microsoft-dirextc

Windows 8 has some hidden tips and tricks to it that most users have no clue exist. In our continuing series in showing you how to use them, we’ll show you how to run a diagnostic on DirectX in Windows 8. DirectX helps you do just about everything on a computer when it comes to video and graphics. Many games, not just Microsoft-based, use it to help make them run smoother.

Let’s take a look at how to run a diagnostic on DirectX in Windows 8.

 

How to run a diagnostic on DirectX in Windows 8

In order to open up the diagnostic tool for DirectX in Windows 8, start typing “DXDiag” from the start screen.

searching-for-diagnostic

Now, click “DXDiag” from the Apps selection.

digitally-signed-drivers

A pop-up will appear asking you to check if your drivers are digitally signed. Digitally signed drivers ensure you are not only using the most recent ones but that they are actually from a trust source.

Click “Yes” to continue.

Now, the diagnostic will run. It’s lightning quick.

The first tab you’ll see is your System setup.

display-tab

This gives you information on your computer as well as the background on checking the components and drivers.

Now, click the “Display” tab.

(5) display

This will show you what’s disabled as far as DirectX features. It will also let you know if there’s any display issues and what they are if they exist.

Then, click “Sound 1.”

sound-1-tab

This will give you a breakdown of what DirectX is doing with your sound drivers on any channels you have available. In this case, this computer has two sound channels available so we have a Sound 1 and a Sound 2 present.

Click “Sound 2” if it exists for you.

sound-2-tab

Again, we found new problems.

Finally, click “Input.”

input-tab

This will check each of your input devices, such as your mouse, keyboard and USB devices. No problems here either.

When a problem exists, you’ll be given information about it you use for searching for a solution, showing someone to troubleshoot or just to go over on your own.

This can be a great way to make sure DirectX is working as well as any issues that may arise with its interaction with your computer.

 

How does a diagnostic on DirectX help Windows 8 users?

Running a diagnostic on DirectX in Windows 8 can help you determine what problems might be arising if something goes wrong graphically as well as help someone else troubleshoot a problem you’re not seeing. While the diagnostic does not fix issues that may arise, it gives you a powerful tool to find the solutions and ensure DirectX works flawlessly in Windows 8.