Game Won't Launch? Fix Unsupported DirectX Version Errors Now!

Table of Contents

• Unsupported DirectX Version: Troubleshooting Guide¶
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶

Are you encountering the frustrating “Unsupported DirectX version” error when trying to launch your favorite game on Windows 11 or 10? This error, often reported by players attempting to dive into immersive worlds, can halt your gaming session before it even begins. While this issue is prominently linked to certain titles, including the visually stunning Avatar game, it’s not exclusive to just one. The good news is that this problem is often solvable, and this guide provides a comprehensive set of fixes to get you back into the game.

The full error message typically reads:

No supported DirectX version found.

Please download and install the most recent DirectX End-User Runtime.

This message clearly indicates a problem with DirectX, a crucial component for running graphics-intensive applications like games on Windows. Let’s explore practical solutions to resolve this error and ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Unsupported DirectX Version: Troubleshooting Guide¶

When faced with the “Unsupported DirectX version” or “No supported DirectX version found” error during game launch, it signals that your system’s DirectX installation might be outdated, corrupted, or misconfigured for the game’s requirements. Before diving into more complex solutions, a simple first step is to manually check for and install any pending Windows updates. Operating system updates often include DirectX updates or necessary system file revisions that can resolve compatibility issues. If updating Windows doesn’t clear the error, proceed with the following detailed solutions.

Here’s a structured approach to tackle this DirectX issue:

1. Install DirectX End-User Runtime
2. Repair Microsoft .NET Framework
3. Update or Reinstall Your Graphics Card Driver
4. Run the Game Launcher as Administrator
5. Launch the Game Directly (Outside the Launcher)
6. Define Game Arguments
7. Disable Compatibility Mode
8. Edit the state.cfg File (Specific to Avatar Game)

Let’s delve into each of these solutions step-by-step.

1] Install DirectX End-User Runtime¶

The error message itself points towards the primary solution: installing the most recent DirectX End-User Runtime. This runtime package is essential because it contains a collection of legacy DirectX SDK runtime libraries. Many games, especially older titles, rely on these libraries like D3DX9, D3DX10, D3DX11, XAudio 2.7, XInput 1.3, XACT, and Managed DirectX 1.1. These components are crucial for the game to interact correctly with your system’s graphics and audio hardware.

Installing the DirectX End-User Runtime can resolve a broad spectrum of gaming errors related to DirectX. You can obtain the latest version directly from Microsoft’s official website. It’s a safe and recommended practice to always download software from official sources to avoid potential security risks.

Download DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft Official Website

Simply visit the provided link, download the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. After installation, restart your computer and attempt to launch the game again to see if the error is resolved.

2] Repair Microsoft .NET Framework¶

The Microsoft .NET Framework is another critical software framework for Windows applications, including many games. A corrupted installation of the .NET Framework can sometimes indirectly lead to DirectX-related errors during game launches. Repairing the .NET Framework can resolve underlying issues that might be triggering the “Unsupported DirectX version” error.

Microsoft provides a dedicated tool called the .NET Framework Repair Tool to diagnose and fix common issues with the framework. Downloading and running this tool is a straightforward process.

Download .NET Framework Repair Tool

Download the repair tool from a trusted source. Run the tool, and it will automatically attempt to detect and repair any issues with your .NET Framework installation. After the repair process, restart your system and check if the game now launches without the DirectX error.

3] Update or Reinstall Your Graphics Card Driver¶

Graphics card drivers are the software bridge between your operating system, games, and your graphics processing unit (GPU). Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of various gaming issues, including DirectX errors. Ensuring you have the latest, stable drivers for your graphics card is crucial for optimal gaming performance and compatibility.

Updating Your Graphics Card Driver:

The most direct way to update your graphics drivers is through the manufacturer’s website. Major GPU manufacturers like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel regularly release driver updates that include performance improvements, bug fixes, and support for new games and technologies.

• NVIDIA: Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download page. You can choose between manually selecting your product or using NVIDIA’s automatic driver update tool, GeForce Experience.
• AMD: Go to the AMD Support and Drivers page. AMD offers a similar approach, allowing manual selection or using their auto-detect tool.
• Intel: For integrated Intel GPUs, visit the Intel Download Center. You can search for drivers based on your Intel processor or graphics model.

Download the latest driver for your specific graphics card and operating system. Close all running applications before starting the driver installation. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update process. After updating, restart your computer.

Reinstalling Your Graphics Card Driver (Using DDU):

If updating the driver doesn’t solve the problem, or if you suspect driver corruption, a clean reinstall might be necessary. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a utility designed to completely remove graphics card drivers, including registry entries and leftover files, ensuring a clean slate for a fresh driver installation.

1. Download the Latest Driver: Before using DDU, download the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and save it to a location you can easily access.
2. Download and Run DDU: Download DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) from a reputable source. Launch DDU and follow the recommended instructions, which usually involve booting into Safe Mode for the uninstallation process to be most effective.
3. Clean Uninstall: In DDU, select your graphics card manufacturer and choose the “Clean and restart” option. DDU will remove the existing drivers and automatically restart your computer.
4. Install the New Driver: Once your system restarts, run the driver installer you downloaded earlier. Follow the installation steps.
5. Restart Again: After the new driver installation, restart your computer one more time to ensure everything is properly set up.

After reinstalling the graphics driver, try launching the game again to check if the DirectX error persists.

4] Run the Game Launcher as Administrator¶

Sometimes, games or game launchers require administrative privileges to function correctly. Lack of these privileges can lead to various issues, including DirectX errors. Running the game launcher as an administrator grants it elevated permissions, which might be necessary for accessing system resources or writing configuration files that are needed for the game to launch properly.

To run a game launcher as an administrator:

1. Locate the Launcher Executable: Find the executable file (.exe) for your game launcher (e.g., Steam.exe, EpicGamesLauncher.exe, UbisoftConnect.exe). This is typically located in the installation directory of the launcher.
2. Right-Click and Run as Administrator: Right-click on the launcher’s executable file. From the context menu, select “Run as administrator.”
3. Confirm and Launch: Windows may ask for confirmation to allow the application to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to proceed. The game launcher will now start with administrator privileges.

After launching the launcher as administrator, try launching the game from within the launcher. If this resolves the issue, you can configure the launcher to always run as administrator.

To make the game launcher always run as administrator:

1. Right-Click the Executable: Right-click on the game launcher’s executable file (.exe).
2. Select Properties: Choose “Properties” from the context menu.
3. Compatibility Tab: Go to the “Compatibility” tab in the Properties window.
4. Check “Run this program as an administrator”: Under the “Settings” section, check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator.”
5. Apply and OK: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Now, every time you launch the game launcher, it will automatically run with administrator privileges.

5] Launch the Game Directly (Outside the Launcher)¶

Game launchers are convenient for managing games, updates, and social features, but sometimes, they can be the source of launch issues. Bypassing the launcher and launching the game directly from its installation directory can help isolate whether the problem lies with the launcher itself or the game files.

To launch the game directly:

1. Find the Game Installation Directory: Locate the installation folder of the game. This is usually found in directories like “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” on your C: drive, often within the game launcher’s folder (e.g., SteamApps for Steam games, Epic Games for Epic Games games, Ubisoft for Ubisoft games). You can also typically find the installation directory by right-clicking the game in your launcher and selecting “Properties” or “Manage” and then “Browse local files.”
2. Locate the Game Executable: Inside the game’s installation directory, look for the game’s executable file (.exe). This file usually has the game’s name or a similar identifier.
3. Double-Click to Launch: Double-click the game’s executable file to launch it directly.

If launching the game directly resolves the error, it might indicate an issue with the game launcher. You can also try running the game’s executable as an administrator, similar to how you ran the launcher as administrator, by right-clicking the .exe file and selecting “Run as administrator.”

6] Define Game Arguments¶

Game arguments, also known as command-line arguments or launch options, are specific commands you can add when launching a game to modify its behavior. In the context of DirectX errors, specifying the DirectX version to be used by the game can sometimes force it to use a compatible version, potentially resolving the “Unsupported DirectX version” error. Forcing the game to use DirectX 12 is a common approach.

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The method for defining game arguments varies depending on the game launcher you are using. Here’s how to do it for popular launchers:

For Ubisoft Connect:

1. Open Ubisoft Connect.
2. Navigate to “Games.”
3. Select the affected game.
4. Choose “Properties” on the left side menu.
5. Scroll down and click “Add command line arguments.”
6. Enter -dx12 and click “Save.”

For Epic Games Launcher:

1. Open Epic Games Launcher.
2. Click your profile icon and select “Settings.”
3. Scroll down to find your installed games. Click on the affected game to expand its settings.
4. Check the “Additional Command Line Arguments” checkbox.
5. Type -dx12 in the text field.

For Steam:

1. Open Steam.
2. Go to your “Library.”
3. Right-click on the game and select “Properties.”
4. In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, find “LAUNCH OPTIONS.”
5. Type -dx12 in the “LAUNCH OPTIONS” text box.

After adding the -dx12 argument, close the launcher and relaunch the game to see if the error is resolved. If -dx12 doesn’t work, you can also try -dx11 or -dx9 to force the game to use older DirectX versions, though DirectX 12 is generally recommended for modern games if your system supports it.

7] Turn Off Compatibility Mode¶

Compatibility Mode in Windows is designed to allow older programs to run on newer operating systems by emulating an older Windows environment. While sometimes helpful for very old games, Compatibility Mode can sometimes interfere with newer games or launchers, potentially causing errors like “Unsupported DirectX version.” If you have enabled Compatibility Mode for the game launcher or the game executable, disabling it might resolve the issue.

To turn off Compatibility Mode:

1. Locate the Executable: Find the executable file (.exe) for the game launcher or the game itself.
2. Right-Click and Select Properties: Right-click on the executable file and choose “Properties.”
3. Compatibility Tab: Go to the “Compatibility” tab in the Properties window.
4. Uncheck “Run this program in compatibility mode for”: If the box is checked, uncheck it.
5. Apply and OK: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

After disabling Compatibility Mode, try launching the game again.

8] Edit the state.cfg File (For Avatar Game)¶

This solution is specifically tailored for players encountering the “Unsupported DirectX version” error with the Avatar game. The game’s configuration file, state.cfg, stores settings that can sometimes be manually adjusted to resolve launch issues. This file allows you to directly modify the DirectX version setting the game attempts to use.

Important Note: Before proceeding, ensure your system actually supports DirectX 12. You can check your DirectX version using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag).

To check your DirectX version using DirectX Diagnostic Tool:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
3. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, go to the “System” tab.
4. Look for “DirectX Version” under “System Information.”

If your system supports DirectX 12, you can proceed with editing the state.cfg file:

1. Navigate to the state.cfg File: Open File Explorer and go to the following location:
   C:\Users\username\Documents\My Games\AFOP
   Replace username with your actual Windows username.
2. Open state.cfg: Double-click the state.cfg file. It should open in Notepad or your default text editor.
3. Locate the graphics Section: Scroll through the file to find the [graphics] section.
4. Find dx12_state: Look for the line that says dx12_state = false or dx12_state = true.
5. Change dx12_state to true: If it’s set to false, change it to true. If it’s already true, you can try toggling it to false and then back to true, or simply ensure it is set to true.
6. Save the File: Save the changes to the state.cfg file and close the text editor.
7. Launch the Game: Try launching the Avatar game again.

Window Mode Adjustments in state.cfg:

If you are playing in Full-screen mode and suspect it might be related to the error, you can also try changing the game to Borderless or Windowed mode by editing state.cfg. In the [graphics] section, look for settings related to fullscreen, windowed, or bordeless. You might find lines like:

• fullscreen = true
• windowed = false
• bordeless = false

To switch to Windowed mode, change windowed = false to windowed = true. For Borderless mode, change bordeless = false to bordeless = true. You might also need to adjust window size settings in the state.cfg file if you are switching to windowed mode. Save the file after making changes and then try launching the game.

These eight solutions cover a range of common causes for the “Unsupported DirectX version” error. By systematically trying these fixes, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue, allowing you to get back to gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶

What is a DirectX error and how do you fix it?¶

A DirectX error occurs when there is a problem with the DirectX installation or its components on your system. DirectX is a set of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) from Microsoft that handle tasks related to multimedia, especially game and video programming, on Windows platforms. Errors can arise from various sources, including outdated graphics drivers, corrupted DirectX files, or system configuration issues.

Fixing DirectX errors typically involves:

• Updating Graphics Drivers: Ensuring you have the latest drivers for your graphics card is often the first and most effective step.
• Installing/Repairing DirectX End-User Runtime: As discussed in Solution 1, installing or repairing the DirectX End-User Runtime can replace or fix corrupted DirectX files.
• Running System File Checker (SFC): The System File Checker tool can scan for and repair corrupted system files, which might include DirectX components.
• Performing a Clean Boot: A clean boot can help identify if a third-party application or service is conflicting with DirectX.
• Updating Windows: Keeping your Windows operating system updated ensures you have the latest system files and updates, which often include DirectX improvements and fixes.

Can I upgrade to DirectX 12?¶

DirectX 12 is the latest version of DirectX, offering significant performance improvements and new features for game developers. Windows 11 and Windows 10 already include DirectX 12. You do not need to “upgrade” to DirectX 12 in the traditional sense of downloading and installing a new version separately.

To ensure you have the latest DirectX version:

• Keep Windows Updated: The most effective way to get the latest DirectX features and updates is to keep your Windows 11 or Windows 10 system fully updated through Windows Update. Microsoft releases DirectX updates as part of operating system updates.
• Check DirectX Version: You can verify the installed DirectX version using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag), as described in Solution 8. If dxdiag shows DirectX 12 (or a later version), you already have the latest version supported by your operating system.

If you are on an older version of Windows (like Windows 7 or 8), upgrading to DirectX 12 requires upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11, as DirectX 12 is not available for older operating systems. Also, your graphics card must support DirectX 12 to utilize its features. Most modern GPUs from NVIDIA (GeForce 900 series and newer), AMD (Radeon R7/R9 200 series and newer), and Intel (integrated GPUs in recent processors) support DirectX 12.

By following these troubleshooting steps and understanding how DirectX works with your system, you can effectively address the “Unsupported DirectX version” error and enjoy your gaming experience.

If you continue to experience issues or have found another solution that worked for you, please share your experiences in the comments below! Your insights can help other gamers facing similar challenges.