DirectX is used by games, programs and drivers - the presence of all the necessary libraries in the current version is the key to stable operation of Windows. You can remove installed modules if necessary, or reinstall. Below we will look at the features of removing DirectX in different versions of Microsoft OS and provide detailed uninstallation instructions that may be useful for beginners and experienced users.
| Why delete ↓ | Preparing for removal ↓ | |
| Removal in Windows OS ↓ | ||
What it is?
Direct X is a set of tools and technologies developed by Microsoft. Used to develop computer video games and multimedia applications that contain computer graphics. When running utilities that support DirectX, the latter must be installed on the PC, and the version must meet the software requirements.
In earlier versions of Windows, the Direct X tool had to be downloaded separately. In the “ten”, an intermediary between the video card and the software is already installed in the system. Over time, updated sets of libraries are released. In order to check which version is installed on your computer, you can use the search bar. By typing a certain key combination, the user will be taken to the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, where you can see information about the system and software.
Pipeline state objects
In addition, Microsoft directly worked on the draw calls problem that Mantle solves so successfully. This required a major overhaul of the Direct3D graphics pipeline. A slight aside here is needed regarding how rendering is done in Direct3D. There are several stages of the pipeline, which at an abstract level show the stages of preparing a picture.
The important thing is that the stages, contrary to how it may seem, do not follow one another in real time. The runtime module sends a response about the pipeline state (a pipeline with information about the state of each stage of processing by the GPU). When all the preparatory work is completed, a draw call is issued - a command that starts rendering the object.
After this, the miniport driver GPU begins translating the pipeline state into commands for the GPU, in the form of instructions understandable to it (hardware state).
There is simply no extra stage of pipeline state translation. Although, in addition to this, AMD could add other innovations to its platform. Mantle SDK and documentation for them are still hidden from a wide range of users. Direct3D 12, unlike the AMD library, is a high-level API that is not very well understood by the PC hardware that is responsible for graphics processing (the GPU only “talks” about the functions it supports).
Here the situation is resolved differently.
Why remove DirectX
The library is a necessary component in the Windows OS, so it should not be removed unless absolutely necessary. The user has to uninstall the program in the following cases:
- The OS throws an error related to the tool;
- the package is not updated, an error appears;
- the library functions correctly, but multimedia applications cannot launch it;
- There are problems associated with reinstalling versions.
If such cases occur, the user can remove the package and then install it again. It is impossible to eliminate the library completely. Afterwards, you must install another version, otherwise the device will not work correctly. Before performing the operation, you need to make sure whether you really need to uninstall the program.
Version check
If the user needs to find out which version of the library is installed in the gadget, he will need to do the following:
- Press the key combination on your keyboard: “Win + R”.
- Type the command in the line: dxdiag.
- Click "Ok".
- A window will appear asking you to verify your digital signature. This is not required. Click "No".
- The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window opens.
- The installed version is indicated below, read the information.
For Windows 10, DirectX 12 is the latest version, so if the user sees earlier versions of the library, they should be updated. Before performing the operation, you need to make sure that the video card supports the latest version of Direct X. To check, you can use one of the following options:
- check the compatibility data in the documents or device packaging;
- using third-party utilities.
Video
To consolidate the material received, we recommend watching a video on the topic.
Perhaps every user has heard of DirectX software. It’s just that in the process of using the library there is a need to update or reinstall the utility. But before that, you need to learn how to completely remove DirectX on Windows 10. This cannot be done in the traditional way, so we will consider other options.
- All about DirectX 12 for Windows 10
Preparing for removal
It will not be possible to remove any version of Direct using the built-in “Installed Programs” tool. But you shouldn’t completely abandon this process, especially if it is necessary for the correct operation of the device.
First of all, you need to create a restore point. It will be needed if a failure occurs during the uninstallation of the library and the system generates an error. To prevent this from leading to a reinstallation of the entire system, the user will have the opportunity to restore its operation from the moment the library was removed.
To perform the operation you need:
- Right-click on “My Computer”.
- Select the “Properties” line.
- Select "System Protection".
- Click on “Create”.
When the option is disabled, the user needs to go to the settings tab. In the menu, tap on “Enable security system”. Afterwards activation will become available.
Why do problems arise?
As mentioned above, the first reason is computer errors. As a result, the updates were not installed and DirectX does not optimize, but slows down the operation of the video system.
By updating from third-party resources, for example, from “broken” servers, you are putting your computer at risk. In addition to viruses, the DirectX archive contains hacked file libraries that the system blocks, identifying them as “Trojans”. As a result, the antivirus sends service files to quarantine, denies access, and you receive the message “Error when starting DirectX.”
How to remove DirectX on Windows 10
Before uninstalling the library, the user must download the new version in order to immediately replace it. It is recommended to download only from the official source of the developer. Before uninstalling the tool, you must also disable the Internet network and antivirus software. There is no built-in software for uninstalling Direct X in Windows, so you will need the help of third-party applications.
DirectX Eradicator
Simple software that takes up only 200 KB of free space in the gadget’s memory. It consists of only one file, after its launch the deletion process will begin immediately. The procedure takes several minutes, as it deletes not only the file, but also data from the registry.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Launch the downloaded software.
- Confirm the action by clicking the “Yes” button.
- The uninstallation process will begin. You will then be notified that the operation was successful.
- The utility will ask for confirmation to restart the gadget. Click "Ok".
After restarting the operating system, Direct X will be completely removed along with all components. "Ten" is not compatible with all versions, so an error may appear during uninstallation. Then the user can choose another method of removing software from the computer.
DirectX Killer
This application is easy to use and does not require much disk space. The user will need to download the utility from the official source. The program interface is Russified, which makes it easier to work with.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Launch the application.
- In the main menu, find and click “Scan”.
- After completing the search, click “Delete”.
The DirectX library will be completely removed from the PC after the procedure is completed.
DirectX Happy Uninstall
It is considered a reliable program for removing Direct X. The application is constantly updated, adding even more functionality. The developer offers both paid and free versions of the software. Available in different versions, the required one is determined automatically.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Open the program.
- Find the “Backup” tab in the menu.
- Back up your files by clicking “Start Backup”.
- After completing the steps, go to the “Uninstall” tab.
- Start uninstallation.
You can disable and remove the outdated version of Direct using one of the methods listed above. The downside of the DirectX Happy Uninstall application is that the program is paid. Therefore, an alternative solution is to use the first two options.
Feature levels
As the owner of an AMD Radeon HD7950, I would like to be glad that it definitely has DX12 support, but it doesn’t work. The fact is that Microsoft has gone further and introduced additional feature levels (“Feature levels”). If Tier levels are an indicator for buyers, then Feature levels are intended for developers and report on what features of the new version of the API are fully supported by the video card processor.
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Feature level 11.0 — video card support for DirectX11 and the “Resource Binding” function from Tier 1. Representatives of such video cards: Nvidia GeForce GTX 400/500/600/700.
Feature level 11.1 - DirectX 11.1 and support for many functions that I will not list here (why?). Representatives:
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 745/750;
- AMD Radeon HD series 7700-7900/8500-8900, Rx 240-280;
- Intel HD Graphics 4200-5200, 5300-6300;
Feature level 12.0 - support for some Tier 1 and Tier 2 features. Representatives: AMD Radeon HD 7790/8770, Rx 260/285/290 and newer.
Feature level 12.1 - full support for Tier 1, hardware support for all DirectX 12 features.
Thus, none of the video cards released before 2021 fully support DirectX 12. Some of the features are implemented at the software level, so the same game using DX 11 and DX 12 will not receive a noticeable performance increase when switching to the new version of the API.
Installing the required version
After uninstalling the outdated version of the library, you will need to install the new DirectX. To change the version, you will need the previously downloaded software. The operation is performed through Windows Update, which occurs automatically.
To check for updates you will need:
- Open the Computer Settings menu.
- Go to the “Update and Security” section.
- Tap on “Windows Update”.
- Click the “Check for updates” button.
- Confirm action.
Thanks to the library, most programs function correctly in Windows 10. In some situations, you may need to remove the outdated version and update the tool. This can be done using third-party free utilities. All operations performed on PCs and laptops are carried out in the same order, regardless of the device type and bit capacity.
