Introduction
Are you a gamer, eager to dive into your favorite virtual worlds? Perhaps you’ve recently installed a new game, only to be greeted by a frustrating message, stopping you in your tracks: “DirectX 12 Is Not Supported On Your System. Try Running Without The Or Command Line Argument.” This error is more common than you might think, and it can halt your gaming adventures. The good news is that understanding this message and its underlying causes can guide you towards solutions.
DirectX 12, developed by Microsoft, is a crucial piece of technology that acts as a bridge between your computer’s hardware and the game. It allows games to tap into the power of your graphics card (GPU) and other hardware, delivering stunning visuals, smoother performance, and a more immersive experience. Games that use DirectX 12 often showcase more detailed graphics, advanced lighting effects, and better overall efficiency, leading to a significantly improved visual quality and gameplay.
This article is your guide to tackling the “DirectX 12 Not Supported” error. We’ll dissect the message, explore its common causes, and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get back to gaming. We’ll also delve into the significance of those intriguing command-line arguments that may be contributing to the problem. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to troubleshoot this error and enjoy your games.
Understanding the Error Message
The error message, “DirectX 12 Is Not Supported On Your System. Try Running Without The Or Command Line Argument,” provides crucial clues about the problem. Let’s break it down piece by piece.
The first part, “DirectX 12 Is Not Supported,” signals a fundamental incompatibility. It indicates that something on your system is preventing the game from using DirectX 12. This could be a hardware limitation, an outdated operating system, missing software, or an issue with your drivers. The game is essentially telling you that your current setup doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to run with DirectX 12.
The second part, “Try Running Without The Or Command Line Argument,” offers a potential remedy. Command-line arguments are special instructions added to a game’s launch command that can modify how the game runs. Sometimes, these arguments can be helpful, but at other times, they can cause conflicts and errors. The message specifically suggests that removing any command-line arguments you’ve entered could resolve the issue. We will explore this in more detail.
Common Causes and Their Implications
Several factors can trigger the “DirectX 12 Not Supported” error. Identifying the root cause is the first step in finding a solution. Here are the most common culprits.
Hardware Limitations
This is often the primary reason for this error. Your graphics card, or GPU, must support DirectX 12. Older graphics cards may not have the necessary features and architecture. Additionally, the amount of video memory (VRAM) on your GPU also matters. Games need sufficient VRAM to load textures and other visual assets. Insufficient VRAM can lead to performance issues and even prevent the game from starting at all.
Operating System Constraints
You need a compatible operating system. DirectX 12 is primarily supported by Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you’re running an older version of Windows (like Windows 7 or 8/8.1), you will likely encounter this error because these systems do not fully support DirectX 12. Ensure that your operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates and service packs.
Driver Difficulties
Graphics drivers are essential pieces of software that allow your operating system and games to communicate with your GPU. Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers can cause DirectX 12 issues. Outdated drivers might not fully support the feature set of DirectX 12. Corrupted drivers can lead to various problems, including game crashes and error messages.
Game Configuration Errors
Sometimes, the problem lies within the game itself. Command-line arguments, as mentioned earlier, can influence how the game runs. If you’ve entered arguments incorrectly or are using arguments that are incompatible with your system, it can lead to this error. Also, incorrect in-game graphics settings can sometimes cause DirectX 12 issues. Choosing extremely high settings, particularly resolution, when your hardware is not up to the task, can trigger problems.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolution
Now that we understand the causes, let’s look at practical steps you can take to resolve the error.
Check Your Hardware Compatibility
The first step is to verify your GPU’s DirectX 12 support. How can you achieve this? There are several ways. You can check the specifications of your graphics card. If you know your GPU’s model (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, etc.), you can easily find its DirectX 12 compatibility on the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA or AMD). Alternatively, you can use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag). Press the Windows key, type “dxdiag,” and press Enter. In the DxDiag window, go to the “Display” tab. Under “Drivers” or “Features”, you should find information about the DirectX version supported by your GPU. A card compatible with DirectX 12 will clearly indicate support for it. If your card does not support DirectX 12, you will need to upgrade your graphics card to play games that require it.
Update Your Operating System
An up-to-date operating system is crucial. If you are not running Windows 10 or Windows 11, consider upgrading your system. To update Windows, go to the “Settings” app (search for it in the Start Menu). Then, go to “Update & Security” and click on “Check for Updates.” Download and install any available updates. Restart your computer after the update is complete. Always ensure your operating system is fully updated to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Keeping your graphics drivers current is essential. Updated drivers provide the best compatibility and performance. The process of updating your drivers depends on your GPU manufacturer. For NVIDIA, you can use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience software. For AMD, use the AMD Adrenalin software. In either case, the software automatically detects your graphics card and allows you to download and install the latest drivers. You can also download drivers directly from the NVIDIA or AMD websites. In the Device Manager (right-click the Start Menu and select “Device Manager”), you can also update drivers. Expand “Display adapters,” right-click your graphics card, and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
Remove or Modify Command-Line Arguments
Command-line arguments can sometimes cause problems. They are used to modify how a game launches. To remove or modify them, you need to know where you launched the game. If you launch games via Steam, right-click on the game in your library, select “Properties,” and look for the “Launch Options” field. Clear any text present in that field and restart the game. In the Epic Games Launcher, locate the game in your library, click the three dots next to the game title, and choose “Manage”. Then, go to the “Command Line Arguments” section and make sure it is empty. Restarting the game after removing the arguments can often fix the DirectX 12 error.
Verify Game Files
Game files can sometimes become corrupted or incomplete, which can lead to errors. Most game launchers provide an option to verify the integrity of your game files. In Steam, right-click the game in your library, select “Properties,” go to “Local Files,” and click on “Verify integrity of game files.” The process will scan the game files and automatically replace any corrupted or missing ones. In the Epic Games Launcher, click the three dots next to the game title and select “Verify”. This process can often resolve underlying problems.
Check Game Settings
Review your in-game graphics settings. Try reducing the graphics quality settings and the resolution to see if this resolves the error. Start with lower settings and then gradually increase them until you find the optimal balance of visual quality and performance.
Other Possible Solutions
If the above steps fail, there are still other troubleshooting options. Consider reinstalling the game. Sometimes, a fresh installation can fix underlying issues. Another thing to check is whether any antivirus software is interfering with the game’s launch. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and try running the game. Also, you might consider running the game as an administrator. Right-click the game’s executable file (usually in the game’s installation folder) and select “Run as administrator.”
Advanced Troubleshooting
If you have diligently performed the steps above and the error persists, there are additional, more advanced approaches you can try.
DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
We mentioned DxDiag earlier as a tool for checking hardware compatibility. It can also provide further information about your DirectX configuration. Run the DxDiag tool (Windows key, type dxdiag, Enter) and review the “Display” tab. Pay attention to any error messages or warnings listed. The tool might offer additional clues about what’s going wrong.
System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can sometimes interfere with DirectX functionality. The System File Checker (SFC) scan is a built-in Windows tool that can detect and repair these corrupted files. To run an SFC scan, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt”, and select “Run as administrator”). Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. The scan will take some time to complete. After it is complete, restart your computer.
Conclusion
The “DirectX 12 Is Not Supported On Your System” error can be frustrating. However, by following the steps we have outlined, you can effectively troubleshoot the problem and get your games running smoothly. Remember to check your hardware compatibility, update your operating system and graphics drivers, and remove any conflicting command-line arguments. Remember to verify the integrity of your game files. Adjust the graphics settings inside the game if necessary. Consider other troubleshooting options, such as reinstalling the game, if needed.
We hope this guide has been helpful and you’re back to enjoying your favorite games!
As a gamer, I’ve had to deal with this error myself. I know how frustrating it can be. This is why I wanted to provide you with all the resources and information you need to fix it! Don’t hesitate to experiment, as the solution can vary depending on the specific setup. If you’re still experiencing issues, please don’t be discouraged. Try different troubleshooting methods and ask for help from the community if needed.
Do you have any further questions or have you found a solution that worked for you? Let us know in the comments below! Share your experiences with this problem and help other gamers by sharing your knowledge and tips. Together, we can beat this error!
