How to Fix the “D3D11-compatible GPU” Error in Windows 11/10
The “D3D11-compatible GPU” error is a common game-related error for both Windows 10 and 11. You usually see this error message when you try to start certain affected games. It will present an error message that reads “a D3D11-compatible GPU (feature level 11, shader model-5) is required to run the engine," and affected games don’t start.
This error has been more widely reported for Fortnite but also occurs for other Windows game titles. If you’re struggling with this same issue, here is how you’re able to fix the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error in Windows 10 and 11.
1. Install Any Available Windows Updates
When you update Windows, your computer will also update DirectX This is important, as DirectX is a gaming and multimedia API. The “D3D11-compatible GPU” error message references Direct3D 11, a part of DirectX. As the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error is linked with DirectX, it’s recommended that you install all available Windows updates and see if that solves the error.
Here is how you can check for and install updates in Windows:
If you see any optional updates listed there, click theirDownload and installbuttons. That includes the current Windows 11, version 22H2 update, or any other new build version, which you should select to upgrade to if available.
2. Scan Your System Files With SFC
To check for possible system file corruption causing the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error, run a System File Checker (SFC) scan. The SFC tool will scan for and repair corrupted system files in Windows. you’re able to run an SFC scan like this:
3. Set the Game to Utilize a Dedicated Graphics Card
Does your PC have integrated and discrete (dedicated) graphics adapters? If it does, make sure the affected game is utilizing your PC’s dedicated GPU. To do so, you’re able to select aHigh-performancegraphics option for the game via Settings. Ourguide to choosing a preferred graphics cardfor an app tells you how to set a dedicated GPU for a game in Settings.
Or you could select to disable your PC’s integrated GPU instead. That will ensure all your games utilize the PC’s superior dedicated graphics adapter. You can disable the integrated GPU like this:
4. Update the Driver for Your Graphics Card
Sometimes, updating your graphical processing unit (GPU) drivers fixes the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error. If your graphics card’s driver is outdated, updating it could be the solution.
We recommend users manually download and install the latest drivers for their graphics cards from the NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD websites. Our guide onhow to update graphics drivers on Windowshas more info on the topic if you need help.
5. Repair or Update Visual C++ Redistributables on Your PC
The “D3D11-compatible GPU” error can sometimes be due to missing or corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable runtime libraries. So, you may need to repair or install a runtime library on your PC.
Here is how you could select to repair Visual C++ Redistributables via Apps & Features:
Or you may need to install some missing Visual C++ Redistributables libraries. You can install the latest runtime libraries with the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable pack like this:
6. Install the DirectX Runtime Libraries
The DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer has helped some users resolve the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error. That installer replaces missing or corrupted DirectX files. These are the steps for installing runtime libraries with the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer:
7. Set Affected Games to Run With DirectX 11
If you can, try setting an affected game to run with DirectX 11 instead of DX12. Of course, you won’t be able to do that though the game’s settings screen if it doesn’t start in the first place.
However, you can set games to run with DirectX 11 with command line arguments in Epic Games and Steam. This is how to set an affected game to run with DirectX 11 in Epic Games and Steam:
How to Force DirectX 11 on Epic Games
For any titles on Epic Games:
How to Force DirectX 11 on Steam
Likewise, if you’re a fan of Steam:
8. Expand the Page File for More Virtual Memory
Expanding the page file will increase the amount of virtual memory available for games. That’s a recommended troubleshooting method for the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error since your PC can better handle system demands for graphically intensive games with a larger page file. Check out ourguide to extending virtual memory in Windowsto apply this potential fix.
Enjoy Your Windows Games Again
Many players have resolved the “D3D11-compatible GPU” error with the resolutions outlined in this guide. So, there’s a good likelihood that one of them will also get that issue sorted for your Windows 11/10 games. However, some players with PCs that have old GPUs might need to upgrade their graphics cards to fix the “D3D11-compatible GPU” issue.
If the UnityPlayer.dll 0xc0000005 error keeps ruining your gaming sessions, here’s how to fix it on Windows 11.
My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.
Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.
Your phone is a better editor than you give it credit for.
Who asked for these upgrades?
Tor spoiled me forever.
