How To Use The DirectX Diagnostic Tool For Troubleshooting In Windows (Quick Guide)

Home » How-To

5 min. read

Published on September 18, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Troubleshooting computer issues can be frustrating, but the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) can be a lifesaver. This powerful built-in Windows utility provides detailed information about your system’s hardware and software, particularly focusing on components relevant to graphics and multimedia performance. Understanding its output can help pinpoint the source of problems ranging from game crashes to video playback issues. This guide will walk you through using DxDiag effectively to diagnose and resolve common Windows problems.

How Can I Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool to Troubleshoot My Windows PC?

Accessing the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type dxdiag and press Enter.
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will launch. If prompted about checking for driver signatures, select "Yes".

Navigating the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

The DxDiag window is divided into several tabs, each providing crucial information:

System: This tab displays general system information, including the operating system version, processor type, memory, and system manufacturer. This is a great starting point for identifying potential bottlenecks or incompatibilities.
Display: This tab details your display adapters (graphics cards), including the manufacturer, model, driver version, and current display settings. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common source of graphics-related problems.
Sound: This section lists your sound devices, including their drivers and current settings. Issues here can cause audio problems in games or multimedia applications.
Input: This tab displays information about your input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers. Problems in this section can affect game controls or general PC usability.
Network: This section provides information about your network adapter, including its driver and connection status. Network problems can impact online gaming or streaming.

Saving and Sharing Your DxDiag Report

Once you’ve reviewed the information, save your report for later reference or to share with technical support:

Click the "Save All Information" button.
Choose a location to save the file (typically a .txt file).
This report contains all the information from the various tabs, making it easy to share with support staff for diagnosis.

Interpreting the Results

Analyzing the DxDiag report requires some technical understanding. Look for any error messages, warnings, or outdated drivers. Compare your hardware specifications to the minimum requirements of any games or applications you’re having trouble with. Outdated drivers are a frequent culprit, and updating them is often the solution.

Tips for Using DxDiag Effectively

Run DxDiag before and after making changes: This allows you to compare the results and see if your changes have resolved the issue.
Pay close attention to error messages: These are often the most important clues to identifying the problem.
Don’t hesitate to search online for solutions: Many common DxDiag errors have well-documented solutions available.
Consider using a driver update utility: These tools can automatically scan for and install the latest drivers for your hardware.

Troubleshooting with DirectX Diagnostic Tool: A Wrap-Up

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool is a powerful tool for troubleshooting various Windows problems, particularly those related to graphics, sound, and input devices. By understanding its different sections and how to interpret the results, you can effectively diagnose and resolve many common computer issues. Remember to save your report for future reference or to share with technical support.

FAQs

What is the DirectX Diagnostic Tool used for?

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag) is a system information utility in Windows used to troubleshoot problems related to DirectX, graphics, sound, and input devices. It provides detailed information about your hardware and software configuration, helping identify issues like game crashes, video playback problems, or audio glitches.

How do I fix errors found in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool?

The solution to errors found in DxDiag varies depending on the specific error. Common solutions include updating outdated drivers, reinstalling software, or checking for hardware compatibility issues. The error messages themselves often provide clues to the problem. Searching online for the specific error message can often provide solutions from other users who have encountered the same problem.

Why is my DirectX Diagnostic Tool not working?

If DxDiag isn’t working, it could be due to a system file corruption, a problem with DirectX itself, or a conflict with another program. Try restarting your computer, running a system file checker (SFC scan), or performing a clean boot to isolate the problem. If the issue persists, consider seeking help from Microsoft support.

Can I use DxDiag to troubleshoot non-gaming related issues?

While DxDiag is frequently used for gaming-related issues, it can also be helpful for troubleshooting other problems related to graphics, sound, and input devices. If you’re experiencing problems with video playback, audio output, or input device functionality, DxDiag can provide valuable information to assist in diagnosis.