The DirectX Graphics Tools is a feature that isn’t installed in Windows 11 by default but can be added via the Optional features of the OS. The feature is required for performing graphics diagnostic and more. By adding this feature to your computer, you will also be able to trace when any of your apps or games are making use of Direct3D technology.

Other than 3D-related functionalities, this feature also allows you to track real-time GPU usage. If you do not have the DirectX Graphics Tools installed on your Windows 11 PC, this guide will take you through the quick and easy process of adding it to your computer.

Note: Other than running diagnostics, It can also be used in creating Direct3D debug devices and while developing DirectX games and applications.

Installing DirectX Graphics Tools on Windows 11

Installing Graphics Tools in Windows 11 is very simple. To start, open Settings by pressing Windows+i on your keyboard or by searching for it in the Start Menu search.

On the Settings window, first, click on ‘Apps’ from the left panel and then select ‘Optional features’ from the right panel.

On the Optional features page, click on ‘View features’ button to open a list of all downloadable additional features.

A new window will come up called ‘Add an optional feature’. Type ‘Graphics Tools’ inside the search box and it should show up in the search results.

Now, check the box labeled ‘Graphics Tools’ and then click on ‘Next’.

Finally, click on ‘Install’ for one last time and the download will begin automatically.

Now you have to wait for the installation process to finish. The time this process takes will depend on your hardware and internet speed.

Lastly, it will show ‘Installed’ under the Recent actions section when the process is done.

Now you have successfully installed the Directx Graphics Tools on your Windows 11 computer.

Using DirectX Graphics Tools

Now that DirectX Graphics Tools are installed, you can run DirectX diagnostics on your computer. To run the DirectX diagnostics on your computer, first, press Windows+r to open the Run window. Then type dxdiag inside the command line and click on ‘OK’.

On the Directx Diagnostic Tool window, notice the green progress bar at the bottom left of the screen. This indicates the diagnostic process is running. Wait and let the process finish the diagnosis.

After the diagnosis is done the green progress bar will disappear and you can save the results of the diagnostic by clicking on the ‘Save All Information…’ button.

Uninstalling DirectX Graphics Tool

In case you wish to remove tool, you can do so the same way it was installed (from the Windows Options features).

To uninstall DirectX Graphics Tool, first, you have to open ‘Settings’ by searching for it in Start Menu or by pressing Windows+i on your keyboard.

On the Settings window, click on ‘Apps’ and then click on ‘Optional features’.

It will take you to the list of installed features. From the list locate the ‘Graphics Tools’ and click on the drop-down arrow next to it.

Now, to uninstall this feature from your computer, just click on the ‘Uninstall’ button from the Graphics Tools drop-down menu.

After Windows finishes uninstalling Graphics Tools from your computer, it will show ‘Uninstalled’ under the Recent actions section.