What is DirectX 12 and why you should download it
If you are a PC gamer, you have probably heard of DirectX, a suite of technologies developed by Microsoft that enables multimedia applications, especially games, to work directly with your video and audio hardware. DirectX is essential for enhancing your gaming experience, as it allows games to use advanced features such as realistic graphics, immersive sound effects, and fast frame rates.
But did you know that there are different versions of DirectX? And that not all versions are compatible with all games and hardware? In this article, we will focus on one of the latest and most powerful versions of DirectX: DirectX 12. We will explain what it is, what are its features and benefits, how to download and install it, how to check if your PC can run it, how it compares with previous versions and other graphics APIs, and more.
download for directx 12
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why DirectX 12 is important for PC gaming and why you should download it right away.
DirectX 12 features and benefits
DirectX DirectX 12 is a low-level API, which means it allows developers to have more control over the hardware and reduce the overhead of the graphics driver. This results in faster and more efficient rendering, as well as better utilization of the CPU and GPU resources. DirectX 12 also supports multi-GPU configurations, which means you can use more than one graphics card to boost your performance.
How to install the latest version of DirectX 12
Download DirectX 12 End-User Runtime Web Installer
DirectX 12 Ultimate Game Ready Driver Released
DirectX 12 Download Windows 10 64 Bit
DirectX 12 Offline Installer Free Download
How to Update DirectX 12 on Windows 10
DirectX 12 vs DirectX 11 Performance Comparison
DirectX 12 Supported Games List
How to Enable DirectX 12 Ultimate on Windows 10
DirectX 12 Features and Benefits
DirectX 12 System Requirements and Compatibility
DirectX 12 Download for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1
How to Fix DirectX 12 Errors and Issues
DirectX 12 SDK Download and Documentation
DirectX 12 vs Vulkan API Benchmark
How to Check DirectX 12 Version and Settings
DirectX 12 Ray Tracing and Variable Rate Shading
DirectX 12 Download for Android and iOS Devices
How to Uninstall and Reinstall DirectX 12
Best Graphics Cards for DirectX 12 Gaming
How to Optimize DirectX 12 Performance and Quality
DirectX 12 vs OpenGL Comparison and Analysis
How to Download and Install DirectX 12 on Linux
DirectX 12 vs DirectX Raytracing (DXR) Difference
How to Use DirectX 12 Debugging Tools and Utilities
How to Run DirectX 12 Games on Older Hardware
DirectX 12 vs Metal API for Mac OS X
How to Download and Play DirectX 12 Demos and Samples
How to Enable and Disable DirectX 12 Features in Games
How to Troubleshoot DirectX 12 Compatibility Issues with Drivers
How to Upgrade from DirectX 11 to DirectX 12
How to Download and Install DirectX 12 Redistributable Package
How to Test DirectX 12 Performance with Benchmarking Software
How to Learn DirectX 12 Programming and Development
How to Use DirectX 12 with Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets
How to Convert DirectX 11 Games to DirectX 12 Games
How to Download and Update DirectX 12 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
How to Use DirectX 12 with Remote Desktop and Streaming Services
How to Enable and Configure DirectX 12 Multi-GPU Support
How to Use DirectX 12 with Emulators and Retro Games
How to Download and Install DirectX 12 for Windows Server Editions
How to Use DirectX 12 with Cloud Gaming Platforms and Services
How to Enable and Use DirectX 12 Mesh Shaders and Sampler Feedback
How to Use DirectX 12 with Game Engines and Frameworks
How to Download and Install DirectX 12 for Windows ARM Devices
How to Use DirectX Math Library with DirectX 12
How to Use DirectML (Direct Machine Learning) with DirectX 12
How to Use DirectStorage API with DirectX 12
How to Use Direct3D (D3D) with DirectX 12
Parallel compute
One of the key features of DirectX 12 is parallel compute, which means multiple operations can be executed at the same time, improving the efficiency and performance of the games. For example, DirectX 12 can handle graphics and physics calculations simultaneously, or render different parts of the scene in parallel. This reduces the bottlenecks and latency that can occur with traditional graphics APIs.
Ray tracing and variable rate shading
Another feature that makes DirectX 12 stand out is its support for ray tracing and variable rate shading, two advanced techniques that enhance the visual quality and realism of the games. Ray tracing simulates realistic lighting and shadows, by tracing the path of light rays as they bounce off different surfaces. Variable rate shading adjusts the shading rate based on the level of detail required, by applying more or less pixels to different areas of the screen. Both features can improve the performance and efficiency of the games, as well as create stunning effects.
DirectX 12 download and installation
If you are interested in trying out DirectX 12 for yourself, you will need to follow these steps:
How to check your DirectX version
The first thing you need to do is to check which version of DirectX is installed on your PC. To do this, you can use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag), which is a built-in program that comes with Windows. Here is how to use it:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type dxdiag and click OK.
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window will open. Click on the System tab.
Look for the DirectX Version field. It will show you which version of DirectX is currently installed on your PC.
If you see DirectX 12, then you are good to go. If not, you will need to update your graphics card drivers and download and install DirectX 12.
How to update your graphics card drivers
The next step is to update your graphics card drivers, which are software programs that allow your PC to communicate with your graphics hardware. Having the latest drivers can improve your performance and compatibility with DirectX 12. To update your drivers, you have two options:
You can visit the manufacturer's website of your graphics card (such as Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and download and install the latest drivers for your specific model.
You can use Windows Update, which will automatically detect and install the latest drivers for your graphics card.
To use Windows Update, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Check for updates.
If there are any updates available for your graphics card, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
How to download and install DirectX 12
The final step is to download and install DirectX 12, which is available from the official Microsoft website. To do this, follow these steps:
Go to this link: [Download DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Official Microsoft Download Center]
Click on Download.
Run the dxwebsetup.exe file that you downloaded.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed DirectX 12 on your PC. You can now enjoy its features and benefits with compatible games.
If you encounter any problems with downloading or installing DirectX 12, you can try some of these troubleshooting steps:
Make sure you have enough disk space on your PC.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Make sure you have administrator privileges on your PC.
Make sure you have closed any other programs that might interfere with the installation.
Make sure you have restarted your PC after installing DirectX 12.
DirectX DirectX 12 compatibility and requirements
Before you can enjoy DirectX 12, you need to make sure that your PC meets the compatibility and requirements for it. Here are some things you need to check:
Which operating systems support DirectX 12
Not all operating systems support DirectX 12. You will need to have one of the following operating systems to use DirectX 12:
Windows 10: This is the first and most common operating system that supports DirectX 12. You will need to have the latest version of Windows 10, which is the May 2021 Update (version 21H1).
Windows 11: This is the newest and most advanced operating system from Microsoft, which will be released in late 2021. It will also support DirectX 12, as well as some exclusive features such as DirectX 12 Ultimate and Auto HDR.
Windows Server 2016: This is an operating system designed for servers and data centers, which also supports DirectX 12. However, it is not recommended for gaming purposes.
If you have an older operating system, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1, you will not be able to use DirectX 12. You will need to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Which graphics cards support DirectX 12
Another thing you need to check is your graphics card, which is the hardware component that renders the graphics on your screen. Not all graphics cards support DirectX 12. You will need to have one of the following graphics cards to use DirectX 12:
Manufacturer
Series
Models
Nvidia
GeForce RTX
RTX 3090, RTX 3080 Ti, RTX 3080, RTX 3070 Ti, RTX 3070, RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 3060, RTX 2080 Ti, RTX 2080 Super, RTX 2080, RTX 2070 Super, RTX 2070, RTX 2060 Super, RTX 2060
Nvidia
GeForce GTX
GTX 1660 Ti, GTX 1660 Super, GTX 1660, GTX 1650 Super, GTX 1650, GTX Titan Xp, GTX Titan X (Pascal), GTX Titan V, GTX Titan X (Maxwell), GTX Titan Z, GTX Titan Black, GTX Titan, GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1070 Ti, GTX 1070, GTX 1060 (6GB), GTX GTX 1060 (3GB), GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1050, GTX 1030
AMD
Radeon RX
RX 6900 XT, RX 6800 XT, RX 6800, RX 6700 XT, RX 5700 XT, RX 5700, RX 5600 XT, RX 5600, RX 5500 XT, RX 5500, RX Vega 64, RX Vega 56, RX Vega Frontier Edition, RX 590, RX 580, RX 570, RX 560, RX 550, RX 480, RX 470, RX 460
AMD
Radeon R9
R9 Fury X, R9 Fury, R9 Nano, R9 390X, R9 390, R9 380X, R9 380, R9 370X, R9 370, R9 360
Intel
Iris Xe
Iris Xe Max Graphics (DG1), Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU), Iris Xe Graphics G7 (80EU), Iris Xe Graphics G7 (48EU), Iris Xe Graphics G4 (48EU)
Intel
UHD Graphics
UHD Graphics P630, UHD Graphics P580, UHD Graphics P530, UHD Graphics P4600/P4700
If you have one of these graphics cards or a newer model that supports DirectX 12, you are good to go. If not, you will need to upgrade your graphics card to use DirectX 12.
How to check if your PC can run DirectX 12 games
The last thing you need to check is if your PC can run DirectX 12 games. Even if you have DirectX 12 installed and a compatible graphics card, you still need to meet the minimum and recommended system requirements for each game. These requirements vary depending on the game's complexity and optimization. To check if your PC can run DirectX 12 games, you can try some of these methods:
You can use a computer diagnostic program, such as Speccy or CPU-Z, to check your PC's specifications and compare them with the game's requirements.
You can check the game's official website or store page for the minimum and recommended system requirements. You can also look for user reviews or forums for feedback from other players.
You can use a benchmark tool, such as UserBenchmark or Futuremark, to test your PC's performance and see how it handles different games and settings.
DirectX DirectX 12 comparison with previous versions
Now that you know what DirectX 12 is and how to use it, you might be wondering how it differs from previous versions of DirectX. In this section, we will compare DirectX 12 with DirectX 11 and other graphics APIs, and see what are the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
How does DirectX 12 differ from DirectX 11
DirectX 11 is the predecessor of DirectX 12, and it was released in 2009. It is still widely used by many games and hardware, and it supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. However, it has some limitations and drawbacks compared to DirectX 12. Here are some of the main differences between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12:
Performance: DirectX 12 offers better performance than DirectX 11, as it reduces the CPU overhead and allows more efficient use of the GPU resources. DirectX 12 also supports multi-threading and parallel compute, which means it can handle more tasks at the same time. DirectX 11, on the other hand, relies more on the graphics driver and has a single-threaded approach, which can cause bottlenecks and latency.
Features: DirectX 12 offers more features than DirectX 11, such as ray tracing, variable rate shading, mesh shaders, sampler feedback, and more. These features can create more realistic and immersive graphics effects, as well as improve the performance and efficiency of the games. DirectX 11, on the other hand, does not support these features or has limited support for them.
Compatibility: DirectX 12 has less compatibility than DirectX 11, as it requires newer hardware and operating systems to run. DirectX 12 only supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016, and it requires a graphics card that supports at least feature level 11_0. DirectX 11, on the other hand, supports older hardware and operating systems, such as Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012.
As you can see, DirectX 12 has some pros and cons compared to DirectX 11. Depending on your PC's specifications and preferences, you might want to use one or the other. However, if you want to enjoy the latest and most advanced graphics technology, you should definitely try out DirectX 12.
How does DirectX 12 compare with other graphics APIs
DirectX is not the only graphics API available for PC gaming. There are also other alternatives, such as OpenGL, Vulkan, and Metal. These are cross-platform APIs that can work on different operating systems and devices, such as Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS, etc. They also have their own features and benefits that can appeal to different developers and gamers. Here are some of the main comparisons between DirectX 12 and other graphics APIs:
OpenGL: OpenGL is an open-source API that has been around since 1992. It is widely used by many games and applications across various platforms. However, it is considered to be outdated and less efficient than newer APIs such as DirectX 12 or Vulkan. OpenGL also lacks some of the advanced features that DirectX 12 offers, such as ray tracing or variable rate shading.
Vulkan: Vulkan is a low-level API that was released in 2016. It is based on AMD's Mantle API, which was designed to compete with DirectX 12. Vulkan offers similar performance and features as DirectX 12, such as parallel compute, multi-GPU support, ray tracing support (with extensions), etc. However, Vulkan is more complex and difficult to use than DirectX 12, as it requires more coding and debugging. Vulkan also has less support and compatibility than DirectX 12, as it is not available on Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Metal: Metal is a low-level API that was released in 2014. It is exclusive to Apple devices, such as Mac OS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. Metal offers high performance and efficiency, as well as some features that DirectX 12 does not have, such as machine learning and augmented reality. However, Metal is not compatible with Windows or other platforms, and it has less features and support than DirectX 12, such as ray tracing or multi-GPU support.
As you can see, DirectX 12 has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other graphics APIs. Depending on your platform and preferences, you might want to use one or the other. However, if you want to enjoy the best graphics technology that Windows has to offer, you should definitely use DirectX 12.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DirectX 12 is a powerful and advanced graphics API that can enhance your PC gaming experience. It offers better performance, more features, and more control than previous versions of DirectX or other graphics APIs. It also supports the latest hardware and operating systems, such as Windows 10, Windows 11, and Nvidia GeForce RTX series.
If you want to try out DirectX 12 for yourself, you will need to download and install it from the official Microsoft website. You will also need to check your DirectX version, update your graphics card drivers, and check if your PC can run DirectX 12 games. Once you have done that, you can enjoy the benefits of DirectX 12 with compatible games.
So what are you waiting for? Download DirectX 12 today and see the difference for yourself!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about DirectX 12:
Q: How do I know if a game supports DirectX 12?
A: You can check the game's official website or store page for the supported graphics APIs. You can also look for the DX12 logo on the game's box or icon.
Q: Can I switch between DirectX 12 and other graphics APIs?
A: Yes, some games allow you to switch between different graphics APIs in the game's settings menu. However, not all games support this feature, and some games may require a restart or a reinstallation to change the graphics API.
Q: Does DirectX 12 improve FPS (frames per second)?
A: Yes, DirectX 12 can improve FPS by reducing the CPU overhead and increasing the GPU efficiency. However, the actual improvement may vary depending on the game's optimization, your hardware configuration, and your settings.
Q: Does DirectX 12 require an internet connection?
A: No, DirectX 12 does not require an internet connection to run. However, you will need an internet connection to download and install it from the official Microsoft website.
Q: Is DirectX 12 free?
A: Yes, DirectX 12 is free to download and use. However, you may need to pay for some games that use DirectX 12.
44f88ac181
Comments