How to Fix Corrupted DirectX and Common DirectX Errors in Windows 10

DirectX is a crucial component of Windows that enables communication between software and multimedia hardware like video cards. However, DirectX can sometimes become corrupted or encounter errors, leading to various issues. If you’re experiencing DirectX problems in Windows 10, don’t worry – there are several methods you can try to fix them.

1. Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

The first step in troubleshooting DirectX issues is to run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). This built-in Windows utility can help you identify the DirectX version installed on your system and detect any problems. To run DxDiag, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “dxdiag” and press Enter.
3. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, check the “System” and “Display” tabs for any error messages or warnings.

If DxDiag detects an issue, make a note of the error message or warning, as it will help you determine the appropriate troubleshooting steps.

2. Update DirectX

Keeping DirectX up to date can help resolve many issues. You can update DirectX through Windows Update:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Update settings”.
2. Click on “Check for updates”.
3. If any updates are available, including DirectX updates, install them.

Alternatively, you can download the latest DirectX Web Installer from the Microsoft website and run it to update DirectX.

3. Install a Previous Version of DirectX

Some applications may require an older version of DirectX to run properly. If you encounter a DirectX error and have the latest version installed, try installing an older version instead:

1. Download the offline DirectX installer for the desired version from the Microsoft website.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the previous version of DirectX.
3. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

This can help resolve compatibility issues with older software that may not work with the latest DirectX version.

4. Reinstall Graphics Card Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers can also cause DirectX errors. Try reinstalling your graphics card drivers:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Device Manager”.
2. Expand the “Display adapters” section and right-click on your graphics card.
3. Select “Uninstall device” and follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the driver.
4. Restart your computer and let Windows reinstall the default driver.
5. Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your specific model.
6. Run the driver installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new driver.

This process can help resolve driver-related issues that may be causing DirectX problems.

5. Reinstall a Previous Windows Update

If a recent Windows update caused DirectX issues, you can try reinstalling a previous update:

1. Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel”.
2. Click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” category.
3. Click on “View installed updates” in the left-hand menu.
4. Find the problematic update and right-click on it.
5. Select “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the update.

After uninstalling the update, check if the DirectX issues have been resolved. If not, you can try reinstalling the update or installing a different update.

6. Install Visual C Redistributables

DirectX relies on Visual C Redistributables to function properly. If these components are missing or corrupted, it can lead to DirectX errors. To install the latest Visual C Redistributables:

1. Visit the Microsoft Visual C Redistributables download page.
2. Download the latest version of the Visual C Redistributables for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Redistributables.
4. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.

This can help resolve any missing or corrupted dependencies that may be causing DirectX errors.

7. Download Missing DLL Files

If a specific DirectX DLL file is missing or corrupted, you can try downloading it manually:

1. Download the offline DirectX installer from the Microsoft website.
2. Extract the installer to a folder on your computer.
3. Navigate to the extracted folder and locate the DLL file mentioned in the error message.
4. Copy the DLL file and paste it into the Windows System32 folder (C:\Windows\System32).
5. Restart your computer and check if the DirectX error has been resolved.

Be cautious when manually replacing DLL files, as improper manipulation of system files can lead to further issues.

8. Check System Requirements

Some DirectX-based applications or games may have specific system requirements that need to be met for proper functionality. Make sure your computer meets the recommended system requirements, including:

• Processor speed
• RAM
• Graphics card specifications
• Available disk space

If your system does not meet the minimum requirements, you may encounter DirectX errors or performance issues. Consider upgrading your hardware or lowering the game’s graphics settings to resolve the problem.

9. Use the Command Prompt

In some cases, you can use the Command Prompt to install DirectX:

1. Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: dxsetup /silent
4. The DirectX installer will run silently in the background. Wait for the installation to complete.
5. Restart your computer after the installation is finished.

This method can be useful if you encounter issues with the standard DirectX installation process.