Fix DirectX Errors & Game Crashes
Last updated: August 10, 2025
Resolve DirectX runtime errors, game crashes, d3d errors, and GPU driver issues on Windows
Overview
DirectX is required for virtually all Windows games and many multimedia applications. When DirectX components are missing or corrupted, games crash with errors like 'DXGI_ERROR' or 'd3d11 device removed'. This guide provides 6 methods to fix DirectX issues.
What this helps with
What to expect: Medium difficulty • usually about 20-40 minutes.
This is one of 67 Software Issues fixes in the WindowsHelper library. The full step-by-step fix for this is in the WindowsHelper app.
Coming soon in the app
The full step-by-step fix for this is in the WindowsHelper phone app — coming soon, no price announced yet. The free PC Companion (available now) is the piece that connects your phone to your PC.
🔔 Get notified at launchRelated fixes in Software Issues
-
🌐 Browser Problems
Fix a crashing, slow or misbehaving web browser: clear the cache, reset settings, remove bad extensions, update, fix DNS issues or reinstall.
Medium30-45 minutes -
📁 File Recovery
Recover lost or deleted files from previous versions, File History or Windows File Recovery, check the disk for errors, or roll back with System Restore.
Medium30-60 minutes -
🔐 Fix Microsoft Office Activation
Office not activating? Check you're on the right Microsoft account, repair Office, reset licensing, check the license status or reinstall Office cleanly.
Medium30-45 minutes -
⚙️ Fix Software Compatibility Conflicts
Older or clashing programs won't run? Try compatibility mode, admin rights, missing runtime libraries, stopping conflicting services, or reinstall.
Medium30-45 minutes -
🔄 Fix System Restore Failures
System Restore failing? Free up space, run it from Safe Mode, switch System Protection back on, repair WMI and system files, and reset the shadow copy service.
Medium30-45 minutes -
🛡️ Resolve Antivirus Software Conflicts
Antivirus blocking programs or clashing with another security app? Add exclusions, test with protection paused, update definitions or remove the extra one.
Medium30-45 minutes -
📚 Resolve DLL and Library Errors
Fix DLL not found and corrupted DLL errors: run system repairs, re-register the DLL, install Visual C++ runtimes, scan for malware or try System Restore.
Medium30-45 minutes -
⚙️ Resolve Registry Errors Safely
Fix registry errors that cause application failures and system warnings. Covers orphaned entries, broken file associations, COM object errors, and safe cleanup tools.
Medium30-45 minutes -
📦 Software Installation Issues
Program won't install? Run the installer as admin, repair Windows Installer, pause antivirus, add missing runtime files, or try a clean boot.
Medium30-45 minutes -
🔄 Windows Update Failures
Fix Windows Update errors, stuck downloads, and failed installations. Covers error code lookup, update cache clearing, component reset, and manual update installation.
Medium30-45 minutes
You might also run into
-
💥 Fix Game Crashes & Error Codes
Diagnose and fix game crashes, error codes, and application failures
Medium25-40 minutes -
🛡️ Fix Easy Anti-Cheat BSOD Crashes
Easy Anti-Cheat blue screens? Check the EAC service, repair or cleanly reinstall it, update Windows and drivers, and remove conflicting background tools.
Medium30-45 minutes -
🎬 Fix Game Capture & Recording
Fix game capture, recording, and replay issues with OBS, ShadowPlay, and Game DVR
Medium25-40 minutes -
🎮 Fix Game Controller Issues
Game controller not working on PC? Check the cable and pairing, update controller drivers, calibrate it, set up Steam Input, and fix lag and DualSense issues.
Medium30-45 minutes