How to Check for DirectX 9

DirectX, a type of software integrated into Windows operating systems, helps your PC process and multi-task advanced graphics and sound, such as those found on video games. If you are looking to purchase new games or media programs for your computer, then you should know which version of DirectX you have. Windows XP comes preloaded with DirectX 8.1, but, through the operating system's automatic updater, you may have DirectX 9. Open the DirectX diagnostics program to view your current version.

Instructions

1. Start up your computer.

2. Click "Start" in the taskbar.

3. Click "Run." A window appears with an "Open" field.

4. Type "dxdiag" into the "Open" field.

5. Click "OK" to execute the command. The DirectX diagnostics program launches.

6. Click "System" in the program's top-left corner.

7. Locate the "DirectX Version" listing in the "System Information" section. Your DirectX version appears to the right of the listing.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows Vista comes with DirectX 9 or 10, depending on your operating system version. Windows 7 comes with DirectX 11.

• See Resources to download the DirectX Web installer, which updates your version of DirectX to 9.0c.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Determine the Version of DirectX Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool; July 2010
• Games for Windows: Learn Abut DirectX
• Microsoft Windows: DirectX: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Microsoft: Download Details: DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer