Can’t Install DirectX in Windows 10: 7 Ways to Fix That
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- Looking for DirectX installation repair solutions? The problem might be tied to missing .DLL files.
- If you’re wondering how to fix the DirectX error, try installing older versions of the software.
- We encourage using a third-party .DLL fixer to quickly get rid of this specific DirectX error.
- One other thing you could do is reinstalling your GPU drivers. We selected a program that can do that for you.
DirectX is a crucial component required by many multimedia applications, but some users complain that they can’t install DirectX in Windows 10.
This might be due to some DirectX errors on Windows 10. Thankfully, you can solve them. Today we’re going to show all the different ways to do it.
What to do if DirectX setup could not download the file message appears on Windows 10?
This is a common problem, and it appears on all versions of Windows. It’s one of the most common DirectX errors on Windows 11.
To fix it, you need to ensure that your network connection is stable and that you have all the necessary privileges.
In case these conditions aren’t met, you can get the message from above, or even An internal system error occurred DirectX setup message.
Can DirectX be corrupted?
Several users have reported DirectX files being corrupted, leading to a range of issues, including the inability to play games, frequent BSOD errors, and flashes on the screen.
There are a couple of solutions here, be it running SFC (System File Checker), DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool, the Check Disk scan, or reverting to a previous version of it, amongst others.
How can I fix DirectX errors in Windows 10?
1. Install the previous version of DirectX
Some applications require older versions of DirectX to run properly, and you have to install it manually. To do that, you can download the installer from here.
After you’ve downloaded the file, install it and restart your computer. After your computer restarts, most DirectX errors should be fixed.
If you want to install an older version of DirectX, check the link above. But if you’re interested in the latest version and how it improves GPU performance, read this article.
2. Reinstall your graphics card drivers
- Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager.
- When Device Manager starts, go to Display Adapters section and locate your graphic card driver.
- Right-click the driver and choose Uninstall.
- Check Remove the driver software for this device and click OK .
- After you’ve uninstalled the driver, restart your computer.
- After your computer restarts, go to your graphic card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your graphic card.
- Install the downloaded drivers.
Few users reported that DirectX problems were fixed simply by reinstalling their graphic card drivers. This method also works when you can’t install DirectX on Windows 7.
2.2 Update drivers automatically
If this method doesn’t work or you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically using third-party software.
You’ll forget about the time you wasted manually searching for the right drivers for your components since the process will be run by the program automatically.
3. Reinstall one of the previous updates
- Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security.
- Go to Windows Update section and click on Advanced options.
- Click View your update history.
- Click on Uninstall updates.
- Before uninstalling an update you have to do some research and find which of these updates is a DirectX update.
- Uninstall that update and restart your computer.
Sometimes previously installed updates can cause issues with DirectX; if that’s the case, you might have to uninstall these updates.
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue. Find out if a specific update is installed or not with the help of this guide.
4. Download Visual C++ Redistributables
- Download the package.
- Run the setup.
- Follow the instructions and install the Visual c++ Redistributables.
- If installing the whole package doesn’t fix the problem, you can try installing a specific version from the list.
Few users reported that installing Visual C++ Redistributables has fixed DirectX errors. Make sure you install the whole package or a specific version. Downloading the missing Visual C++ Redistributables will do the trick when you can’t install Directx in Windows 11.
Read more about this topic
- FIX: DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error in Windows
- FIX: DirectX function GetDeviceRemovedReason failed with error
- How to fix Dev Error 6068 [Warzone, Overclock, DirectX]
5. Download the missing .dll files
Few users report that you can fix DirectX errors on Windows 10 simply by downloading the missing .dll files and moving them to the WindowsSystem32 or WindowsSysWOW64 folder.
This solution might not be the safest if you download these missing files manually, so keep that in mind. Alternatively, you can copy the missing .dll files from another computer you use.
This solution can lead to potential system instability, so use it at your own risk.
Use a third-party .DLL fixer
You can restore. DLL files if you use a specialized program that can download missing system files and restore corrupted ones.
A tool like this can also keep you safe by performing periodic scans and checks to make sure your computer is healthy and unaffected by malware or spyware.
6. Make sure you meet the recommended system requirements
- Open the Windows search bar.
- Type in dxdiag and select it.
- In the System tab, check to see your RAM and CPU model.
- In the Display tab, check to see your GPU model.
I know it’s probably unlikely, but if you’re using an older computer, you might want to check if it meets the minimum system requirements for running DirectX. Here are the minimum system requirements for DirectX 12:
7. Install .NET Framework using the Command Prompt
- Go to the Search, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:sourcessxs
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Restart your computer.
To install the .NET Framework, you must use the good old DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) service. If DSIM fails, quickly fix it with this step-by-step guide.
However, we’re not going to use the whole tool, but just a part that will allow us to install the .NET Framework.
Is there a way to reinstall DirectX?
While there’s no reliable and dedicated uninstaller software to remove DirectX and then manually install it, you can always reinstall DirectX through several methods.
Since updates for DirectX are released alongside Windows Update in the newer iterations, checking for these should get you the latest version, and the OS will reinstall it over the previous one.
DirectX is an integral part of all Windows operating systems, therefore, any DirectX problems can cause your favorite applications to stop working.
If you have any DirectX problems on Windows 10, feel free to try some of our solutions. For more suggestions or questions, reach out to the comments section below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
Discover more
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DirectX 9 Setup error creating process. Help!
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Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
I recently reinstalled my Windows 8.1 pro because i had a broken system reserved partition, one of my games needs DirectX 9 (else it will give an error) but when i try to install DirectX 9 i get this error:
Thanks in advance
USAFRet
I changed the temp folders to keep the writes to the ssd to its minimal
You don’t really need to do that.
Change it back and see what happens.
sb1370
Distinguished
Aug 22, 2013 31 0 18,530
I can play Halo (which requires DirectX 9) without installing DirectX 9 on Windows 8.1.
Maybe the DirectX setup you have is corrupted?
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
I can play Halo (which requires DirectX 9) without installing DirectX 9 on Windows 8.1.
Maybe the DirectX setup you have is corrupted?
No it aint corrupt i downloaded multiple installers for it all not working
It has something to do with advpack.dll in windows system32 folder
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
How are you trying to install DirectX 9?
Start here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35
Gives theseme error D:
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
From your image, you seem to have some or all of your Windows install on the D drive.
Why is this?
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
From your image, you seem to have some or all of your Windows install on the D drive.
Why is this?
No with «D:» i ment a smile like ): but my windows install is on the C drive (ssd)
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
From your image, you seem to have some or all of your Windows install on the D drive.
Why is this?
No with «D:» i ment a smile like ): but my windows install is on the C drive (ssd)
«Error creating process »
. is what I see in your linked image.
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
From your image, you seem to have some or all of your Windows install on the D drive.
Why is this?
No with «D:» i ment a smile like ): but my windows install is on the C drive (ssd)
«Error creating process »
. is what I see in your linked image.
I changed the temp folders to keep the writes to the ssd to its minimal
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
I changed the temp folders to keep the writes to the ssd to its minimal
You don’t really need to do that.
Change it back and see what happens.
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
I changed the temp folders to keep the writes to the ssd to its minimal
You don’t really need to do that.
Change it back and see what happens.
What are the original locations again?
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
I changed the temp folders to keep the writes to the ssd to its minimal
You don’t really need to do that.
Change it back and see what happens.
What are the original locations again?
There are ‘many’ temp folders. Which one(s) did you change?
C:\Windows\
C:\Windows\WinSxS\
\AppData\Local\
others.
Royvds
Distinguished
Jun 13, 2014 125 0 18,690
Thx bro, its fixed now! you’re the best, but are you sure this won’t decrease my ssd’s lifespan ?
USAFRet
Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013 171,067 17,671 184,590
Thx bro, its fixed now! you’re the best, but are you sure this won’t decrease my ssd’s lifespan ?
Current consumer grade SSD’s will last years/decades in normal use.
My current C drive (Kingston HyperX 3k 120GB) has 6.9TB total writes, in 2+ years of 24/7 operation.
Endurance tests have shown that and similar SSD’s to last well beyond 800TB total writes.
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advpack.dll Missing Error: How to Fix It
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- The advpack.dll, developed by Microsoft, allows Windows and programs to run .inf files and is a vital part of the OS.
- If the DLL is missing, it’s the corrupt system files or the incorrect environment variables to blame.
- To fix things, we would first recommend trying a dedicated DLL repair tool, but there are other solutions that, too, work.
If we look through the Windows directory, there would be hundreds of DLL files. Besides, many specific third-party programs are stored in dedicated folders. Remember, when a DLL is missing or corrupt, errors start appearing. And advpack.dll is a common troubling factor for users.
The error message with the advpack DLL usually reads, Error creating process . Reason: Windows\System32\advpack.dll. Also, re-registering the DLL throws the message, Make sure that “advpack.dll” is a valid DLL or OCX file and then try again. So, let’s find out!
What is the use of Advpack DLL?
The advpack.dll is a critical file in Windows that facilitates the installation of programs by identifying and reading the .inf files. Published by Microsoft, the DLL plays a vital role, and even simple issues with it can trigger a range of errors.
Here are the primary reasons you get the advpack.dll error with DirectX:
- Corrupt system files: One of the most common reasons, corrupt system files are often responsible when you get a DLL not found error.
- Malware infection: A system infected with malware doesn’t perform effectively and will keep throwing errors randomly.
- Missing redistributable packages: Some users reported that advpack.dll went missing after uninstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages, and reinstalling it did the trick.
What can I do if advpack.dll is missing?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick things to try:
- Check for pending Windows updates and install them.
- Make sure you are not installing a 64-bit program on a 32-bit version of Windows.
- Scan your PC for malware with the built-in Windows Security or use an effective antivirus.
- Copy the DLL to the System32 folder from another computer running the same OS.
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Use a dedicated DLL repair tool
When one of Microsoft’s DLLs is missing or throwing an error, you could go with the handful of built-in tools, but none guarantee results and users often have to fend for themselves. An ideal approach, in this case, is to use a DLL repair tool.
2. Run the DISM and SFC scan
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter .
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Now, paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Once done, execute this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
- Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.
3. Download Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
Since the advpack.dll is linked to MSVC, missing or deleted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables can also trigger the error when installing or updating DirectX in Windows.
When faced with the situation, head to Microsoft’s dedicated webpage and download the latest redistributable packages. Make sure to get every package for a specific version to be sure, and install them. Once done, check whether the advpack.dll update error disappears.
Read more about this topic
- Solved: Cross Device Experience Host Not Installing
- Nvgpucomp64.dll Keeps Crashing Games: 5 Ways to Fix it
- Metadata Staging Failed: Here’s How to Fix it
- Msxml4.dll Missing: 8 Quick Ways to Fix it
- Windows Command Line Generates Random Password [Solved]
4. Change environment variables
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type View advanced system settings in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
- Click on Environment Variables.
- Select the Temp entry, and click on Edit.
- Enter the following value in the Variable value field, and click OK: C:\Temp
- Make similar changes to the TMP variable, and click OK to save the changes.
When the environment variables are misconfigured, you may come across the advpack.dll Error creating process message while installing programs in Windows. And reconfiguring them should instantly get things running.
5. Perform an in-place upgrade
- Go to Microsoft’s official website, select your edition of Windows, and click on Download.
- Now, choose the product language from the dropdown menu, and click Confirm.
- Click on the link that appears to start downloading the Windows 11 ISO.
- Once done, double-click on the file and click Open to confirm.
- Launch the setup.exe file.
- Click on Next to proceed.
- Click Agree to accept Microsoft’s license terms.
- Finally, verify that the setup reads Keep personal files and apps, and then click on Install.
When nothing else works, the last option is to perform an in-place upgrade to eliminate the advpack.dll error in Internet Explorer and all other programs. Though the process takes a few hours, the personal files and installed apps remain unaffected.
And before you leave, do not forget to check our curated list of the best DLL repair tools to fix such errors with ease in the future.
For any queries or to share which solution worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics: DLL errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem. Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Discover more
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