem.
DirectX installation problems (DXEerror.log, critical or internal error)
Sometimes errors with DirectX occur when updating / installing it. The solution to each of these problems is fairly simple. Before the next attempt to install the component, 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 the mode Compatibility Fixes.
Figure 4. Run the installer in the optimal settings mode. " Files:
If that doesn't work, check system requirements installer to completely exclude cases of incompatibility of your OS with the downloaded DirectX component.
DirectX does not start or "Failed to initialize ..."
The solution to this problem individually for each user.
Error "Failed to initialize DirectX" occurs mainly when the application itself fails. 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 required 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 you are experiencing.
Why upgrade to Windows 10 and DirectX12
Microsoft Corporation is a huge company that has made perhaps the best operating systems for computers for many years. However, starting from version Windows 8, the OS has been integrated with the functions of "tracking" the user. Not everything is as scary as it seems at first glance, because:
- First, this option is easily disabled at one of the stages of the installation of any new Windows;
- Secondly, law-abiding citizens do not need to worry about their personal data even when surveillance is on, since it is focused mainly on people who engage 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, DirectX 12 support, which will take the graphics capabilities of games and computer performance to the next level;
- The system is not susceptible to the attack of most viruses that seriously infect both Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and XP.
- Requirements for computer components have not increased. This saves 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 updating the system for the sake of it. Games and graphics for the future
DirectX 12- the latest version of Microsoft graphics libraries presented to the public at the Annual Game Developers Conference. Development companies (in particular, their programmers) have finally opened up a completely new tool to simplify the interaction of the software part of the computer 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 graphics process. Company representatives AMD(a popular manufacturer of graphics solutions for gamers around the world) have officially noted that the new technologies will allow them to compete with Nvidia in leading price categories. 
Figure 5. Comparison of video cards of the middle price segment from AMD and Nvidia.
While DirectX 12 is only gaining popularity, while DirectX 11 is used almost everywhere.
However, very soon the new version will be implemented in all outgoing projects. Fortunately, you can upgrade to Windows 10 now and be ready for the potential breakthrough in the game development industry with DirectX 12. Major video game and hardware manufacturers are already creating their own mini-masterpieces that showcase stunning graphics and optimization wonders.
Microsoft Corporation and Software Engineers Nvidia made it possible to develop games for the new DirectX right 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, most end users will be able to get a completely new pleasure from video games, and developers - to bring computer graphics to a fundamentally different level. Even the 2009 graphics cards got DX 12 support. More on that in the next chapter.
Nvidia Adds DirectX 12 Support For GeForce 400 And GeForce 500 Series Graphics Cards
The ability to use new graphics processing technologies was added, including to video cards that have long been out of sale, since there are still many devices from the older series on the computer market. Thanks to this, the once-game versions of video adapters of the level of GeForce GTX 570/580 will be able to get a small bonus to the picture quality. However, there is no point in hoping for an increase in performance. DirectX 12 for these video cards is needed primarily so that users can get good compatibility with the new Windows 10 operating system.
The results of testing graphic capabilities from a popular foreign site only confirm the above (translated for the site): 
Figure 6. FPS figures in Battlefield 1 on DirectX 12 and 11, respectively.
Still, the GT 500 series came out quite 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 stage of progress is only a matter of time!
Procedure DirectX updates In most cases performed automatically... So, in Windows 10, no special action is required: updating the preinstalled DirectX 11.2 or DirectX 12 is carried out through “ Update Center". The user can only track the current version using the built-in diagnostic tool, for which you need to use the command dxdiag in the search box start menu.
Manual DirectX update
For manual update, necessary .
Next steps:
one). run the executable file;
2). accept the terms of the license;
3). uncheck or leave the check box to install Bing Toolbar. 
In the future, if you need to update DirectX in the absence of a permanent connection to the Internet and the auto-update mode, you must download the official distribution package from the Microsoft website to any removable media. From there, the files are simply copied to the computer.
Sometimes updating the program does not give results and when launching multimedia applications, the user sees a system error message related to the absence of any dynamic library files (files of the * .dll type). In this case, the dynamic library can be simply copied from a boot disk or flash drive, or downloaded from the Internet, after making a backup copy of the existing folder.
Destination path:
- for a 64-bit system: C: \ Windows \ System32
- for a 32-bit system: C: \ Windows \ SysWOW64
Before starting the update of this component, you need to check version installed in the OS. It is very easy to do this:
It should be noted that this information can be obtained using third-party software, for example AIDA64... On a bookmark Operating system you can find the data we are interested in. 
How to update DirectX
In order to update a component in the system, first of all, you need to download distribution kit. You can find it on the Internet at the official website. 
We save file to your computer and run it. After that, a window with a license agreement will appear. Agree and press the button Further.
Microsoft builds Bing Bar installation into virtually all of its products. Recommended disable uncheck it and press again Further.
Now we wait while the installer check installed components and will analyze the files. Again continue.
The process begins renewal, which is noticeable for a few seconds or minutes, depending on the power of the PC. The missing components are loaded first. 
Then it starts by itself installation.
After successful completion, press the button Ready.
Update DirectX 12 for Windows 10
In the case of the top ten, namely the update to direct 12, things are a little different. When downloading such a distribution, the user does not receive an installation file, but a certain assistant which will scan the system and download the required components.
Forcibly you cannot install this component. If for some reason the program considers that the computer is not powerful enough, it will download the 11.2 version of the direct. There is no way to influence her choice.
Good day.
Often, fans of computer games are faced with a problem when, after installing a new one, problems with its use suddenly begin to appear. So, for example, you can notice malfunctions in the graphics, sometimes sound disappears or other important elements fail. To solve all this, developers first of all recommend updating such a system component as DirectX. It is he who provides the maximum quality of graphics and sounds in the system. And in the article below I will tell you how to update direct x for Windows 7. The process consists of several stages, each of which is important for the proper functioning of the device in the future.
Before you start installing a new version of the program on your computer, you first need to find out the one that is already in use. To do this, we perform a few simple movements:
It is worth noting that for Windows XP you need to use version 9, Vista - 10, 7 - upgrade to 11, and 8 - to 12. If a program is installed on the device that is incompatible with the existing OS or video card, all the corresponding components will simply not be supported ... In this case, the best solution is to uninstall the old version and download the correct one.
Manual update( )
The DirectX developers have made the entire installation or update process automatic. But sometimes there are situations when this does not happen: a virus attack, incorrect installation, software removal, file corruption * .dll other. What to do in all these cases? Don't worry. You need to perform a few simple movements:
Although sometimes there are situations in which the installer will not find the required elements. In this case, users will see messages that some of the important files are missing. In most cases, a complete deletion and new placement on the computer will do nothing. The solution is to load the missing elements in the dll-libraries. This almost always helps to cope with the problem.
( )Knowing which parts of DirectX are missing on a laptop in Russian, you can restore full performance in several ways:
Extracting suitable items from the Windows installation distribution, which can be found on the appropriate disk or USB flash drive. There is an option just to use another computer that has the required image. After that, the suitable components are transferred to the system catalog:
for Win 32 bit version - C: \ Windows \ System32;
for 64 bits - the last directory is called " SysWOW64».
In the latter case, the site will help perfectly dll-files.com, which presents many well-known libraries used in various computer systems. The site even has its own client.
This option implies a minimum investment of time. When starting the application, an error appears, which says that this or that file is missing * .dll... Go to the appropriate resource, download it. To post in the system, you need to use the application DLL-files Fixer... It is as simple as possible and understandable to everyone.
If you work without the Internet or for some other reason it is not possible to use a program that does everything automatically, we carry out the procedure manually:
Of course, before starting the update process, you need to check the system for malware. The point is that if this is not done, all efforts may be in vain.
After that, you must reboot. Then we download the appropriate version of the software via torrent or using standard methods and install it. Restart again.
If the above did not help, we do a system restore. To do this, we need an installation disc or flash drive. So, we reboot, go to BIOS by clicking " Del»Or other buttons indicated on the display. On the menu " Boot»We expose the launch from a suitable portable device. Save and exit.
