This page lists every DirectX version supported by each major Windows release, from Windows 95 through Windows 11. Each DirectX version is listed individually (no ranges), providing a clear and accurate reference for gamers, technicians, and historians.
DirectX Compatibility by Windows Version
The table below shows exactly which DirectX versions each Windows version supports. DirectX compatibility depends on the Windows kernel, graphics subsystem, and driver model (VxD, WDM, WDDM).
| Windows Version | Supported DirectX Versions (Listed Individually) |
|---|---|
| Windows 95 |
DirectX 2, DirectX 3, DirectX 5, DirectX 6.0, DirectX 7.0, DirectX 8.0, DirectX 8.0a Not Supported: DirectX 9.x and newer |
| Windows 98 |
DirectX 5, DirectX 6.0, DirectX 7.0, DirectX 8.0, DirectX 8.0a, DirectX 8.1, DirectX 9.0, DirectX 9.0a, DirectX 9.0b, DirectX 9.0c |
| Windows 98 SE |
DirectX 5, DirectX 6.0, DirectX 7.0, DirectX 8.0, DirectX 8.0a, DirectX 8.1, DirectX 9.0, DirectX 9.0a, DirectX 9.0b, DirectX 9.0c |
| Windows ME |
DirectX 6.0, DirectX 7.0, DirectX 8.0, DirectX 8.0a, DirectX 8.1, DirectX 9.0, DirectX 9.0a, DirectX 9.0b, DirectX 9.0c |
| Windows 2000 |
DirectX 7.0, DirectX 8.0, DirectX 8.0a, DirectX 8.1, DirectX 9.0, DirectX 9.0a, DirectX 9.0b, DirectX 9.0c |
| Windows XP |
DirectX 8.1, DirectX 9.0, DirectX 9.0a, DirectX 9.0b, DirectX 9.0c Not Supported: DirectX 10 and newer |
| Windows Vista |
DirectX 10, DirectX 10.1, DirectX 11 (with Platform Update) |
| Windows 7 |
DirectX 11, DirectX 11.1 (partial support) |
| Windows 8 |
DirectX 11.1, DirectX 11.2 |
| Windows 8.1 | DirectX 11.2 |
| Windows 10 |
DirectX 12, DirectX 12_1, DirectX 12 Ultimate |
| Windows 11 | DirectX 12 Ultimate |
Note: DirectX versions depend on the Windows kernel, graphics subsystem, and driver model (VxD, WDM, WDDM). Newer DirectX versions cannot be installed on older Windows versions due to architectural differences.