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Game won't start. Missing direct x runtime, already tried installing and other things

Roberto Matiz 0 Reputation points
2026-04-12T14:53:51.3066667+00:00

My game doesn't start and shows an error message "The following components are required to run this program". I've tried installing multiple packages, like this and this , tried wiping the dll's via a powershell command I copypasted and reinstalling. Nothing works.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Gaming

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  1. Spigolo 134.7K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-04-12T15:08:41.4933333+00:00

    Hi Roberto Matiz

    Please send a screenshot of the error message.

    Which is your game? Is your computer compatible with it?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-12T14:54:05.75+00:00

    The error indicates the game needs specific DirectX runtime components (often the legacy DirectX 9 optional DLLs like D3DX), not just the core DirectX version or Visual C++.

    On Windows 10, the correct way to fix this is to install the DirectX End-User Runtime / Runtimes package that contains those optional components:

    1. Install the DirectX End-User Runtime (legacy DirectX 9 components):
      • Use the DirectX End-User Runtime package referenced in the documentation. This package installs the optional DirectX 9 components (such as D3DX, XACT, XINPUT) that many older games require.
      • From the documentation: if a game reports missing files like d3dx9_35.dll or similar, install the DirectX End-User Runtime to resolve it. This does not change the DirectX core version on Windows 10 but adds the missing optional DLLs.
    2. If the game has its own DirectX installer in its setup folder:
      • Run the game’s bundled DirectX setup (often a dxsetup.exe in a DirectX or Redist folder). Best practice for games is to always run this redistributable so all required optional components are installed.
    3. If DirectDraw/Direct3D options are unavailable or the game still fails:
      • Install the latest DirectX End-User Runtimes Web Installer as documented. This can repair or add missing DirectX components.
      • Update the video driver via Windows Update if prompted, because outdated or broken drivers can also cause DirectX initialization failures.
    4. If the issue persists after installing the DirectX End-User Runtime and updating drivers:
      • Check the game’s error message for a specific missing DLL name (for example d3dx9_XX.dll). That is a strong indicator that the legacy DirectX 9 optional components are not installed correctly; reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime again and ensure the installer completes without errors.

    Note: On modern Windows versions, upgrading DirectX beyond what the OS supports requires upgrading the OS itself; the End-User Runtime only adds optional components and does not change the core DirectX version.

    References:

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