How to Restore DirectX 12 after Accidentally Downloaded DirectX 9 on Windows 10

Introduction

Have you ever accidentally downloaded and installed the wrong version of DirectX, such as DirectX 9, on your Windows 10 system, and are now missing the more powerful DirectX 12? Don't worry, this guide will walk you through the steps to restore DirectX 12 and get back your system performance. Additionally, if your system is still suffering from issues, a System Restore might be the answer. Let's dive into the details below!

Step 1: Determine If DirectX 12 Is Still Installed

First, it's important to check if DirectX 12 is still installed on your system. You can easily do this by opening the Command Prompt and entering the following command:

dxdiag

This will open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, which provides a comprehensive overview of your graphics drivers and installed DirectX releases. Look for the DirectX version information within the output. If DirectX 12 is listed, you likely still have it.

Step 2: Download the Correct DirectX Version

If the DirectX Diagnostic Tool confirms that DirectX 12 is not installed, or if your PC is showing a version lower than 12, you'll need to download and install the correct version. You can find the DirectX End User Runtime installer for Windows 10 from the official Microsoft website. Visit the following URL for the latest download:

Microsoft DirectX End User Runtime

Step 3: Check System Restore Point

If you suspect that the accidental installation might have overwritten DirectX 12, you might want to revert your system to a previous state. You can do this with System Restore. Follow these steps:

Right-click the Start button and select System. Click on System protection. Select your drive and click on Create. Make sure to pick a restore point before your brother's action to revert to. Now, select System Restore. Follow the instructions to choose which restore point to use.

Step 4: Confirm DirectX 12 Installation

After attempting to restore from System Restore or reinstalling DirectX 12, it's crucial to confirm that the installation was successful. Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool again to verify that DirectX 12 is correctly installed.

Common Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter when trying to restore DirectX 12 and how to address them:

Issue 1: System Restore Fails

If System Restore fails, it's possible that your system configuration has been significantly altered, making it difficult to revert to a previous state. In such cases, consider manually uninstalling the incorrect version of DirectX using the built-in Add or Remove Programs feature. For example, using the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall path in the Registry Editor may provide a more direct method.

Issue 2: DirectX 12 Installation Fails

If DirectX 12 installation fails, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including missing system files or necessary dependencies. Make sure your system has the latest updates installed, and check for any conflicting software. Sometimes, you might need to run the installer with administrator privileges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, restoring DirectX 12 after accidentally downloading DirectX 9 on Windows 10 is a straightforward process. Whether you need to download the correct version or use System Restore, follow the steps outlined in this guide to get your system back up and running efficiently. Always ensure you have a backup of important data and regular system maintenance to prevent such issues in the future.