How to Fix DirectX 12 Not Supported Error for Gamers

It’s a gamer’s worst nightmare: you launch a game, only to be met with the chilling message that “DirectX 12 is not supported on your system.” This infernal error can put a serious damper on your gaming plans, especially if you've just bought that shiny new game or upgraded your graphics card. But fear not! Today, we’ll dive into how to troubleshoot and resolve this nagging error, ensuring you can restart your virtual adventures without a hitch.

What is DirectX and Why is It Crucial?​

DirectX is a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) created by Microsoft to handle tasks related to multimedia, especially gaming and video. It acts as a middleman between your software and hardware, making sure that the graphics card can render high-quality visuals, effects, and audio that modern games demand. DirectX 12 enhances performance by allowing developers to get more out of hardware resources, especially for graphics-intensive applications.
However, not all systems are equipped to handle this demanding version. Below, we outline what to check when faced with the ominous “DirectX 12 is not supported” message.

Fixing the "DirectX 12 is Not Supported" Error​

To tackle this issue systematically, consider the following steps:

1. Check Hardware Requirements​

Before diving into software solutions, it's essential to inspect whether your hardware—specifically your graphics card—supports DirectX 12. If your graphics card isn’t up to snuff, you will face insurmountable challenges. Usually, GPUs from NVIDIA starting with the GeForce GTX 600 series and AMD’s Radeon R9 series onwards support DX12.

• Action Steps: Look up your graphics card model on the manufacturer’s website to verify its compatibility.

2. Update DirectX​

Sometimes, the root of the problem can be an outdated version of DirectX. Although Windows 10 and 11 come pre-installed with DirectX 12, it is worth checking for updates.

• Action Steps:
  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue.
  • Type dxdiag and press Enter.
  • Review your current DirectX version.
  • If it’s lower than version 12, you may need to download DirectX from the Microsoft website and install it.

3. Update Your Graphics Driver​

Running an old graphics driver can be the principal culprit behind compatibility issues with DirectX 12. Windows once facilitated driver updates through Device Manager, but now you can conveniently use Windows Update.

• Action Steps:
  • Open Settings via Win + I, navigate to Update & Security, then Windows Update.
  • Under Optional updates, look for any available graphics driver updates.
  • Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

4. Disable Compatibility Mode​

If you've been using compatibility mode to launch games, it might prevent proper operation under DirectX 12.

• Action Steps:
  • Right-click on the game executable, select Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility tab and uncheck the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for.
  • Click OK and try launching the game again.

5. Repair the .NET Framework​

A corrupt .NET Framework can cause a cascade of errors, including DirectX issues.

• Action Steps:
  • Download the .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft's official site.
  • Run the tool to identify and repair any problems with the framework.

Conclusion​

If you've executed each of these steps and still face the dreaded “DirectX 12 is not supported” message, the issue might lie deeper within your hardware or gaming setup. Rethinking your graphics card upgrade or even performing a clean installation of Windows are further steps you can consider, although tread carefully and back up your data.
For many, ensuring that the hardware meets modern gaming demands is crucial. Remember, gaming shouldn’t just be about graphics and performance; it should be about the experience. By addressing these DirectX support issues, you'll be on your way to a smooth gaming experience, bringing your virtual worlds to life in vivid detail. Happy gaming!
Source: The Windows Club DirectX 12 is not supported on your system [Fix]