This document pertains to computers that came with Windows 8, 7, Vista, or XP.

Microsoft DirectX is Windows software technology designed to enhance multimedia experiences, such as 3D gaming, graphics, network gaming, and audio.

Many game and graphic software applications require an installation of a particular version of DirectX. To avoid problems you should not attempt to install an older version of DirectX. The only versions you should install are later versions. For example, If your computer has DirectX 9.0c and a game requires DirectX 7, do not attempt to install DirectX 7. The game should still function properly with the latest version of DirectX.

To find the DirectX version, use the DirectX Diagnostic software tool to find the version number listing in the System Information of the System tab.

  note:

Visit Microsoft's Web site to find and install the latest version of DirectX, if needed.

To find the version number being used on your computer, complete the following steps in Windows 8:

1. From the Start screen, type dxdiag, then click dxdiag from the results.
   Figure : Search results for DirectX Diagnostic Tool

   
   The DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens.
2. On the System tab, note the version of DirectX displayed next to DirectX Version.
   Figure : DirectX Diagnostic Tool

   
3. Click Exit to close the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

To find the version number being used on your computer, complete the following steps in Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

1. Click Start .
2. In the Search box, type dxdiag, then click dxdiag from the results.
   Figure : Search results for DirectX Diagnostic Tool

   
3. If the following message displays, click Yes.
   Figure : Do you want to check if your drivers are digitally signed?

   
4. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens.
   Figure : DirectX Diagnostic Tool

   
5. On the System tab, note the version of DirectX displayed next to DirectX Version.
6. Click Exit to close the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

To find the version number being used on your computer, complete the following steps in Windows XP.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type the following into the open field: dxdiag, then click OK.
3. If the following message displays, click Yes.
   Figure : Do you want to check if your drivers are digitally signed?

   
4. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens.
   Figure : DirectX Diagnostic Tool

   
5. On the System tab, note the version of DirectX displayed on the DirectX Version line.
6. If you need to know the version number of a particular file, click the DirectX Files tab, and find the version information next to the particular file.
7. When you finish checking file versions, click Exit.