How to Fix DirectX Errors on Windows 11 [Repair Guide]

DirectX is arguably one of the essential software libraries for Windows 11. It’s a series of application programming interfaces or APIs that handles tasks for different media types on Windows computers.

This tech boosts the performance of both audio-video hardware and its components.

It can significantly improve the experience of video playback and gaming by getting the most out of graphical fidelity and sound quality. As a result, DirectX is vital for media production, visual design, and more professionals.

There are many different kinds of APIs in DirectX, all of which are catered to do specific things. Direct3D, in particular, is one of the most important and popular of all the DirectX APIs. It’s used a lot in game development for Windows and Xbox consoles.

What causes a DirectX error?

By and large, DirectX is updated automatically, so there are rarely any issues, but sometimes there’s that odd moment where you’ll encounter an error. Sometimes your drivers aren’t up to date, or there’s a glitch, or something got corrupted along the way.

There is a myriad of reasons why DirectX won’t work for you. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Antivirus or PC boosters – They may often prevent your game from starting correctly, resulting in the DirectX error.
• Corrupted game files – Your game files can be damaged, or essential files might have been destroyed. You may either attempt to fix the game or uninstall it and install a new copy.
• Unexpected bugs – This error may occasionally appear in games or on your computer due to a random bug. In such cases, restart your computer and attempt to launch the game once more. 

Errors associated with DirectX come in different forms; a few include:

• DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error in windows 11
• DirectX error in Warzone
• The DirectX internal system error in windows 11
• DirectX runtime error in windows 11
• DirectX not installing in Windows 11

How do I enable DirectX on Windows 11?

1. Open the search menu, type Windows features, and select the Turn Windows features off or on option.
   
2. Expand the Legacy Components option, then select DirectPlay, and click OK.
   
3. Now you should have DirectX enabled.

How do I fix DirectX errors on Windows 11?

1. Checking the DirectX version

1. Click on the magnifying glass icon on the bottom taskbar to bring up the Search bar.
2. Type dxdiag and click on the first entry you see to run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
3. Underneath the System tab, you will see which version of DirectX is installed on your computer.
4. As you can see in this example, this computer has DirectX 12. If you don’t have this version or DirectX 12 Ultimate installed, we recommend that you download the latest version from Microsoft.

2. Download the latest version of DirectX

You can rely on the next method that will most probably fix the DirectX error on Windows 11 by getting the latest version of the program.

1. On your preferred search engine, search for Download DirectX 12 and click the first entry you see. This will begin the download automatically.

2. You’re going to download the dxwebsetup.exe file. Click Open file.

3. A small window will appear asking if you want to make changes. Select Yes.

4. An installation wizard will appear to guide you. Select I accept the agreement.

5. Click Next in this next window. You’re also given the option to install the Bing bar. We recommend that you deselect this option to save your computer space.

6. At this point, DirectX 12 will begin downloading and installing.

7. As soon it’s done installing, click Finish.

8. Go back to the DirectX Diagnostic Tool and double the version for good measure.

4. Checking for Windows Updates

1. Click on the Start button and select the Settings icon.
2. Click on Windows Update on the left.
3. Select Check for updates to have Windows 11 download and install any updates, including drivers.

5. Installing optional updates

1. Some driver updates may be considered optional by Windows 11. However, if you’re still experiencing DirectX issues, download the optional updates by clicking on Windows Update in the settings menu.
2. Select Advanced options.
3. Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
4. In the next window, click the Driver updates drop-down menu and select the optional update you want to install.
5. Then select the blue Download & install button.

NOTE

Upgrading to DirectX 12 will solve the Runtime issue plaguing Valorant players.

6. Disable third-party apps and startup services

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys on your keyboard.
2. Click Task Manager to open the Task Manager window.
3. Click on the Startup tab.
4. Here, you will find a list of apps and services that run on startup; they can slow down your PC and conflict with other programs.
5. Right-click a service and then select Disable.
6. Check to see if DirectX works now. If it works, the app or service you disabled was the culprit.
7. If you want further control over a broader range over which startup services are activated, open the search bar and type in System Configuration.
8. Select the first entry you see.
9. Go to the Services tab, and you will see all of the background services currently running on your PC.
10. Tick off the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox to remove them.
11. Select Disable all to shut down all these processes. This is not permanent, as you can return and enable them back on.
12. Hit the Apply button.
13. Restart your PC and see if DirectX works. If it is, then one of these services caused the problem.
14. You should enable them one by one, so you can find the problematic app.

7. Run command prompt

1. In the search bar, type in command prompt.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the command below and hit Enter.
   sfc /scannow
4. System File Check will scan Windows 11 and verify each file. This will take some time.
5. Once the scan is complete, all of your system files will have been checked and repaired.

8. Perform a system restore

1. Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialog.
2. In the dialog box, type rstruit, then hit Enter to open the System Restore wizard.
3. In the System Restore wizard, click Next.
4. The following window will show you the restore point currently available. Select the restore point and hit Next.
5. Hit Finish, and the computer will revert to the point when DirectX worked or before the problems started.

NOTE

Be aware that restoring the system should be a last resort. This process will erase everything created or added after that restore point.

How to reinstall DirectX Windows 11?

To reinstall DirectX in Windows 11, you only have to follow the steps in Solution 2: Download the latest version of DirectX.

Once you are done with these steps, you should have it reinstalled.

Remember, it’s essential to ensure your windows 11 stays healthy, free of any corrupted files or malware slowing everything down. Because of this, it’s recommended that you download PC Health Check to test your system and ensure it stays healthy.

Also, you should update to Windows 11 DX12 for the next experience using the tech.

Feel free to comment below if you have questions about other Windows 11 problems or bugs. And leave comments about the most relevant solutions.