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Directx 12 is an essential tool for gaming on Windows 11. It usually comes enabled by default on compatible hardware. However, some users have reported that the Directx 12 Ultimate isn’t working on their PC.
Here’s a YouTube video explaining how you can enable Directx 12 Ultimate in Windows 11:
In this article, we’ll explain five methods to do so easily:
Here we've covered:
Check DirectX 12 support
Before making any changes, check if DirectX 12 Ultimate is already enabled on your system:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type dxdiag and press Enter to open the DirectX Diagnostics Tool.
Step 2: Navigate to the Display tab.
Step 3: Look for DirectX 12 Ultimate under the DirectX Featues section.
If DirectX 12 Ultimate is already enabled, you don’t need to do anything further. If not, proceed with the following steps.
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Enable hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling
One possible reason DirectX 12 Ultimate isn’t working is that Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling is disabled. To enable it:
Step 1: Press the Windows Key and search for Graphics Settings.
Step 2: Click on Advanced Graphics Settings and toggle Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling to On.
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
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Enable legacy components in Windows
Some legacy features may be necessary for DirectX 12 Ultimate to function properly. To enable them:
Step 1: Press the Windows Key and search for Windows Features.
Step 2: Scroll down and find Legacy Components. Ensure that you’ve checked the box in front of Legacy Components and DirectPlay.
Step 4: Click OK, and Windows will download any necessary files.
Restart your PC once the process is complete.
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Update Windows
DirectX 12 Ultimate is often included in Windows updates, so ensuring your system is up to date can help resolve compatibility issues. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Go to Window Update and press Check for Updates. Next, install any available updates and restart your PC.
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Update your GPU drivers
Your graphics card drivers must be up to date for DirectX 12 Ultimate to function correctly.
For Nvidia, AMD and Intel users, here are the resources:
- AMD: Open AMD Radeon software, navigate to Updates, and install the latest version. Alternatively, you can head to the official website for update.
- Intel: Open the Intel Graphics Command Center and update your drivers here. You can also visit the Intel Driver and Support Assistant.
- Nvidia: Head to this article to understand how to update your Nvidia GPU.
With the latest Windows updates, up-to-date GPU drivers, and proper system settings, DirectX 12 Ultimate should be enabled on your PC. If you’re using an RTX-series GPU or equivalent, you should be able to take full advantage of DirectX 12 Ultimate’s features for gaming.
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