How to reinstall DirectX on Windows 10
Microsoft DirectX is a set of tools to improve multimedia performance on a Windows PC. Programs enhanced with DirectX are games, video playback, sound, and graphics. DirectX is indeed a valuable tool for Windows users. However, such an amazing tool is also prone to some bugs. If DirectX is corrupted on your computer, it may cause problems for some users. If you are one of those users who are having trouble, you can try reinstalling DirectX Windows 10. Sometimes troubleshooting your PC's GPU, hardware, and software is not enough to fix DirectX problems. One possible solution in such a case is to reinstall or clean install Microsoft DirectX 12 for Windows 10, which is possible with the help of our detailed guide. Learn more about DirectX and how to reinstall it in the following sections.
How to reinstall DirectX on Windows 10?
Even though DirectX is a built-in application in Windows 10 and is automatically updated when you update your system, it is possible that your system continues to run on older versions of DirectX. This can happen due to certain programs that interfere with the DirectX 11 reinstallation process. In addition, problems during the update process can also cause DirectX to become corrupted. Since there are no separate download packages for DirectX, follow the given steps to help you reinstall it on your Windows PC.
The easiest way: check and install Windows Update
Usually, a Windows update is installed automatically on a PC or laptop. If it doesn't, you can manually check for Windows updates and install them. Because in Windows 10 and later, updating the operating system also helps to update DirectX. This will help you with the same experience as reinstalling DirectX 11. For more information, see our How to download and install the latest Windows 10 update guide.
Step I: Remove DirectX
The first thing to do is remove DirectX from your PC. Deleting all DirectX files is the only way to install Microsoft DirectX for Windows 10 later. There are many ways to achieve this, for example:
- uninstalling a program from the control panel,
- uninstalling DirectX using its uninstaller.exe.,
- using System Restore to uninstall DirectX and more.
Below is the easiest way to uninstall DirectX using the Programs and Features option on your PC. So let's get started with the steps so you can reinstall DirectX Windows 10 later on:
1. Right-click the Start icon on your desktop and select Run As Shown.
2. Enter Control Panel in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. Now select Programs and Features.
4. Next, look for DirectX in the list of programs and right-click on it.
5. Select Remove from this menu as shown.
6. Confirm the same and follow the instructions on the screen.
Step II: Download the DirectX Installer
The next extremely useful method to reinstall DirectX for Windows 10 is to manually download the DirectX installer, which is available from the Microsoft Download Center. This method helps in restoring missing files, if any, and handling DirectX reinstallation. Now follow the steps given below to use the DirectX installer:
1. Open any web browser to download. DirectX Runtime Web Installer for End Users .
2. After selecting the language, click "Download".
3. Click on the dxwebsetup.exe file downloaded to your computer.
4. Select I accept the agreement and click Next on the Install Microsoft(R) DirectX(R) window.
5. Now click "Next" again.
6. The installation of DirectX will begin, as shown in the figure.
Optional Method: Install DirectX in Safe Mode
Another way to update DirectX 12 is to force your computer to update DirectX indirectly. You can try starting your computer in safe mode to do this. Safe Mode on a PC helps resolve problems with the operating system and also handles any pending updates.
If you're having trouble installing the DirectX update, follow our guide How to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10.
Then follow our guide to download and install the latest Windows 10 update to install DirectX 11 or DirectX 12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How can I install DirectX on my computer?
Answer DirectX is pre-installed for recent versions of Windows. You can still install DirectX from the official Microsoft site, where you can use the DirectX Runtime Web Installer for End Users to download.
Q2. Can I uninstall DirectX 12 and reinstall DirectX 11?
Answer If you already have DirectX 12 on your PC, you cannot reinstall DirectX 11 without editing the registry and entering the system.
Q3. How to restore DirectX?
Answer You can repair DirectX by reinstalling or updating it on a Windows PC.
Q4. How to install missing DirectX?
Answer You can install the missing DirectX by running dxsetup.exe to properly install DirectX and then reinstalling the DLL files.
Q5. Why is DirectX not working on my PC?
Answer If DirectX is not working on your PC, it may be due to an outdated version of DirectX installed.
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Since DirectX is pre-installed in the latest versions of Windows, you don't have to worry about installing it manually. But since problems with DirectX are sometimes unavoidable, you can reinstall Microsoft DirectX for Windows 10 with our helpful guide. Let us know about your suggestions or any questions if you have questions on the topic by leaving them in the comments section below.