Complete Step by Step Guide on How to Uninstall DirectX 11 2023 Update
How to Uninstall DirectX 11: DirectX 11 is automatically installed by Microsoft and cannot be uninstalled via the “Windows Uninstall or Modify a Program” feature. Luckily, you can use the Windows Registry Editor to deinstall DirectX 11. Read on to find out how.
DirectX 11 is a Microsoft-created graphics technology program for use with Windows operating systems. DirectX 11 is designed to improve the technology used in gaming. DirectX 11 for example increases visual clarity and enables higher frame rates for games.
DirectX is a core technology behind running Windows games and video programs. This means if it splits, you’ll likely run into some errors. You can try rolling back your system before your last update, or you can try to repair your DirectX files.
Performing a System Restore
1. Open the System Restore Tool
Performing a system restore is the easiest way to uninstall a DirectX update since there is no official way to uninstall DirectX.
You will need a restore point before DirectX is installed, which is typically created during the installation process.
Using System Restore will uninstall and revert any changes made since the restore point was created, so it should be used very soon after installing the DirectX update.
- Windows 8 – Open the Start screen and type “recovery”. Select “Recovery” from the list of search results. This will open the Recovery window. From there, click the “Open System Restore” link.
- Windows 7 and Vista – Click Start and type “restore” into the Search box. Select “System Restore” from the top of the search results list.
- Windows XP – Click Start and then select All Programs → Accessories → System Tools. Click on System Restore.
2. Select Your Restore Point
You will be presented with a list of available restore points. Compare dates to find one that was created before DirectX was updated. Click “Scan for Affected Programs” to ensure that DirectX will be rolled back.
3. Perform the restore
Once you’ve chosen your restore point, wait for the restore to be completed. The restoration process can take a significant amount of time. The computer will restart during the restore process, and then Windows will load with a message confirming that the restore was successful.
4. Check that DirectX was rolled back
Once Windows starts again, open the Run window by pressing Windows key + R, type in “dxdiag”, and press Enter. This will open the DXDiag tool, which will check your system and report the version of DirectX that is installed.
- The DirectX version will be listed at the bottom of the System Information section on the first tab. You must have some version of DirectX installed with Windows. Windows 7 and later cannot have anything less than DirectX 11 installed.
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Repairing Your Current DirectX Files
1. Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R and entering “dxdiag”. This will open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. It will display an overview of your system.
You can click each tab to see information on your display, sound, and inputs.
2. Download the DirectX installer from Microsoft
If you’re having difficulties running programs and are receiving DirectX errors, you may have corrupt or missing DirectX files. The best way to fix this is by reinstalling the latest version of DirectX. The installer is available for free from Microsoft.
If you are having issues, upgrading to the latest version may help much more than uninstalling.
3. Run the Installer
4. Update your Video Card’s Driver
Many times, updating your video card drivers will help fix DirectX errors in games and other video-centric programs.
To update your driver, you’ll need to determine which video card you have, and then download the appropriate file from the manufacturer.
To find your video card information, open the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and enter “dxdiag”. Click the Display tab, and note the chip type and manufacturer in the Device section.
Visit that manufacturer’s website. This is usually NVidia or AMD. Search the website for your chip type and download the most recent driver files.
Run the driver installer. You may notice your screen flickering during the installation process.
5. Reinstall Windows
If nothing you do seems to be fixing your problem, it may be time to reinstall Windows. This will replace all of your DirectX files with the built-in files in your Windows installation.
Reinstalling Windows will take an hour or so, not counting the time it takes to back up and restore your files and reinstall your programs.
How to Uninstall DirectX 11: Steps Simplified
Step 1
Click “Start,” right-click “Computer,” and select “Properties.” The System Properties window opens.
Step 2
Click “System Protection” in the left pane of the System Properties window.
Step 3
Click “C: Drive” under Protection Settings, and then click “Configure.”
Step 4
Click “Turn Off System Protection,” then click “OK,” and then click “OK” again. This will prevent Windows from reinstalling DirectX automatically once you reboot after you uninstall it.
Step 5
Click “Start,” type “Regedit” into the “Search” box, and press “Enter.” The Registry Editor opens.
Step 6
Click the “Arrow” next to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” in the left pane of the Registry Editor. A list of folders appears.
Step 7
Click the “Arrow” next to the “Software” folder in the left pane of the Registry Editor. A new list of folders appears.
Step 8
Click the “Arrow” next to the “Microsoft” folder in the left pane of the Registry Editor. A new list of folders appears.
Step 9
Right-click the “DirectX” folder and select “Delete.”
Step 10
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Tips & Warnings
- Don’t uninstall DirectX 11. Doing so may cause errors or reduced system performance.
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