DirectX errors can be a frustrating problem for gamers using a PC gaming laptop because they will waste your time when you’re trying to play your favorite game. If you’ve ever experienced sudden crashes, freezes, or errors while launching or playing a game, you are not alone. Many gamers face DirectX errors caused by outdated drivers, software conflicts, or hardware limitations. Fixing these issues is crucial for a smooth gaming experience.
This Internet Moola guide will walk you through simple and effective methods to resolve DirectX errors on your gaming laptop. Whether you have an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPU, these steps will help you get back to gaming without interruptions.
What is DirectX and Why Does It Cause Errors?
DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft. It helps games and multimedia applications interact efficiently with your laptop’s graphics card (GPU), processor, and memory. Most modern PC games require DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 to run smoothly.
However, errors occur when your system fails to handle DirectX commands properly. Some common reasons include:
• Old or damaged graphics drivers
• Incompatible DirectX version
. Unstable overclocking
. Conflicts with third-party software
. Limited system resources (RAM or VRAM)
If you see error messages like “DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error” or “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG”, don’t worry. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
1• Update Your Graphics Drivers
One of the most common causes of DirectX errors is outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. Your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) regularly releases driver updates to improve performance and fix bugs.
How to Update Your GPU Drivers:
1. Identify Your Graphics Card:
• Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
• Click on the Display tab to see your GPU model.
2. Download the Latest Drivers:
• NVIDIA: Visit NVIDIA’s official website
• AMD: Visit AMD’s driver page
• Intel: Visit Intel’s driver page
3. Install the Driver:
• Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your laptop after installation.
Updating your GPU driver can fix compatibility issues and prevent DirectX crashes in many games.
Step 2: Install the Latest DirectX Version
If your DirectX version is outdated, some games may fail to run properly. The best way to update DirectX is through Windows Update.
How to Update DirectX:
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
If your game requires a specific DirectX version, download it from Microsoft’s official website:
Download DirectX End-User Runtime
After installing DirectX, restart your computer and check if the error persists.
Step 3: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings
Sometimes, DirectX errors occur when a game is pushing your GPU beyond its limits. Reducing graphics settings can improve stability and prevent crashes.
Recommended Settings to Lower:
• Disable Anti-Aliasing and Ray Tracing
• Lower Texture and Shadow Quality
• Reduce Resolution (1080p instead of 1440p or 4K)
• Turn off V-Sync and Motion Blur
Many gaming laptops have limited cooling capabilities, and reducing graphics settings can also prevent overheating, which may contribute to DirectX crashes.
Step 4: Disable Overclocking
If you have overclocked your GPU or CPU using MSI Afterburner or other tools, and reset the settings to default. Overclocking increases performance but can cause instability, leading to DirectX errors.
How to Reset Overclocking Settings:
1. Open your overclocking software (e.g., MSI Afterburner).
2. Click on Reset to Default Settings.
3. Restart your PC and test the game again.
If overclocking was the issue, your game should now run without DirectX crashes.
Step 5: Run the Game as Administrator
Running your game with administrator privileges can fix DirectX permission issues that prevent it from accessing system resources properly.
How to Run a Game as Administrator:
1. Right-click the game’s .exe file.
2. Select Properties > Compatibility.
3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply and OK.
Now, launch the game and see if the DirectX error is resolved.
Step 6: Check for Corrupted Game Files
Corrupted game files can cause crashes, including DirectX-related issues. Most game launchers like Steam, Epic Games, and EA App have a feature to verify game files.
How to Verify Game Files in Steam:
1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click the game and select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files tab.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.
This process scans for corrupted or missing files and replaces them. If your DirectX error was caused by a missing file, this step should fix it.
Step 7: Reinstall the Game or DirectX
If none of the above solutions work, try reinstalling the game or DirectX itself.
Reinstall the Game:
1. Uninstall the game from Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Download and install the game again.
Reinstall DirectX:
1. Download DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft.
2. Run the setup and follow the instructions.
3. Restart your PC.
This method eliminates any corrupt files that might be causing DirectX errors.
DirectX errors in PC gaming laptops can be frustrating, but they are fixable. By following the steps in this guide, also updating drivers, installing the latest DirectX version, lowering graphics settings, disabling overclocking, verifying game files, and reinstalling DirectX or the game can eliminate crashes and enjoy a smooth gamiing experience.
If your problem persists, consider checking your laptop’s temperature and RAM usage. Some DirectX issues stem from hardware limitations or overheating. Investing in a cooling pad or upgrading your RAM may help in the long run.
By applying the fixes we mentioned in this article, you can ensure that DirectX errors won’t interrupt your gaming ever again.
Watch our YouTube Tutorial for further details: