DirectX · medium

How to fixD3D11-FEATURE-LEVEL-NOT-SUPPORTED

Direct3D 11 feature level not supported

What this error means

This medium-severity issue affects the graphics API (DirectX). The application requires a Direct3D 11 feature level (e.g., D3D_FEATURE_LEVEL_11_0) that the installed GPU does not support. Modern games often require at minimum D3D Feature Level 11_0, while some newer titles require 11_1 or 12_0. This affects very old GPUs (pre-2008) or virtual machines without proper GPU passthrough. It sometimes comes down to directX installation corrupted. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

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
01Check GPU's maximum supported feature level via dxdiag

Check GPU's maximum supported feature level via dxdiag.

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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02Update GPU drivers to enable maximum supported feature level

Update GPU drivers to enable maximum supported feature level.

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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03Upgrade GPU if hardware limitation

Upgrade GPU if hardware limitation.

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

  • GPU too old to support required DirectX feature level
  • Virtual machine without GPU acceleration
  • DirectX installation corrupted

Useful Windows tools

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

dxdiag