Softonic

Program available in other languages

App specs

Related topics about DirectX

New apps

More Programs

You may also like

Help & Info about DirectX for Windows

  • What is DirectX?

    This software is essentially a bundle of application programming interfaces (APIs). It is intended to work with multimedia such as games and flash videos in order to streamline the experience of the end user.

  • Is the DirectX bundle able to work within Mac operating systems?

    DirectX has been developed by Microsoft engineers and it can only be used with these operating systems. However, Mac users can obtain alternatives to this API. Some common options include OpenGL, Vulkan and SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer).

  • Is DirectX free to download and install?

    Users will not be charged to install this program into their operating system. It is still wise to download this program from the official website, as third-party providers may be associated with malware and other types of threats.

  • What is the latest version of DirectX available for download?

    As of the time that this article was written, the latest version is DirectX 11.1. Please note that there are no stand-alone updates for this variant. However, some operating systems such as Windows 8.1 are equipped with the 11.2 upgrade.

  • Is DirectX already installed within my operating system?

    Assuming that you are running a Microsoft-based system, this bundle will already have been installed as an original component. However, the fact that it could be outdated signifies that it is wise to consult with the official website in order to obtain the latest updates.

  • How safe is DirectX and will I have to worry about viruses?

    This is an officially licensed Windows product and therefore, it has been thoroughly tested to be free from spyware, malware and other types of known threats. Obtaining the latest version will provide you with an additional layer of security.

  • What Windows operating systems are supported by the DirectX architecture?

    This current bundle can work together with many Windows systems. These include Windows XP (Service Packs 2 and 3), Windows Server 2003 (Service Packs 1 and 2), Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

  • Can I save DirectX so that it can be installed at a later date?

    This is an option presented immediately before the download begins. Assuming that it will be installed in the future, you will choose the "Save this program to disk" option. It can then be run when you see fit.

  • How much memory will DirectX require?

    This bundle will only need 299.86 kilobytes of memory. It should therefore not affect the performance of most Windows operating systems. Please note that the Runtime variant (Direct3D and DirectSound) are not included and that they will require additional free hard drive space. This is normally the case if they are desired for advanced gaming purposes.

  • Will DirectX run automatically without the need for it to be manually activated?

    This program runs in the background of an operating system during multimedia playback, so the user will not need to perform any manual tasks. However, it is possible to "force quit" the bundle in the event that it is causing system instability.

Explore more

Related Articles

Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.
Softonic

Is DirectX safe?

100/100

Score result: Clean

This file passed a comprehensive security scan using VirusTotal technology. It is safe to download.

  • Virus free
  • Spyware free
  • Malware free

  • Verified by Security Partners

    VirusTotal logo

Scan Info

Last scan
Friday, February 20, 2026
Scan provider
VirusTotal · Full report

File Integrity

File
9.29.1974.0.appx
SHA256
a042086b3eb11f354b28d7047ce6b249bc828c0f299a7b5e54a7e0adb112332b
SHA1
1e5870331e4dbb6726fc7f61c2d5477240e71d7f

Softonic security commitment

DirectX has been thoroughly scanned by our advanced security systems and verified by industry-leading partners. This file comes from the official developer and has passed all our security checks, showing no signs of viruses, malware, or spyware. For more information, visit our Security and Trust Center