DirectX is a set of Windows-compatible programming tools developed by Microsoft that enable multimedia and gaming applications to use your computer’s hardware. With new versions of DirectX being regularly released, it’s important to know which version of the software you have installed on your system. The following 9 steps will guide you through the process of checking the DirectX version on your Windows-based computer.

1. Press Windows Key + R: Hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press the letter “R” simultaneously. This will open up the Run dialog box.

2. Type “dxdiag” and hit Enter: In the Run dialog box, type “dxdiag” (without the quotes) and then press Enter or click OK. This will launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

3. Wait for the tool to load: The DirectX Diagnostic Tool may take a few seconds to load, depending on your system’s performance. Once it has loaded, you will be greeted with a window displaying information about your computer’s hardware and drivers.

4. Locate the “System” tab: Within the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, look for the “System” tab at the top-left corner and click on it.

5. Find “DirectX Version” info: Under the System tab, scroll down and locate the “DirectX Version” section near the bottom of the window.

6. Note down your DirectX version: The information displayed next to “DirectX Version” is the version currently installed on your computer. Note down this number for future reference or troubleshooting purposes.

7. Check for updates (optional): If you find that your system is running an outdated version of DirectX, visit Microsoft’s official website or check for Windows updates to install any available upgrades.

8. Close DirectX Diagnostic Tool: After completing these steps and retrieving your system’s DirectX version, you can close out of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by clicking “Exit” in the bottom-right corner of the window.

9. Update your games and drivers: To ensure the best gaming experience with the latest version of DirectX, make sure to update your graphics card drivers and any games that may require a specific DirectX version.

Now that you know how to check the DirectX Version on your Windows computer, you can ensure that your system is up-to-date and compatible with the latest multimedia and gaming applications.