Install DirectX

Attention: DirectX 9.0c is no longer required as a pre-requisite for the latest Version/release of any of our products. This information is provided only for users of older versions.

Install DirectX

Important Considerations

Install .NET Framework FIRST! If you need to install a new level of the .NET Framework, then install the .NET Framework first. Otherwise, the DirectX install may skip some .Net related dlls and you will have to reinstall DirectX again later.
Setting a Windows Restore Point is highly recommended before installing any new version of DirectX. DirectX cannot be uninstalled, so setting a Restore Point is the only way to back out of the install should you experience a problem.
Install Latest Maintenance Release - Even if you have verified that you are at the correct level of DirectX, it is recommended that you install the latest maintenance release. This can fix errors with missing DirectX Dll files and install important fixes and performance enhancements.

Install Instructions and Download Link

Look for the latest DirectX End-User Runtime (NOT the Software Developers Kit SDK which has a lot extra files you don't need ). Installation typically takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete. The download is approximately 90-100 Megabytes. Important Note: Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX without updating the version number or letter so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.

Download link:
Latest DirectX End-User Runtime (FREE from Microsoft Download Center).

Sort the resulting list Newest to Oldest. Then pick the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
The description of this download MUST say "Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime provides updates to 9.0c" (see Figure 1.). Note that the release date listed may change over time.

Figure 1. Microsoft Download Center - DirectX End-User Runtime (for 9.0c)

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Help! DirectX Won't Install

A few users in the DirectX forums have reported that DirectX would not install on their machine and are getting this error message:
Error: (32) - The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

You can try rebooting your computer, then proceed directly to the DirectX Install before starting any other programs.

If that still fails, a reported solution is to boot the computer in Safe Mode , then run the DirectX installer. Choose Safe Mode with Networking if you are going to use the DirectX Web Installer link above.

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