Our verdict: Install the DirectX End-User Runtime when an older game reports a missing d3dx9_43.dll, xinput1_3.dll or similar file. It adds legacy DirectX SDK components next to the DirectX built into Windows. It does not upgrade DirectX itself and will not improve performance.
About DirectX End-User Runtime
DirectX itself is part of Windows and is updated only through Windows updates. Many older games, however, were built with optional libraries from the legacy DirectX SDK: D3DX9, D3DX10, D3DX11, XAudio 2.7, XInput 1.3, XACT and Managed DirectX 1.1. These files are not included in Windows 10 or 11.
The DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer is a small 288 KB download that fetches and installs these side-by-side components, including the D3DX libraries, the HLSL compiler, XInput, XAudio and Managed DirectX 1.1. It does not modify or replace the DirectX runtime of Windows. Microsoft also offers a full offline package for PCs without internet access.
What it does well
- Legacy D3DX libraries. Installs D3DX9, D3DX10 and D3DX11 used by many older games.
- Audio and input. Adds XAudio 2.7, XInput 1.3 and XACT.
- Managed DirectX 1.1. Installs the old .NET DirectX libraries some programs need.
- Small web installer. A 288 KB download that fetches only the needed files.
- Side-by-side install. Leaves the DirectX version built into Windows untouched.
Who it is for
Good fit
Players of older games that fail with missing d3dx9, xinput1_3 or xaudio errors.
Look elsewhere
Anyone hoping to upgrade to a newer DirectX version or speed up games; that comes only with Windows updates.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Official Microsoft installer
- Fixes common missing d3dx9 and xinput DLL errors
- Tiny download
Cons
- Does not update DirectX 11 or 12 in Windows
- Needed only for older games and apps
- Requires an internet connection during installation
How to install DirectX End-User Runtime
Run dxwebsetup.exe and accept the license; the installer then downloads and installs the components. It needs an internet connection; use Microsoft's offline DirectX End-User Runtimes package if the PC is offline.
Questions about DirectX End-User Runtime
Is the DirectX End-User Runtime free?
Yes. Microsoft offers it as a free download.
Does it install DirectX 12?
No. DirectX 12 is part of Windows 10 and 11. This package only adds optional legacy libraries from the old DirectX SDK.
