D3D11 -compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is needed

Question

I was playing Fortnite, and out of nowhere it froze. I ended up having to restart my computer and now it shows: “D3D11 -compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is needed.” Does anyone know how to fix this? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi Dr Panda,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Many users have reported the same problem as you.

This is a frequently asked question for Fornite, a game based on UnrealEngine.

To better assist you in analyzing the issue. I would like to confirm some information with you.

• What is your current hardware information?
• What is the version of DirectX on your device and what feature levels are supported?

Please type device manager in the search box, find and run Device Manager to get detailed hardware information. Focus on Display Adapters.

Please type dxdiag in the search box to get detailed information about DirectX.

You can find DirectX Version in System tab. Feature Levels will be listed in Display tab, Drivers section.

Please pay attention to protect your personal information (such as Computer Name).

Here are some possible feasible references.

Make sure you have installed the Visual C++ redistributable necessary to run your game.

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable latest supported downloads

Install the DirectX runtime.

DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer

It is recommended to update the graphics card driver.

Update drivers manually in Windows - Microsoft Support

If your device supports the DirectX11 feature level, try setting an affected game to run with DirectX 11 instead of DX12. Of course, you won’t be able to do that though the game’s settings screen if it doesn’t start in the first place. You can add additional launch parameters to your game.

For Epic Games:

1. Bring up Epic Games Launcher’s window.
2. Click the user account button near the top-right corner of the Epic Games Launcher window.
3. Select the Settings menu option.
4. Click an affected game’s title to expand options for it.
5. Then select the game’s Additional Command Line Arguments checkbox.
6. Input -d3d11 in the text box for the command line argument.

For Steam Games:

1. Bring up the Steam client software.
2. Select Libraryalong the top of Steam’s window.
3. Right-click whatever game the “D3D11-compatible GPU” occurs for and select Properties.
4. Input -dx11 in the launch option text box on the General tab.

If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Best Regards,

Kyo - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist