The Ultimate Guide to Easy DirectX Update on Windows 11

Key Takeaways

Here's how to update DirectX:

Open Settings in Windows 11 by pressing Windows+i.

Select "Windows Update" on the left-hand menu.

Click "Check for Updates" on the right

Install any available DirectX updates.

Why Update DirectX?

Updating DirectX is essential for improving your gaming experience on your Windows 11 PC. By upgrading to a newer version, you can expect enhanced FPS and smoother animations in your games. Additionally, as DirectX is integral to various multimedia functions, updating it can also greatly enhance your video watching experience. Furthermore, if you encounter any problems with your PC, particularly graphics-related issues, updating to the latest version of DirectX can help resolve these problems and ensure a hassle-free experience.

As of October 2023, DirectX 12 is the latest version available. Previous versions such as DirectX 11, 10, 9, and 8 have been released, but Windows 11 comes preinstalled with DirectX 12. It is important to note that there are currently no legitimate releases of DirectX 13 as of October 2023. Any claims of DirectX 13 are false and likely to be malicious.

Check the Current DirectX Version on Windows 11

If you'd like to see what DirectX version your system is currently running, use a command in your the Run dialog box and you'll see the version number.

To do that, first, open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows+R. Then, type the following in the box and press Enter (or click "OK.")

dxdiag

You'll see a "DirectX Diagnostic Tool" window. Here, at the top, select the "System" tab.

In the "System" tab, you'll see a "System Information" section. Here, next to "DirectX Version," you'll see the current version installed on your PC.

Get the Latest DirectX Version on Windows 11

To update DirectX on your PC, you can only utilize Windows Update. We will now proceed to check for updates by opening the Settings app using the shortcut Windows+i. Afterward, select "Windows Update" from the left sidebar.

On the right pane, at the top, click "Check for Updates."

Download and install the available Windows updates. This will also update your DirectX version if a newer version is available.

Once the update is finished, you'll be running the most recent version of DirectX on your computer.

Is There a Standalone DirectX Installer or Updater?

No, not anymore. In the past, Microsoft provided manual installers for older versions of DirectX. However, for DirectX 12, there is no such utility available. The only way to update DirectX on modern devices is through Windows Update.

What to Do If There's No DirectX Update?

If a DirectX update is not visible in Windows Update, it indicates that a more recent version of the tool is not obtainable. To address gaming, graphics, or other multimedia-related problems on your PC, such as lag or visual anomalies, consider updating your graphics card drivers. This usually resolves most graphics-related issues with your PC.

If updating the drivers does not prove successful, you might want to try utilizing Vulkan instead of DirectX if the game supports it. Occasionally, this can enhance performance!