DirectX is a suite that enables multimedia programs, and is particularly useful for video games. DirectX is so important to Microsoft that Xbox is named after it. Many games depend on it.
However, some games try to load an incorrect version of DirectX. Additionally, DirectX 12, the current version, is notoriously unstable. Thankfully, there is an easy solution when you’re playing games in Steam.
As Steam itself explains, “This process may help with some older video cards — some users report the game will run faster, as well.” When you’re having problems, this can be a life saver.
But how do you do that for a Steam game? These steps are sure to make the process easier:
- Open Steam’s Library: The link to it is found at the very top of the program.
- Right Click the Game you Wish to Run in a Previous Version of DirectX
- Select “Properties” from the Menu
- Scroll down to “Launch Options:” Remove any launch options currently shown in the input box.
- Inside the Input Box, Type the DirectX Code: Supported versions of DirectX and their codes include -dxlevel 81 (DirectX v8.1), -dxlevel 81 (DirectX v8.1), -dxlevel 90 (DirectX v9.0), -dx11 (DirectX 11), and -dx12 (DirectX 12). Unless you know specifically which one is suited for your game, your best bet is to move one stop down and seeing how that affects performance. Not every game can run in every version of DirectX.
- Enjoy your game!
The Boss Rush Podcast: The Flagship Podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network

The Boss Rush Podcast – The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network. Each week, Corey, Stephanie, LeRon, and their friends from around the internet come together with other creators, developers, and industry veterans to talk about games they’ve been playing, discuss video game and entertainment based topics, and answer questions solicited on social media and the community Discord.
New episodes of the Boss Rush Podcast release every Monday morning on YouTube and all major podcast applications like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Patreon supporters gain one week early access.
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