How to Test DirectX on a Computer

By Nick Peers

You can test DirectX on your computer using the DirectX Diagnostics tool (DxDiag), installed when you install DirectX in Windows 7. DxDiag is installed automatically when you install -- or upgrade to -- Windows 8. The program displays detailed information about your system and drivers. It also displays any problems in the Notes box. You can save this information to a text file and send it to tech support if necessary.

Running DxDiag

Press "Windows-R" to display the Run dialog in Windows 7 and 8. Type "dxdiag.exe" into the box and press "Enter" to launch the DirectX Diagnostic tool. If you have a 64-bit version of Windows, click the "Run 64-bit DxDiag" button. View detailed information about your system -- including BIOS and DirectX version -- on the System tab. To view information about your video card, including information related to its drivers, click the "Display" tab. If DirectX is working properly and your hardware supports all its features, the options in the "DirectX Features" section are all enabled. View detailed information about your sound devices on the "Sound" tab. Information about input devices can be found on the "Input" tab. If the diagnostic tool detects any problems with DirectX, your hardware, or device drivers, it lists them in the Notes box at the bottom of each tab. To save the report to a text file, click the "Save All Information" button.

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