Windows & BSOD · high

How to fixD3D11-CREATE-DEVICE-FAILED

Direct3D 11 Initialization Failure

What this error means

D3D11-CREATE-DEVICE-FAILED is a high-severity Windows operating system problem. The application or game could not initialize Direct3D 11. This occurs when the graphics driver is corrupted or the GPU does not support the required DirectX 11 features. Follow the steps below to fix it.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Perform a clean reinstall of graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).

Perform a clean reinstall of graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Download and reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime package from Microsoft.

Download and reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime package from Microsoft..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Verify the application launch settings and force DirectX 11 mode if supported.

Verify the application launch settings and force DirectX 11 mode if supported..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Outdated, corrupted, or missing graphics card drivers.
  • Incompatible hardware that lacks native DirectX 11 feature levels.
  • DirectX component corruption in the Windows system directories.

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review any action inside the tool before applying changes.

dxdiag