How To Enable DirectX 12?

DirectX 12 has become a core part of modern gaming and graphics on Windows. It improves performance, boosts FPS, enhances visuals, and enables advanced features like ray tracing and Variable Rate Shading.

However, many users get confused about how to “enable” DirectX 12, especially when a game shows DX11 mode or when features like Ray Tracing don’t appear.

The truth is, DirectX 12 comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but enabling and using it correctly requires a few simple checks and steps.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn what you need, how to turn it on, and what to do if it isn’t working.

Many users also ask whether enabling DirectX 12 is actually worth it for gaming performance and FPS.

What Does “Enable DirectX 12” Mean?

Unlike older versions, DirectX 12 is not a standalone setup file that you manually install. It is integrated into Windows, and enabling it usually means:

• Making sure Windows 10 or Windows 11 is updated
• Ensuring your GPU supports DirectX 12
• Turning on DirectX 12 mode inside supported games
• Updating your graphics drivers

Once these things are done, DirectX 12 automatically works when the game or application supports it.

If you’re not sure what changes DirectX 12 brings, it helps to understand what DirectX 12 does and how it improves graphics and performance.

To enable DirectX 12, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check If Your PC Supports DirectX 12

Before trying to enable it, confirm that your system actually supports it.

1. Press Windows Key + R
2. Type dxdiag and press Enter
3. Go to the System tab
4. Look for the DirectX Version
5. If it shows DirectX 12, your system is compatible

Next, check GPU feature levels:

1. In dxdiag, go to the Display tab
2. Look for Feature Levels
3. If you see 12_0 or 12_1, your GPU fully supports DirectX 12 features

If your system only shows 11_0 or below, your GPU may be too old.

Step 2: Update Windows (Required to Enable DirectX 12)

DirectX 12 is part of Windows, so you must ensure your OS is updated.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates
4. Install all available updates
5. Restart your PC

After updating, DirectX 12 will automatically be available if your hardware supports it.

Step 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Even if your system supports DirectX 12, outdated GPU drivers can prevent games from using it. Update your drivers depending on your GPU brand:

NVIDIA Users

• Open GeForce Experience
• Go to Drivers
• Click Check for Updates
• Install the latest Game Ready Driver

AMD Users

• Open AMD Radeon Software
• Go to Updates
• Install the latest drivers

Intel Graphics

• Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant and update graphics drivers

Once updated, DirectX 12 support improves, and many issues automatically resolve.

Step 4: Enable DirectX 12 in Games

DirectX 12 does not automatically enable in all games. Many titles let you manually switch from DirectX 11 to DirectX 12 inside game settings.

Steps usually look like this:

1. Open the game
2. Go to Settings or Graphics Settings
3. Look for Graphics API, Rendering Mode, or DirectX Version
4. Select DirectX 12 / DX12
5. Save settings and restart the game

Games That Commonly Allow DX12 Enable:

• Fortnite
• Call of Duty Warzone
• Cyberpunk 2077
• GTA Trilogy Enhanced
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Assassin’s Creed titles
• Battlefield series

If there is no DirectX option, the game may not support DX12.

Step 5: Turn On Ray Tracing or Advanced Features (If Needed)

If your goal is to enable DX12 features like Ray Tracing:

• Open Game Graphics Settings
• Look for Ray Tracing / RTX / DXR
• Enable it
• Restart the game if required

Remember: Ray tracing only works on supported GPUs such as NVIDIA RTX and AMD RX 6000+ series.

You can also learn: How to download & install DirectX 12

Troubleshooting: If DirectX 12 Still Doesn’t Work

If after enabling everything, DirectX 12 is still unavailable, try these fixes:

1. Your GPU May Not Support DirectX 12

Older GPUs do not fully support DX12 features. Check your GPU model online to confirm compatibility.

2. Make Sure You’re Using Windows 10 or Windows 11

DirectX 12 is not fully supported on older versions of Windows. Upgrade if necessary.

3. Turn Off Compatibility Mode

Right-click the game → Properties → Compatibility → Uncheck Compatibility Mode

4. Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Sometimes a clean reinstall helps.

Confused about newer features? Read our detailed comparison of DirectX 12 vs DirectX 12 Ultimate to see what’s different.

If the issue persists, learn why DirectX 12 is not supported on your system and how to resolve compatibility problems.

Do You Really Need to Enable DirectX 12?

DirectX 12 offers:

• Better performance
• Higher FPS in many games
• More realistic graphics
• Future-proof gaming

However, in some older or poorly optimized games, DirectX 11 can perform better. So if a game runs worse on DX12, you can always switch back.

Also see: What does DirectX 12 do

Final Words

Enabling DirectX 12 doesn’t mean installing a separate file; it means ensuring your system, Windows, and GPU are updated and then turning on DX12 mode inside supported games.

With proper setup, DirectX 12 can significantly enhance your gaming experience with smoother performance, advanced visuals, and improved efficiency.

If you keep Windows updated, maintain the latest GPU drivers, and use supported hardware, DirectX 12 will automatically work whenever needed.

Whether you’re a gamer or creator, enabling DirectX 12 ensures your PC is ready for modern, high-performance gaming and graphics.