Force a game to run a particular version of DirectX / Direct3D

[Melody]

So, for example, you got this game running in DirectX 11 mode, but the game also supports DirectX 9 + DirectX 10 but there's no way to change it manually? No problem, there's a simple way to enforce a particular version of DirectX for your old Graphics Card.

First of all, step into Settings -> Apps -> Optional Features -> Add a feature and wait for the list to load.
In case the list doesn't load in a few minutes, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open the Task Manager, search for "Settings", end the task and repeat the step again.

Click "Graphics Tools" and select "Install", then go back using the arrow on top left of the window.

The feature will be installing, wait for the process to complete.

Once done, press Windows Key + R to open the Run window, type in

dxcpl

and press Enter.

In the "Direct3D 10/11/12" tab, click "Edit List...", then click the "..." button and browse for the main game executable, then click "Add" and "OK". You can add any executable you want to run with the same settings.

Once done, you'll notice that all the settings in the window are now clickable. Check "Device Settings" on bottom, tick "Disable Feature Level Upgrade", then choose any version you want next to "Feature level limit".
Make sure the version you're choosing is supported by the game, otherwise it won't launch. If the game gives a DirectX fatal error, you may need to use a different version. You can't force versions below 9.

Once done, click OK and launch your game.

[Semis]

sorry to revive such an old post, but does this still work? i need help forcing a non-steam game to use directx11 instead of directx12.

i've done up to installing the graphics tools, but my system cannot find "dxcp1".

[Melody]

Originally posted by Semis:

sorry to revive such an old post, but does this still work? i need help forcing a non-steam game to use directx11 instead of directx12.

i've done up to installing the graphics tools, but my system cannot find "dxcp1".

Hi, it's dxcpl, not dxcp1 (it's an L).
If the game supports said versions (but doesn't give a way to use them) you can force them with dxcpl.

[Semis]

lmao thank you, that is a hilarious misinterpretation. it worked! thank you very much.

[Xealz]

does this still work? cause its giving me an error, like it doesnt exist, so is there a new way to do it? it says "windows cannot find 'dxcpl'"

[Melody]

Originally posted by Xealz:

does this still work? cause its giving me an error, like it doesnt exist, so is there a new way to do it? it says "windows cannot find 'dxcpl'"

It still works, you need to install graphics tools from "additional features". Works in Windows 10 and 11.

[Semis]

Originally posted by Xealz:

does this still work? cause its giving me an error, like it doesnt exist, so is there a new way to do it? it says "windows cannot find 'dxcpl'"

I'm on Windows 10 right now, I am still able to search it up. Unless you're on a different version, not sure why it doesn't show up. Maybe reinstall some DirectX drivers and C++ redistributable packages?

[Melody]

Installing Graphics Tools is enough to get the dxcpl utility. Additional redistributables and end-user runtimes shouldn't really matter.

[Xealz]

Originally posted by Melody Digital Harmony:

Installing Graphics Tools is enough to get the dxcpl utility. Additional redistributables and end-user runtimes shouldn't really matter.

Where can i find the "Graphics tools" you're speaking of?
i've tried searching on the web and youtube but they all want me to go into some "optional features" in app settings but i dont have that option.

[Melody]

Originally posted by Xealz:

Originally posted by Melody Digital Harmony:

Installing Graphics Tools is enough to get the dxcpl utility. Additional redistributables and end-user runtimes shouldn't really matter.

Where can i find the "Graphics tools" you're speaking of?
i've tried searching on the web and youtube but they all want me to go into some "optional features" in app settings but i dont have that option.

It is indeed in the optional features section of your PC settings. In a computer running Windows 11, reach Settings, go to System and open "Optional features".

You can also look for that section by searching in the start menu.

[Xealz]

Originally posted by Melody Digital Harmony:

Originally posted by Xealz:

Where can i find the "Graphics tools" you're speaking of?
i've tried searching on the web and youtube but they all want me to go into some "optional features" in app settings but i dont have that option.

It is indeed in the optional features section of your PC settings. In a computer running Windows 11, reach Settings, go to System and open "Optional features".

You can also look for that section by searching in the start menu.

Thank you, although i use windows 10 pro. i dont know why i can find it the same place as windows 11 lmao, but i got it now.
but what's the difference between 11_1 and 11_0?

[Kaz V.A.]

Is there any way to do this on Windows 7? Got a old IBM thinkpad here with a Tesla 1.0 GPU and Nvidia had the bright idea of giving it software support for DX11 meaning every game that supports DX11 runs in DX11 even though the GPU's Hardware support is only DX10.

[Melody]

Originally posted by Kaz V.A.:

Is there any way to do this on Windows 7? Got a old IBM thinkpad here with a Tesla 1.0 GPU and Nvidia had the bright idea of giving it software support for DX11 meaning every game that supports DX11 runs in DX11 even though the GPU's Hardware support is only DX10.

Try installing the outdated DirectX SDK, it should provide you with proper dxcpl that is compatible with win7.

[Cam]

THIS... 5 years i've been looking for a fix for pixelated textures until i Finally narrowed it down to old gpu (gtx 1650) and directx 12 not working well together. Thing is, small "Hairy" textures like beards, brushes, hair always looked grainy, no matter how high i set the settings or the resolution. I found out some games which actually let me choose the directx version looked way better in dx11 rather than dx12. Jeez... If i knew you I'd make a feast on your honor. THANK YOU.

[Melody]

Originally posted by Cam:

THIS... 5 years i've been looking for a fix for pixelated textures until i Finally narrowed it down to old gpu (gtx 1650) and directx 12 not working well together. Thing is, small "Hairy" textures like beards, brushes, hair always looked grainy, no matter how high i set the settings or the resolution. I found out some games which actually let me choose the directx version looked way better in dx11 rather than dx12. Jeez... If i knew you I'd make a feast on your honor. THANK YOU.

I'm glad it fixed the issue for you!

[Swicked86]

Anyone that finds this, and easy way to install is by opening CMD as administrator. The command below will include installing dxcpl. You should see a similar output.

```
DISM /online /add-capability /capabilityname:tools.graphics.directx
```

C:\Windows\System32> DISM /online /add-capability /capabilityname:tools.graphics.directx

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.26100.1150

Image Version: 10.0.26100.3775

[]
The operation completed successfully.
C:\Windows\System32> dxcpl