DirectX is a suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft to facilitate high-performance multimedia and gaming experiences on Windows operating systems. DirectX 12 is the latest version of this suite, offering enhanced performance and lower-level hardware access. However, certain applications or games might perform better with DirectX 11 due to compatibility or stability issues. This article outlines how to manage DirectX versions on Windows 10, focusing on uninstalling DirectX 12 and installing DirectX 11.

Understanding DirectX Versions

Before diving into the uninstallation and installation process, it’s important to understand that DirectX versions are not standalone applications but are integrated into the Windows operating system. Windows 10 comes with DirectX 12 by default, and DirectX 11 is included as a part of this installation. DirectX 12 includes support for earlier versions like DirectX 11, so you typically don’t need to uninstall DirectX 12 to use DirectX 11.

DirectX Versions and Compatibility

DirectX 12 is backward compatible with DirectX 11. This means that if an application or game requires DirectX 11, it can still run under DirectX 12 without any issues. The API provides the necessary components to ensure that applications relying on DirectX 11 can function properly.

Steps to Address DirectX Version Issues

Since DirectX 12 encompasses DirectX 11, you don’t need to uninstall DirectX 12 to run DirectX 11 applications. Instead, if you encounter issues with DirectX 12 or specific applications requiring DirectX 11, consider the following steps:

1. Check DirectX Version and System Requirements

1. Verify Installed DirectX Version:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type dxdiag and press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
   • In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, check the DirectX version listed at the bottom of the window.
2. Verify Application Requirements:
   • Check the documentation or system requirements of the application or game to confirm if it explicitly requires DirectX 11.

2. Ensure DirectX 11 Components are Installed

DirectX 11 is part of DirectX 12, but certain components might need to be reinstalled or repaired. To ensure that DirectX 11 components are correctly installed:

1. Download DirectX End-User Runtime:
   • Go to the Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer page.
   • Download and run the installer to update or repair DirectX components.
2. Run the Installer:
   • Follow the prompts in the installer to update DirectX. This will ensure that all necessary DirectX 11 components are installed and functioning properly.

3. Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Keeping your system updated can resolve compatibility issues with DirectX:

1. Update Windows:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”
   • Check for updates and install any available updates to ensure you have the latest system improvements.
2. Update Graphics Drivers:
   • Open “Device Manager” by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
   • Expand “Display adapters,” right-click your graphics card, and select “Update driver.”
   • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to get the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer.

4. Troubleshoot DirectX Issues

If you encounter specific issues with DirectX:

1. Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool:
   • The DirectX Diagnostic Tool can provide details on errors or issues related to DirectX. It may help identify problems affecting your system.
2. Reinstall Applications:
   • If a particular application is not running correctly, try reinstalling it. Sometimes reinstalling the application can resolve issues related to DirectX.
3. Check Application Settings:
   • Some games and applications have settings to choose the DirectX version. Check the application’s settings to ensure it is configured to use DirectX 11 if needed.

Conclusion

DirectX 12 inherently includes support for DirectX 11, so you do not need to uninstall DirectX 12 to use DirectX 11. By updating or repairing DirectX components, ensuring your system and drivers are current, and troubleshooting specific issues, you can address most problems related to DirectX versions. Following these steps will help you maintain optimal performance and compatibility for applications requiring DirectX 11 while using Windows 10.