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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →DXDiag.exe is Windows’ built-in DirectX Diagnostic Tool. It reports your Windows version, DirectX environment, graphics adapters and drivers, audio devices, and input hardware. It is useful for finding clues and creating the DxDiag.txt file that game support teams often request—but it normally does not repair drivers, increase FPS, reinstall DirectX, or fix a failing graphics card.
Use it to identify what Windows detects, then apply the appropriate fix: Windows Update, a manufacturer-provided driver, game-file repair, settings changes, or further hardware and software troubleshooting.
Alongside DXDiag checks, Outbyte Driver Updater can compare current and recommended graphics drivers when diagnosing Windows gaming or display problems.
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What is DxDiag.exe?
DxDiag.exe stands for DirectX Diagnostic Tool. DirectX is a collection of Windows technologies that games and multimedia software use to communicate with graphics and audio hardware. DxDiag gathers configuration and diagnostic information about that environment.
It can show your Windows build, DirectX version, processor, memory, graphics adapters, driver details, audio devices, and input hardware. Microsoft documents it as a way to check DirectX and related system information, including from the System, Display, and Sound sections (Microsoft’s DirectX diagnostic guidance).
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It is a diagnostic and reporting tool, not a repair utility. Running it will not normally update a graphics driver, repair corrupted game files, benchmark your GPU, or prove that your hardware is healthy under load.
Is DxDiag.exe safe?
The legitimate Windows executable is normally located at:
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C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exeThe safest way to run it is through Windows Search, the Run dialog, or that standard Windows path. Avoid websites offering a separate “DxDiag download,” “DxDiag repair tool,” or paid driver fixer. DxDiag is included with Windows.
If a file named dxdiag.exe appears in an unusual folder, do not assume it is legitimate. Check its location and digital signature, and scan it with your security software before running it.
How to open DxDiag in Windows 10 or Windows 11
Option 1: Windows Search
- Open Start or the taskbar Search box.
- Type
dxdiag. - Select dxdiag or DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- If Windows asks whether to verify digitally signed drivers, select Yes for the standard diagnostic process.
Option 2: Run dialog
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
dxdiag. - Press Enter or select OK.
Option 3: Open the executable directly
In Run or File Explorer, enter:
C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exeThe exact buttons and tabs can differ between Windows builds and hardware configurations. If the interface offers Run 64-bit DxDiag, use it on a normal 64-bit Windows installation. The wording is not identical on every system, and choosing 64-bit is not a repair step; it simply produces a report appropriate to that operating-system environment (EA’s DxDiag instructions).
How to save a DxDiag report
- Open DxDiag and allow it to finish collecting information.
- Select Save All Information….
- Choose a location such as the Desktop.
- Save the text file, usually named
DxDiag.txt. - Attach it to an official support case or share it only with a reputable support service.
Save a new report after installing updates or changing drivers. Include the game name, exact error, when the problem began, and whether it affects one game or all games. A report without that context is much harder to interpret.
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Protect your privacy before sharing
A report can contain your Windows build, computer model, device names, driver paths, display and audio configuration, and user-created folder paths. Before posting it publicly, remove usernames, email addresses, computer names, serial numbers, license identifiers, and personal file paths where present. Prefer an official support portal or private ticket, and never upload the file to an unknown driver-scanning website.
How to read a DxDiag report
System tab
The System section commonly includes:
- Windows edition and build
- Computer manufacturer and model
- Processor and installed memory
- BIOS information
- DirectX version
- Whether the report was generated by a 32-bit or 64-bit tool, where shown
Use this information to compare your computer with a game’s official minimum and recommended requirements. A DirectX version alone does not establish compatibility or expected performance.
Display tab or tabs
Inspect every Display tab. Laptops and some desktops have both integrated and discrete graphics, so the first tab may not show the whole picture.
| Field | What it can tell you | Useful next step |
|---|---|---|
| Adapter name | Which GPU Windows detects | Confirm the expected NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, or integrated adapter is present |
| Driver version and date | Which driver is installed | Check the correct first-party driver source; an old date is a clue, not proof of the cause |
| Feature levels | Graphics capabilities exposed to software | Compare them with the game’s requirements |
| Display memory information | Reported graphics-memory configuration | Compare it with the game’s requirements, while remembering that reported values are not an FPS benchmark |
| Problems or notes | Whether DxDiag detected a reported device or driver issue | Investigate Device Manager and the appropriate driver source |
If the expected dedicated GPU is missing, that is more significant than merely seeing an old driver. Investigate Device Manager, laptop graphics-mode settings, BIOS/UEFI options where relevant, desktop monitor connections, PCIe power connections, and possible hardware failure. DxDiag alone cannot identify which one is responsible.
Sound tab or tabs
Check the audio device name, driver version and date, and any reported problems. You may see motherboard audio, HDMI or DisplayPort audio, USB headsets, and virtual audio devices. This helps when a game has no sound, initializes audio incorrectly, produces distortion, or chooses the wrong output.
DxDiag identifies the devices; it does not change Windows’ default output device or repair an audio driver.
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Input tab
The Input section can show detected controllers, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. It is less often decisive for a modern game crash, but it can help with controller-detection problems. Not every computer displays identical tabs.
Use DxDiag as a troubleshooting decision process
1. Classify the problem first
Record the game title and version, Windows version, exact error, failure point, and whether the issue affects one game or multiple games. Note whether it started after a Windows, driver, or game update, and whether sound or controller functions are also affected.
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Compare the requirements with the System and Display information. A system reporting DirectX 12 does not necessarily support every DirectX 12 feature or feature level. A GPU may also lack the required performance, video memory, ray-tracing capability, or shader support. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee stable performance.
3. Check the Display sections
Confirm the expected GPU appears, review driver details and reported problems, and inspect all Display tabs. On a laptop, verify that the game is not selecting integrated graphics when the discrete adapter is required.
4. Update through the correct channel
- Install pending Windows updates.
- Install the current graphics driver from the GPU or computer manufacturer.
- For laptops, check the laptop manufacturer first because its driver may be customized.
- Restart Windows.
- Generate a fresh DxDiag report and compare it with the old one.
Use official sources such as NVIDIA drivers, AMD support, or Intel driver support. Avoid random driver-download sites and generic paid driver-updater utilities.
For current Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations, Microsoft says the latest DirectX version supported by that Windows installation is delivered through Windows Update. Do not treat a random “DirectX download” as the normal solution (Microsoft’s guidance).
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5. Investigate audio or input symptoms
If Sound reports a problem, confirm that Windows is using the intended output, check for disabled or disconnected devices, update the audio driver through the PC or motherboard manufacturer, and temporarily disconnect unnecessary virtual audio devices or overlays. Test another output device if possible.
For controller problems, confirm that Windows detects the controller, test another USB port or connection method, and check the game’s own input settings.
6. Save and share the updated report
After changes, save a fresh report with Save All Information…. Microsoft, Intel, NVIDIA, EA, and other support providers document this procedure. A support technician will get more value from the complete report plus the exact error and a record of what changed.
Common findings and what they mean
“No problems found”
Treat this as a useful negative clue, not a clean bill of health. It means DxDiag did not report a problem through its own checks for that section. It does not prove that the GPU is healthy under load, the game is compatible, the driver is optimal, the game files are intact, or no overlay or mod is interfering.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchDirectX 12 is installed, but the game will not run
Possible causes include an unsupported feature level, an outdated or damaged driver, an older Windows build, insufficient GPU or system memory, the wrong GPU being selected, corrupted game files, an anti-cheat or overlay conflict, or a game-specific fault. Do not respond by trying to install DirectX 12 as a universal standalone package on Windows 10 or 11.
The driver date is old
An old date justifies checking the manufacturer’s current driver. It does not prove that the driver caused the problem: Windows Update, laptop manufacturers, and GPU vendors use different release schedules. Note the current version and date, install the appropriate replacement, reboot, and test again.
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There are multiple Display tabs
This is normal on many systems with integrated and discrete graphics. Review every adapter, not just the first one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Problem-specific next steps
- Game will not launch: compare requirements, confirm the expected GPU and feature levels, update Windows and drivers, and verify the game’s files through its launcher.
- Crashes during play: check for driver or device errors, then investigate overlays, unsupported mods, overheating, unstable overclocking or undervolting, memory pressure, and game crash logs.
- Black screen or graphical corruption: check the selected adapter, driver status, display connections, and temperatures. DxDiag cannot test every physical or power-related GPU fault.
- Low FPS or stuttering: use DxDiag to confirm hardware and drivers, but use an in-game or vendor performance overlay to measure FPS, frame times, temperatures, and utilization.
- No sound: inspect all Sound tabs, confirm the Windows output device, check HDMI/DisplayPort and USB devices, and test another output.
- Wrong GPU in use: verify all Display tabs and investigate Windows graphics settings, laptop manufacturer controls, and power or monitor connections.
- Direct3D or DirectX error: reboot, install Windows updates, update or reinstall the correct graphics driver, check Device Manager, and verify game files before escalating.
- Controller trouble: use the Input section as a clue, then check Windows detection, connection, firmware, and the game’s input configuration.
What DxDiag cannot diagnose
DxDiag generally cannot determine:
- Whether a GPU is overheating or physically failing
- Whether the power supply is inadequate
- Actual in-game FPS or sustained-load stability
- Whether game files are corrupted
- Whether an overlay, mod, anti-cheat service, or game server is responsible
- Whether a driver is optimal for a particular game
- Whether the game is using the GPU efficiently in every situation
If crashes continue after driver updates, verify game files, disable overlays, remove unsupported mods, check the game’s known-issues page, test without overclocking, monitor temperatures and power behavior, inspect Event Viewer or game crash logs, and check RAM and storage health if failures affect the whole system.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf DxDiag will not open or the report is incomplete
DxDiag will not open
- Try both Windows Search and Windows key + R.
- Launch
C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exedirectly. - Restart Windows.
- Check whether other built-in Windows utilities open normally.
- Use Microsoft’s current Windows system-repair procedures if multiple system tools are failing.
- Escalate rather than downloading a replacement
dxdiag.exe.
Possible causes include damaged system files, malware or third-party interference, user-profile problems, or broader Windows instability.
The report is blank or incomplete
Wait for collection to finish, restart the computer, update the relevant driver, and run the report again. Close unnecessary hardware-monitoring and overlay software temporarily. Include any displayed error message when contacting support. Safe Mode can help isolate interference in some cases, but graphics acceleration and normal drivers may not work normally there, so it is not a universal fix.
Useful alternatives
- Device Manager: shows device error codes and supports enabling, disabling, rolling back, or removing drivers. It provides less standardized DirectX context.
- System Information (
msinfo32): offers a broader Windows, hardware, and software inventory. It is not a replacement when a publisher specifically requestsDxDiag.txt. - GPU vendor utilities: NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel tools are better for vendor-specific drivers, profiles, monitoring, and hardware features.
- Event Viewer and game logs: may reveal crashes that DxDiag does not test.
Bottom line
Run DxDiag when you need a reliable snapshot of what Windows detects or when a support team requests DxDiag.txt. Read the System, every Display, Sound, and Input section; compare the findings with the game’s requirements; and treat “No problems found” as only one clue. The report points toward the fix—the actual solution may be a Windows update, a correctly sourced driver, game-file repair, a configuration change, or deeper hardware and software diagnostics.
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