Check your DirectX version in three steps

You can find out whether your PC has DirectX 12 by opening the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, a built-in Windows program that shows you exactly which version is installed. The tool takes about one minute to open and read. If you're running Windows 10 or Windows 11, DirectX 12 is almost certainly already on your system — but the diagnostic tool will confirm the exact version number and show you whether your graphics card supports all DirectX 12 features.

The reason you might need to check is usually because a game or program says it requires DirectX 12, and you want to know if your PC will run it. DirectX is a collection of tools that games and graphics programs use to communicate with your graphics card and sound card. Different versions unlock different capabilities, so a program built for DirectX 12 may not work properly on DirectX 11.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by pressing Windows key + R, typing dxdiag, and pressing Enter.
  • Look at the "Version" field on the System tab to see your DirectX version number — DirectX 12 will show as "12.0" or higher.
  • Check the Display tab to see whether your graphics card supports the full feature set of DirectX 12.
  • If you have an older PC that shows DirectX 11 or earlier, you may not be able to run newer games without upgrading your graphics card or Windows version.

Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool on Windows

The fastest way to check your DirectX version is through the built-in diagnostic tool. Press the Windows key and R at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type dxdiag (short for DirectX diagnostic) and press Enter. A window titled "DirectX Diagnostic Tool" will open within a few seconds.

If the Run dialog doesn't appear, you can also reach the tool through the Start menu. Click the Windows Start button, type DirectX Diagnostic Tool in the search box, and click the result that appears. Either method takes you to the same program.

Find the version number on the System tab

When the DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens, you're already on the System tab — it's the first tab at the top of the window. Look for the line that says "DirectX Version" in the middle of the window. Next to it, you'll see a number. If it says "12.0" or higher (such as "12.1"), your PC has DirectX 12. If it shows "11.0" or lower, you have an older version.

The version number is the only piece of information you need if you're just checking whether a game will run. Write down the number or take a screenshot if you need to reference it later. The rest of the information on this tab — your processor, RAM, and operating system — is useful context but not required for the DirectX check.

Check your graphics card's DirectX 12 support

Knowing your DirectX version is only half the story. Your graphics card also has to support DirectX 12 features. Click the "Display" tab at the top of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window. Look for the line labeled "Driver Version" and note the name of your graphics card (it will say something like "NVIDIA GeForce" or "AMD Radeon").

Most graphics cards made in the last ten years support DirectX 12, but older cards may only support DirectX 11 or earlier. If your graphics card is very old, it might be the limiting factor even if Windows itself has DirectX 12 installed. You can search online for your specific graphics card model plus "DirectX 12 support" to find out whether it's compatible with the full feature set.

What to do if your PC shows DirectX 11 or earlier

If the diagnostic tool shows DirectX 11 or an older version, your options depend on your Windows version. If you're running Windows 7 or Windows 8, upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11 will give you DirectX 12. If you're already on Windows 10 or 11 and still see DirectX 11, the issue is usually your graphics card — it's too old to support DirectX 12 features.

Updating your graphics card driver sometimes helps. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver for your specific card model. Install it and restart your PC, then open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool again to see if the version number changed. If it didn't, your graphics card itself doesn't support DirectX 12, and you would need to replace it to run newer games that require DirectX 12.

Understanding DirectX versions and what they mean

DirectX 12 is significantly newer than DirectX 11 and allows games to use your graphics card more efficiently. Games built for DirectX 12 often run faster and look better than games built for DirectX 11, because DirectX 12 gives programmers more direct control over your hardware. However, not every game requires DirectX 12 — many games still work with DirectX 11 or even DirectX 10.

The version number matters only when you're trying to run a specific program. If a game says it requires DirectX 12, you need at least DirectX 12. If it says DirectX 11 or higher, DirectX 12 will work fine. You don't need to worry about having "too new" a version — newer versions are backward compatible, meaning they can run programs built for older versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update DirectX if my PC doesn't have version 12?

DirectX updates come with Windows updates, not as standalone downloads. If you're on Windows 10 or 11, you already have DirectX 12 — the diagnostic tool may just be showing an older number due to a graphics card limitation. If you're on Windows 7 or 8, the only way to get DirectX 12 is to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 or 11.

Does DirectX 12 slow down my computer?

No. DirectX 12 is installed on your system whether you use it or not, and it doesn't run in the background consuming resources. It only activates when you run a program that specifically uses it. Having DirectX 12 available won't affect the speed of programs that use older versions.

What if the DirectX Diagnostic Tool won't open?

If typing dxdiag in the Run dialog doesn't work, try restarting your PC first. If it still won't open, your Windows installation may be corrupted. Try opening Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu), typing sfc /scannow, and pressing Enter to repair system files. Restart your PC when it finishes.

Do I need DirectX 12 for web browsing or email?

No. DirectX is only used by games and graphics-heavy programs. Web browsers, email, word processors, and most everyday software don't use DirectX at all. You only need to check your DirectX version if a specific program tells you it requires a certain version.