If you are into PC gaming or run a lot of media files on your computer, you know how important DirectX as software is. However, sometimes DirectX faces weird issues. One of them is DirectX not installing on Windows.
The error mainly occurs due to incompatible .NET framework versions. But it is not the only problem that causes the issue. So the question is, how to install DirectX on Windows without any trouble? Well, this is what we will be talking about in this article. So here we go:
What Is DirectX?
DirectX is an application programming interface or API developed by Microsoft of Windows and XBOX. It is a graphics API that works as a middleman that facilitates ending instructions from software to the hardware in your PC.
In the early days, instruction used to be sent directly into the hardware. However, as games have become increasingly advanced, API has become the backbone that can tell your GPU what to do.
But thanks to DirectX, developers are no longer required to write drivers for multiple graphics cards.
Instead, they can send the instructions to your GPU through DirectX. DirectX as software can boost performance and comes with features like hardware acceleration, ray tracing, and more.
Why Is Directx Not Getting Installed on Windows?
There are mainly three reasons why you might be facing trouble installing DirectX. First of all, DirectX heavily relies on the .NET Framework to operate.
So in case your PC does not have .NET Framework installed, then DirectX might not get installed.
Also, if your PC does have .NET Framework, but if it’s incompatible with the DirectX requirements, then you also get to experience the error. Additionally, your PC must meet the minimum requirements to install DirectX.
However, DirectX does not require any advanced hardware to run. But cross-checking the requirements would help.
A third reason is that you already have DirectX installed on your PC. Windows might not tell you that DirectX is already installed on your computer. Anyway, no matter the reasons, let us discuss the possible solutions below.
Basic Check & Troubleshooting
Before we get into any fixes, it’s essential to check if your PC meets the requirements to install and run DirectX. For this, follow the below methods:
1. Check the Recommended System Requirements and the DirectX Version Installed
To run DirectX, here are the minimum system requirements that you will need:
- Windows 10/11 32-bit or 64-bit
- .NET Framework 4
- 1 GB RAM
- 2 GHz Duo Core CPU
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
Also, check if you have DirectX installed on your PC and, if yes, which version. For this, follow the below steps:
- Go to Windows search.
- Type down dxdiag to launch DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- A new window will pop up, and you should see the DirectX version installed on your computer.
2. Enable the .NET Framework
Next, while installing DirectX, make sure to enable .NET Framework. For this, you have to follow the below steps:
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog.
- Type down appwiz.cpl and press enter.
- Click on Turn Windows features on or off from the sidebar.
- Check the .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) box. It should be checked already. If not, then do it.
- Finally, click on OK and restart your PC if asked. Else download DirectX and install it on your computer.
Ways To Fix DirectX Not Installing on Windows 11/10
If the basic checks and troubleshooting methods did not work for you. Then there are a few additional fixes that you can try to install DirectX on your Windows computer:
- Repair .Net Framework
- Download and install Visual C++ Redistributable
- Install the .Net Framework Using Command Prompt
- Uninstall Previous Windows Update Related to DirectX & Try Again
Now let me talk about these methods one by one:
1. Repair .NET Framework
There can be a good chance that the installed .NET Framework on your computer might be corrupted. Hence, running a repair for it would be a good idea.
For this, you will need to download .NET Framework Repair Tool, and here is how to do it:
- First, download .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Once downloaded, run the installer, accept the license, and click Next.
- Now it will check for any issues with the .NET Framework and show you any recommended changes.
- Click on Next to apply the changes.
- Once done, try installing DirectX on Windows 10/11 and see if you are still facing any issues or not.
2. Download and install Visual C++ Redistributable
- Go to the Visual C++ Redistributable Package webpage.
- Select your preferred language and click on the Download button.
- Now select a version to download based on your operating system specifications. If you are using a 64-bit system, select the VSU_4\vcredist_x64.exe and for a 32-bit system, download VSU_4\vcredist_x86.exe.
- Once downloaded, run the setup file and agree to the license terms and conditions.
- Follow the onscreen steps to install the setup.
- Finally, try to install DirectX on your computer and see if you are still facing any errors.
3. Install the .Net Framework Using Command Prompt (In case you can’t directly install it)
If you are having trouble installing .NET Framework to your Windows, you can install it via command prompt. Before going ahead, create a Windows Bootable Media or Installation media. Assuming it is available at the D Drive.
Done that, let’s follow the below steps:
- Go to Windows search, type CMD, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
- Now type or copy-paste the following command:
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:\sources\sxs
- Wait for the command to get executed.
- Finally, reboot your computer, install DirectX, and see if you encounter any issues.
4. Uninstall Previous Windows Update Related to DirectX & Try Again
There can also be a good chance that the recent Windows updates have some bugs preventing DirectX from getting installed. So uninstalling recent windows updates might help you fix the issue. For this, follow the below steps:
- Go to Windows settings.
- Select Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.
- Over here, check for recent Windows updates and uninstall them and perform a reboot.
- Finally, try installing DirectX again and see if you are getting any errors.
Conclusion
So those were a few basic troubleshooting methods and fixes for DirectX not installing Windows 11/10 error. Now it’s your turn to try out the fixes and see if you get rid of the error. Also, if you get stuck at anything, drop a comment below.
Does Windows Need DirectX?
DirectX is an essential element of a Windows computer. It is not only required by PC games, but many multimedia applications use it. So not having it installed on your computer, you won’t be able to play games or play media files.
What Is the Best Directx for Windows 11/10?
Having the latest version of DirectX installed is the best for Windows 11/10. The current version is DirectX 12 Ultimate which brings a lot of changes that take games to a new level and provide new standards for the next-gen games.
Why Is My Directx Not Working?
DirectX might not work on your PC for a few reasons. First, you might not have the latest version of DirectX installed on your PC. Secondly, your antivirus program is blocking DirectX from launching. So you can try reinstalling DirectX and disabling your antivirus to check whether DirectX is working or not.
