Do you want to uninstall DirectX but don’t know how? If so, then you’re in the right place. DirectX is a set of software components that are used by many games and other multimedia applications. While it is typically installed as part of the Windows operating system, there may be times when you need to uninstall it. Perhaps you’re having problems with a game or application that uses DirectX, or maybe you just want to free up some space on your hard drive. Whatever the reason, uninstalling DirectX is a relatively simple process.
To uninstall DirectX, you will need to open the Control Panel. You can do this by clicking on the Start button and then selecting Control Panel from the menu. Once the Control Panel is open, click on the Programs and Features icon. This will open a list of all the programs that are installed on your computer. Scroll down the list until you find DirectX and then click on it. Once DirectX is selected, click on the Uninstall button. You will then be prompted to confirm that you want to uninstall DirectX. Click on the Yes button to continue. The uninstallation process will then begin. Once the uninstallation process is complete, DirectX will be removed from your computer.
If you are having problems uninstalling DirectX, you can try using a third-party uninstaller. There are many different third-party uninstallers available, so you should be able to find one that works for you. Once you have downloaded and installed a third-party uninstaller, you can use it to uninstall DirectX. Simply follow the instructions provided by the uninstaller. Once the uninstallation process is complete, DirectX will be removed from your computer.
Uninstalling DirectX Manually
Step 1: Determine if DirectX is Installed
Before attempting to uninstall DirectX, it’s crucial to confirm its presence on your system. There are two methods to accomplish this:
- Command Prompt: Open the command prompt (cmd) as an administrator and type “dxdiag”. Press Enter.
- System Information: Right-click on the Start button and select “System Information”. Expand the “Software Environment” section and look for “DirectX Version”.
Step 2: Uninstall DirectX Components
Once you’ve verified that DirectX is installed, follow these steps to uninstall its individual components:
| Component | Uninstallation Method |
|---|---|
| DirectX Redistributables | Use the Control Panel’s “Programs and Features” to uninstall any DirectX redistributables installed. |
| DirectX Web Installer | If you installed DirectX using the web installer, run the executable again and select the “Uninstall” option. |
| DirectX System Files | Caution: Do not attempt to delete DirectX system files manually, as this could cause system instability. |
Using the Windows Registry Editor
You can also delete Direct X by using the Windows Registry Editor. This is a more advanced method and should only be attempted by experienced users. To do this:
1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows Key + R and typing “regedit”.
2. Navigate to the following key:
“`
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\DirectX
“`
3. Right-click on the DirectX key and select “Delete”.
4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Caution: Editing the registry can be dangerous and can cause serious problems if done incorrectly. Be sure to back up your registry before making any changes.
| Method | Difficulty | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Using the Windows Registry Editor | Advanced | 5 minutes |
Employing the DirectX Web Installer
To remove DirectX using the DirectX Web Installer, follow these detailed steps:
1. Open the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
Begin by launching a web browser and navigating to the official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer download page. Locate the appropriate installer for your operating system and click the “Download” button.
2. Run the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
Once the download is complete, open the installer file. Choose the “Remove DirectX” option and click “Next.” The installer will proceed with the uninstallation process.
3. Complete the Uninstallation Process
The DirectX Web Installer will guide you through the uninstallation process. Follow the on-screen prompts and select the components you wish to remove. By default, all DirectX components will be selected. However, you can deselect specific components if desired. Once you have reviewed and confirmed your selections, click the “Uninstall” button to initiate the removal process. The installer will automatically remove the selected DirectX components from your system.
4. Reboot Your Computer
After the uninstallation is complete, the installer will prompt you to restart your computer. This step is essential to ensure that all changes take effect. Click “Yes” to restart your computer and complete the DirectX removal process.
Running the System File Checker Tool
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in Windows utility that can scan and repair corrupt system files, including DirectX. To run the SFC tool:
1. Open an Elevated Command Prompt
- Type **cmd** in the Windows search bar.
- Right-click on the **Command Prompt** result and select **Run as Administrator**.
2. Run the SFC Scan
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on “Programs and Features”.
- Click on “Turn Windows features on or off”.
- Scroll down and expand the “Legacy Components” section.
- Check the box next to “DirectX End-User Runtimes”.
- Click on “OK”.
- Revo Uninstaller
- IObit Uninstaller
- Ashampoo UnInstaller
- Download and install the chosen third-party software.
- Run the software and select DirectX from the list of installed programs.
- Click on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button. The software will initiate the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm the uninstallation.
- Restart your computer once the uninstallation is complete.
- Manually check your system to ensure all DirectX components have been removed. Navigate to the DirectX installation directory (usually "C:\Windows\System32") and verify that the following files have been deleted:
- Make sure that the system meets the minimum requirements for DirectX.
- Download the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft website.
- Run the DirectX installer as an administrator.
- Install DirectX from the Microsoft website.
- Reinstall the DirectX redistributable package that came with the game or application.
- Add the DirectX installation directory to the system path.
- Make sure that the system meets the minimum requirements for DirectX.
- Download the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft website.
- Run the DirectX installer as an administrator.
- Check the DirectX log file for more information about the error.
- Install the correct version of DirectX for the game or application.
- Update the DirectX redistributable package that came with the game or application.
- Add the DirectX installation directory to the system path.
- Install the latest drivers for the graphics card.
- Make sure that the graphics card is properly installed and seated in the system.
- Check the DirectX log file for more information about the error.
- Install the latest drivers for the sound card.
- Make sure that the sound card is properly installed and seated in the system.
- Check the DirectX log file for more information about the error.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on Programs and Features.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable in the list of programs.
- Click on the Change button.
- Select the Repair option.
- Click on the Repair button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
- Restart your computer.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on Programs and Features.
- Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable in the list of programs.
- Click on the Uninstall button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Installer from the Microsoft website.
- Run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
- Restart your computer.
- Revo Uninstaller
- IObit Uninstaller
- CCleaner
- Keep your graphics drivers up to date.
- Run a virus scan regularly.
- Avoid downloading and installing software from untrustworthy sources.
**sfc /scannow**
3. Wait for the Scan to Complete
The SFC scan will take some time to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
4. Interpret the Scan Results
Once the scan is complete, the SFC tool will display one of the following messages:
| Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. | No corrupt system files were found. |
| Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. | Corrupt system files were found and repaired. |
| Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. | Corrupt system files were found, but not all of them could be repaired. You may need to manually delete the corrupt DirectX files. |
Accessing the DirectX End-User Runtimes
DirectX End-User Runtimes (DXRUs) are redistributable components that allow non-Microsoft software to access DirectX functionality. They are typically included with games and other applications that use DirectX, but they can also be installed separately. To access the DXEUs, follow these steps:
Additional Information
The DXEUs are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. The 32-bit version is compatible with all versions of Windows, while the 64-bit version is only compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows.
The DXEUs are not required for all applications that use DirectX. However, some applications may require the DXEUs to be installed in order to run properly.
If you are having problems with an application that uses DirectX, you may need to install the DXEUs. You can download the DXEUs from the Microsoft website.
DXEUs Compatibility Table
The following table shows the compatibility of the DXEUs with different versions of Windows:
| Windows Version | DXEU Version |
|---|---|
| Windows XP | 9.0c |
| Windows Vista | 10.0 |
| Windows 7 | 11.0 |
| Windows 8 | 11.1 |
| Windows 8.1 | 11.2 |
| Windows 10 | 12.0 |
Employing Third-Party Software
In some instances, utilizing third-party software might be a more effective approach to remove DirectX. These software programs are explicitly designed to find and remove any leftovers from DirectX installations, ensuring a thorough cleanup process.
Choosing the Right Software
Selecting the right third-party software for DirectX removal is crucial. Research different options, read reviews, and consider the features they offer. Some popular choices include:
Procedure Using Third-Party Software
| File Name |
|---|
| d3d8.dll |
| d3d9.dll |
| d3d10.dll |
| d3d11.dll |
| d3d12.dll |
| d3dx8.dll |
| d3dx9.dll |
| d3dx10.dll |
| d3dx11.dll |
| d3dx12.dll |
If any of these files remain, repeat the uninstallation process using the third-party software.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
Error: “DirectX installation failed”
This error can occur if there is a problem with the DirectX installer or if the system does not meet the minimum requirements. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Error: “DirectX not found”
This error can occur if DirectX is not installed or if the system cannot find the DirectX files. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Error: “DirectX encountered an error”
This error can occur if there is a problem with the DirectX installation or if the system does not meet the minimum requirements. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Error: “DirectX version not supported”
This error can occur if the system does not have the correct version of DirectX installed. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Error: “DirectX device not found”
This error can occur if the system does not have a compatible DirectX device installed. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Error: “DirectX sound device not found”
This error can occur if the system does not have a compatible sound card installed. To resolve this issue, try the following steps:
Restoring DirectX to Default Settings
If you’ve made changes to your DirectX settings and want to restore them to their default values, you can do so by following these steps:
Once you’ve completed these steps, DirectX will be restored to its default settings.
Uninstalling DirectX
If you want to completely uninstall DirectX, you can do so by following these steps:
Once you’ve completed these steps, DirectX will be uninstalled from your computer.
Reinstalling DirectX
If you’ve uninstalled DirectX and want to reinstall it, you can do so by following these steps:
Once you’ve completed these steps, DirectX will be reinstalled on your computer.
DirectX Versions
DirectX is a constantly evolving technology, and new versions are released regularly. The following table lists the different versions of DirectX that have been released:
| Version | Release Date |
|---|---|
| DirectX 1 | September 1995 |
| DirectX 2 | June 1996 |
| DirectX 3 | September 1996 |
| DirectX 5 | March 1998 |
| DirectX 6 | September 1998 |
| DirectX 7 | September 2000 |
| DirectX 8 | November 2000 |
| DirectX 8.1 | February 2002 |
| DirectX 9 | December 2002 |
| DirectX 9.0c | May 2004 |
| DirectX 10 | October 2006 |
| DirectX 10.1 | October 2008 |
| DirectX 11 | October 2009 |
| DirectX 11.1 | June 2013 |
| DirectX 11.2 | July 2015 |
| DirectX 11.3 | August 2015 |
| DirectX 12 | July 2015 |
| DirectX 12.1 | October 2015 |
| DirectX 12.2 | October 2018 |
| DirectX 12 Ultimate | March 2020 |
Avoiding Potential Risks
When deleting DirectX, it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid potential risks. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Backup Important Files
Before making any changes, create a backup of any important files and folders, including game saves, personal settings, and documents. This ensures that you can restore your files if something goes wrong.
2. Close All Running Programs
Close all programs that use DirectX, including games, multimedia players, and design software, before attempting to delete it. This prevents any conflicts or data corruption.
3. Use a Reputable Uninstaller
Use a reputable uninstaller software to remove DirectX. This ensures that all related files, registry entries, and system settings are properly removed.
4. Verify Complete Uninstall
After uninstalling DirectX, use the “Programs and Features” control panel to verify that all related entries have been removed. If any residual files remain, manually delete them from the system folders.
5. Update Graphics Card Drivers
After deleting DirectX, update your graphics card drivers to ensure compatibility with your operating system and other software. This ensures optimal performance and stability.
6. Restore DirectX if Necessary
If you encounter any issues after deleting DirectX, you can restore it by running the DirectX Redistributable package. This will reinstall all necessary files and settings.
7. Contact Microsoft Support
If you continue to experience problems, contact Microsoft support for assistance. They can help identify and resolve any underlying issues related to DirectX deletion.
8. Create a System Restore Point
Before making any significant changes to your system, create a system restore point. This allows you to restore your system to a previous state if necessary.
9. Consider the Potential Consequences
Deleting DirectX can have various consequences depending on your system configuration and software usage. It may cause compatibility issues with certain games, affect multimedia playback, or impact the performance of some applications. Before deleting DirectX, carefully consider the potential risks and alternatives.
| Potential Risk | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Compatibility Issues | Games and applications that rely on DirectX may not work properly |
| Multimedia Playback Problems | Audio and video playback functionality may be affected |
| Reduced Application Performance | Applications that utilize DirectX may experience performance degradation |
How to Delete DirectX
Uninstalling DirectX from the Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on “Programs and Features”.
3. Find “DirectX” in the list of programs.
4. Click on “Uninstall”.
5. Follow the prompts to uninstall DirectX.
Uninstalling DirectX using the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
1. Go to the Microsoft website: [link to website]
2. Click on the “Download” button.
3. Run the installer.
4. Select the “Uninstall” option.
5. Follow the prompts to uninstall DirectX.
Uninstalling DirectX using the Command Prompt
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command: dxdiag /uninstall
3. Press Enter.
4. Follow the prompts to uninstall DirectX.
Uninstalling DirectX using a Third-Party Uninstaller
There are several third-party uninstallers that can be used to uninstall DirectX. Some popular options include:
Reinstalling DirectX
If you need to reinstall DirectX, you can download the latest version from the Microsoft website: [link to website]
Conclusion: Maintaining DirectX Health
DirectX is an essential component of Windows that allows games and other multimedia applications to run smoothly. However, it can sometimes become corrupted, which can lead to problems with your games and other applications. If you’re experiencing problems with DirectX, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. You can also try updating your graphics drivers or running a virus scan. If you’re still having problems, you may need to contact Microsoft support.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining DirectX health:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Games and other multimedia applications crash | Corrupted DirectX files | Uninstall and reinstall DirectX |
| Games and other multimedia applications run slowly | Outdated graphics drivers | Update your graphics drivers |
| Games and other multimedia applications freeze or stutter | Virus infection | Run a virus scan |
How To Delete DirectX
DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft for handling multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. It is a core component of the Windows operating system and is included with every Windows installation. DirectX is also available for other operating systems, such as macOS and Linux.
If you are experiencing problems with DirectX, you may need to delete and reinstall it. Here are the steps on how to delete DirectX:
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on “Programs and Features”.
3. Find “Microsoft DirectX” in the list of programs.
4. Click on “Uninstall”.
5. Follow the prompts to uninstall DirectX.
Once you have uninstalled DirectX, you can reinstall it by downloading the latest version from the Microsoft website.
People Also Ask About How To Delete DirectX
Can I delete DirectX?
Yes, you can delete DirectX. However, it is not recommended to delete DirectX unless you are experiencing problems with it. DirectX is a core component of the Windows operating system and is required for many games and other applications to run properly.
What happens if I delete DirectX?
If you delete DirectX, you may experience problems with games and other applications that rely on DirectX. You may also encounter errors when trying to install new games or applications.
How do I reinstall DirectX?
You can reinstall DirectX by downloading the latest version from the Microsoft website. Once you have downloaded the DirectX installer, run the file and follow the prompts to install DirectX.
