| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest Version | DirectX 11 |
| Release Status | LATEST |
| Download | Free Download |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 |
| User Rating | Click to vote |
| Author / Product | Microsoft Corporation |
| External Link | Available |
| File Name | DirectX_11_Setup.zip |
| MD5 Checksum | 568d4d1b15d7b4ffede4ea4fd3e6f49e |
Microsoft DirectX 11 (DX11) is a set of technologies that improve Windows-based PCs to run and display multimedia-rich applications. It allows full-color graphics, video playback, 3D animations, and high-quality audio to work effortlessly, which makes it a crucial platform for gaming, multimedia production, and other software with a heavy visual element.
This kit incorporates security and performance patches besides the overwhelming new features across all the technologies which are available to applications through the DirectX APIs.
DirectX 11 is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) that have been designed by Microsoft to provide a unified model to computer game and other software developers for making the most of their applications’ advanced graphical and multimedia features when running on Windows computers.
Hence, developers who make use of DirectX 11 will have at their disposal the necessary tools to create eye-catching and smoothly performing software that can be used not only in the gaming industry but also in any other sector that may require virtual reality, simulation, computer-aided design, or ordinary multimedia entertainment.
The Microsoft DirectX® End-User Runtime refreshes the DirectX components in your system to the latest versions compatible with your computer, thus providing the necessary files for running high-performance multimedia and gaming applications on your Windows-based PC.
Direct3D 11 is portable on your games and allows you to utilize the full potential of latest video hardware features as well as current generation devices. This talk will bring you to API level, share tips for getting your rendering engine up to speed, show the main features of the new API, and tell you how to launch your application.
I highly recommend attending this session if you are planning to come to other app-related presentations.
Please be aware that DirectX Runtime components (Direct3D, DirectInput, DirectSound) are integral parts of the Windows operating system and therefore, are not part of this package, hence they cannot be either installed or uninstalled separately. The runtime can only be updated by installing the latest Windows Service Pack or moving to a newer version of Windows.
DirectX 11 is part of:
- Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 There is no separate update package. DirectX can only be updated by installing the appropriate service packs and updates. If you want to get new features of DirectX beyond this version, you will need to upgrade your operating system.
- There is no separate update package. DirectX can only be updated by installing the appropriate service packs and updates. If you want to get new features of DirectX beyond this version, you will need to upgrade your operating system.
- Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Server 2012 DirectX is part of the system and can be updated only via Windows Update. The stand-alone installation package is not available.
- DirectX is part of the system and can be updated only via Windows Update. The stand-alone installation package is not available.
- Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2 Like the other versions, the operating system comes with DirectX, and the only way to get updates is through Windows Update.
Like the other versions, the operating system comes with DirectX, and the only way to get updates is through Windows Update.
DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 come with the respective Windows versions and are updated through Windows Update. Separate packages are not available for these versions.
Microsoft DirectX 11 for Windows is licensed for free use on 32-bit and 64-bit PCs without restrictions on the components. It can be downloaded free of charge by everyone.
Key Features
Enhanced Graphics
DirectX 11 brings new capabilities to graphics such as tessellation, Shader Model 5.0, and compute shaders. In fact, these features give developers the freedom to design super detailed worlds, lifelike characters, and eye-catching effects.
Improved Performance
By opening multiple threads for rendering and fine-tuning resource management, DirectX 11 extracts the most out of multi-core CPUs and speeds up rendering operations, thereby contributing to gaming that is both fluid and visually appealing.
DirectCompute
Game developers are able to make the most of their GPU for general computing by means of this feature, which in turn opens up the possibility for running parallel computations, simulations, and other heavy processes.
DirectX 11 Tessellation
Tessellation is a process that breaks down polygons into smaller ones thus producing highly detailed 3D models in a very lifelike manner. This technique allows for highly detailed game environments along with smooth and intricate details of curves and other elements.
DirectX 11 XInput and XAudio2
These APIs give the support to game controllers and high-quality sound playback to the next level, thus allowing developers to come up with gaming experiences that are not only highly immersive but also give the players very precise control and a very rich sound.
How to Use
Developers need to add industry-standard DirectX components and SDK directly into their projects in order to take advantage of DirectX 11.
Then by referencing the official documentation and using the functionalities, developers can fully utilize DirectX 11’s features to create stunning graphics, better load the hardware and build wonderful interactive experiences.
FAQ
What operating systems support DirectX 11?
DirectX 11 is available on the following platforms:
DirectX 11.1: Windows 7 SP1 (partial support), Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Server 2012
DirectX 11.2: Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Xbox One
Is DirectX 11 backward compatible with older DirectX versions?
Yes, DirectX 11 maintains compatibility with older versions of DirectX. But some features that are more advanced may need hardware that is capable of supporting DirectX 11 only.
Can DirectX 11 improve performance in non-gaming applications?
Indeed. Features such as multithreaded rendering, enhanced resource management, and DirectCompute capabilities of DirectX 11 can boost performance in non-gaming applications that rely heavily on graphics like CAD, simulations, and multimedia software.
Are there any alternatives to DirectX 11?
Indeed. OpenGL and Vulkan are two other graphics APIs. While DirectX is mainly targeted at Windows, both OpenGL and Vulkan offer support for various platforms.
How can I check if my system supports DirectX 11?
Here is the way to do that with the help of DirectX Diagnostic Tool:
- Press Windows + R keys together to get the Run dialog.
- Type dxdiag and hit the Enter key.
- Under the System tab, find the DirectX Version line which will indicate the version that your system supports.
Pricing
DirectX 11 is totally free since it is a component of the Windows OS.
Besides, developers are able to get the DirectX Software Development Kit (SDK) to be installed from the official Microsoft website without having to pay more.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 7 or Windows 8
- Graphics Card: Any GPU supporting DirectX 11
- Processor: At least a dual-core CPU
- RAM: Minimum 2 GB
- Storage: Enough space to accommodate the development tool and files
Pros
- The graphics/rendering power is highly advanced thanks to tessellation and Shader Model 5.0
- Performance seen speed-up with multithreaded rendering plus fine-tuned resource management
- DirectCompute unlocks the possibility to use GPUs for general computing purposes
Greater control and audio features supported with XInput and XAudio2
Compatibility is extended to older DirectX versions
Cons
- Mostly confined to use on Windows PCs (barely any cross-platform support)
- Some features at a high-end level of the spectrum require you to have the right hardware
- Newbies might find the initial learning curve quite steep
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Conclusion
DirectX 11 is still an indispensable tool for developers who want to take full advantage of contemporary graphics hardware features and produce visually attractive applications.
Their advanced graphics capabilities along with enhanced performance and GPU-accelerated computing possibilities make developers come up with gaming, simulation, CAD, and multimedia software that are truly immersive and very engaging.
Though its main platform is still Windows, DirectX 11 is a strong, trustworthy solution for developers who want to tap into the latest graphics programming features.
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