How to Use DirectX 12 on Windows 7
DirectX 12 is a crucial technology for modern gaming and graphics applications, but its full support requires a more recent operating system like Windows 10. However, there are several ways to take advantage of some DirectX 12 features on your Windows 7 computer. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can achieve this.
1. Upgrade to Windows 10
The most straightforward solution is to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10. Windows 10 fully supports DirectX 12, ensuring that you can take advantage of the latest features and improvements in gaming and software performance. You can easily upgrade your system by visiting the Microsoft Store and purchasing the upgrade bundle.
2. Utilize DirectX 11
Many games and applications that utilize DirectX 12 also support DirectX 11. Ensure you have the latest version of DirectX 11 installed on your Windows 7 system. This can be done easily via the Windows Update feature, which automatically installs the latest drivers and software updates.
3. Check for Game-Specific Compatibility
Some games may offer DirectX 12-like features through other means or may have specific patches or updates that enhance performance on Windows 7. For instance, Activision-Blizzard ported DirectX 12 to Windows 7 specifically for World of Warcraft (WoW). However, this is not a widespread solution and may not be available for many games.
4. Use Third-Party Tools
There are third-party tools and wrappers like DXVK which can translate DirectX calls to Vulkan. DXVK is primarily used in specific contexts like running Windows games on Linux. While these tools can be useful in some scenarios, they are not officially supported by Microsoft and may not work with all games or software.
Is there any way to get DirectX 12 to work on my Windows 7 computer?
Microsoft has introduced a DirectX 12 port for Windows 7, primarily for use with World of Warcraft. You can only install DirectX 12 on your Windows 7 computer by downloading the WoW patch that includes the required DirectX 12 libraries. This approach is unique to WoW and is not a general solution for all DirectX 12 applications.
Microsoft is willing to support games on a game-by-game basis, as developers request it. So, if you are interested in running DirectX 12 features on your Windows 7 system, you'll need to find a game that is ported to DirectX 12 and check if the patch includes support for Windows 7.
For example, in the case of World of Warcraft, the upgrade to DirectX 12 resulted in a significant performance boost. According to Blizzard, the DirectX 12 port for Windows 7 achieved a 10fps performance gain, albeit compared to DirectX 12 on Windows 10.
Is it worth the effort?
Microsoft’s strategy reflects a nuanced approach to continuing support for legacy operating systems. They understand that users upgrade their systems when they feel the need, not necessarily due to a decline in support. With more games and software moving to Linux, Microsoft might value maintaining their existing user base rather than pushing too hard, which could result in users switching to alternative platforms.
It is worth considering if the performance benefits of DirectX 12 justify the effort and potential compatibility issues. For hardcore gamers and early adopters, the seamless integration offered by Windows 10 might be the best option, while others might find it more practical to stick with their current setup until software and hardware support is more widespread.