← Back to docs
Tools - Diagnostics•Updated: November 23, 2024

dxdiag.exe

Check DirectX, graphics, and sound details for diagnostics.

dxdiag.exe

Command: dxdiag.exe or dxdiag

Category: Diagnostics

Type: GUI

Purpose

Opens the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which provides detailed information about DirectX components, graphics cards, sound devices, and input devices installed on your system. Essential for troubleshooting multimedia, gaming, and hardware issues.

Quick Summary

DxDiag is your go-to tool for checking graphics and audio hardware. See detailed information about your GPU, DirectX version, display drivers, sound cards, and system capabilities. Save reports to share with support teams or troubleshoot gaming and multimedia problems.

How to Use

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
  3. Wait a few seconds for the tool to gather information.
  4. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window opens with multiple tabs.
  5. Navigate through tabs to view different hardware and system information.

Alternative methods:

  • Type dxdiag in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Start menu search
  • Search for "DirectX Diagnostic Tool" in the Start menu

Tabs Overview

System Tab:

  • Computer name, OS version, language, and system manufacturer
  • Processor and memory information
  • DirectX version
  • DPI settings

Display Tab(s):

  • Graphics card name, manufacturer, chip type
  • Display memory (VRAM)
  • Current display mode and resolution
  • Driver version, date, and WHQL status
  • DirectX features status (Direct3D, AGP Texture Acceleration, etc.)
  • Notes section shows any detected problems

Sound Tab(s):

  • Sound card name and manufacturer
  • Driver information and version
  • Hardware acceleration level
  • Notes section for detected issues

Input Tab:

  • Connected input devices (keyboard, mouse, game controllers)
  • Device drivers and status

Tips and Best Practices

  • Click "Save All Information" to create a text report for support or future reference.
  • Check the "Notes" section on each tab for detected problems or warnings.
  • Look for outdated driver versions if experiencing graphics or sound issues.
  • Verify DirectX version matches what applications require.
  • Use DxDiag before gaming to ensure DirectX features are enabled.
  • Compare driver dates to manufacturer's website to check if updates are available.
  • Run diagnostic tests on Display and Sound tabs if experiencing problems.

Common Use Cases

  • Gaming troubleshooting: Diagnose DirectX, graphics, or sound issues preventing games from running.
  • Driver verification: Check installed graphics and sound driver versions.
  • Hardware identification: Identify exact graphics card and sound card models.
  • DirectX version check: Verify which DirectX version is installed.
  • Support documentation: Generate reports to share with technical support.
  • System capability check: Verify hardware features before purchasing software or games.

Prerequisites

  • No administrator rights required to view information
  • Administrator rights may be needed to run some diagnostic tests
  • Available on all Windows versions with DirectX installed

Saving Diagnostic Information

  1. Click "Save All Information" button at the bottom
  2. Choose a location and filename
  3. Save as a .txt file
  4. Share this file with support teams or keep for records

The saved file includes comprehensive information from all tabs.

Troubleshooting

  • "dxdiag is not recognized" - Use full path: C:\Windows\System32\dxdiag.exe
  • Tool won't open - Try running as Administrator or check if system files are corrupted (run sfc /scannow).
  • 64-bit vs 32-bit - On 64-bit Windows, dxdiag shows 64-bit info. For 32-bit info, run C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dxdiag.exe
  • Display tab shows problems - Update graphics drivers or check display settings.
  • Sound tab shows problems - Update audio drivers or check audio service status.
  • "No problems found" but issues persist - Problem may be software-related rather than hardware.

Understanding DirectX Features

  • DirectDraw Acceleration: 2D graphics acceleration
  • Direct3D Acceleration: 3D graphics acceleration
  • AGP Texture Acceleration: Accelerated Graphics Port texture loading
  • All should show "Enabled" for optimal performance
  • devmgmt.msc - Device Manager for hardware management
  • msinfo32.exe - System Information for comprehensive system details
  • GPU-Z - Third-party tool for detailed GPU information
  • perfmon.msc - Performance Monitor for hardware performance tracking
  • Windows Update - Keep DirectX and drivers updated