The Tool Desk
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Windows 11 includes the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, or DxDiag, for checking DirectX, graphics hardware, sound devices, drivers, and system details. The quickest way to open it is to search for dxdiag, but Windows provides several other routes if Search is unavailable or you want a shortcut.
These are eight reliable ways to launch the tool. You normally do not need administrator rights.
1. Open DxDiag with Windows Search
Windows Search is the simplest method and is the route Microsoft documents for Windows 11.
- Select the Search button on the taskbar, or press Windows + S.
- Type
dxdiag. - Select dxdiag or DirectX Diagnostic Tool in the results.
If Windows asks whether it should check if your drivers are digitally signed, select Yes. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window should then open.
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2. Use the Run dialog
The Run dialog launches DxDiag directly and does not depend on the Search index.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type the following command exactly:
dxdiag- Press Enter or select OK.
You do not need to type .exe or the full Windows path. The command dxdiag is sufficient.
3. Open it from Windows Terminal
Windows Terminal can run the command from either a PowerShell tab or a Command Prompt tab.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Open Start and search for Windows Terminal, then select it. Alternatively, press Windows + X and select Terminal when that option is available.
- Enter:
dxdiag- Press Enter.
DxDiag opens in its own graphical window. The Terminal window may stay open, return to its prompt, or appear not to do anything immediately. That is normal for a graphical program launched from a command shell.
4. Launch DxDiag from Command Prompt
Command Prompt provides another direct command-line route.
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- Open Start or Search.
- Type Command Prompt.
- Select Command Prompt from the results.
- Type:
dxdiag- Press Enter.
An administrator Command Prompt is normally not required just to open the tool. If DxDiag does not appear, try the full executable path described in the File Explorer method below.
5. Start it from PowerShell
PowerShell uses the same command as Command Prompt.
- Open Start or Search.
- Type PowerShell.
- Select Windows PowerShell or the available PowerShell app.
- Enter:
dxdiag- Press Enter.
The tool opens as a separate window. You can use this method even when the Windows Search result does not display the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, provided PowerShell can resolve the command.
6. Run DxDiag through File Explorer
File Explorer can execute a program entered in its address bar. This is useful when you want to use the executable’s explicit location.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Select the address bar.
- Enter either of these:
dxdiagOr use the standard 64-bit executable path:
C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exe- Press Enter.
Entering dxdiag lets Windows find the executable normally. The full path bypasses that lookup and launches dxdiag.exe directly.
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7. Use Task Manager’s Run new task option
Task Manager has a command launcher named Run new task on current Windows 11 versions. Older guides may call this option Create new task.
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- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- If Task Manager shows its compact view, select More details.
- Select Run new task. Depending on the Task Manager layout, you may need to open the File menu first.
- Enter:
dxdiag- Select OK or press Enter.
This method is particularly useful when the desktop, Start menu, or Search interface is not working correctly.
8. Create a desktop shortcut
A shortcut gives you a permanent one-click way to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- In the Type the location of the item box, enter:
dxdiagFor an explicit target, enter:
C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exe- Select Next.
- Enter a name such as DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- Select Finish.
Double-click the new shortcut whenever you need DxDiag. Using the full path makes the shortcut’s target unambiguous, while dxdiag normally resolves correctly on Windows 11.
What to do when DxDiag opens
DxDiag groups information into tabs. The most useful areas are:
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| Tab | Information available |
|---|---|
| System | Windows version, processor, memory, BIOS information, and the installed DirectX version. |
| Display or Render | Graphics adapter, display memory, driver details, and display-related DirectX features. |
| Sound | Audio devices, drivers, and sound-related diagnostic information. |
| Input | Connected input devices and related details. |
To check the DirectX version, select the System tab and read DirectX Version under System Information.
To send the report to technical support, select Save All Information…, choose a folder, and save the text report. Review the report before sharing it because it can contain detailed information about your computer and installed devices.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems opening DxDiag
Search cannot find dxdiag
Search results can fail even when the tool is present. Use Windows + R and run dxdiag, or open it from Task Manager, Terminal, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or File Explorer. The explicit path C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exe is the most direct fallback.
The command appears to do nothing
DxDiag is a graphical application, not a text-only command. When started from a shell, it opens a separate window. Check behind the terminal or other open windows, and allow a few seconds for the interface to appear.
A guide says to install DxDiag from Optional features
That is not the normal Windows 11 process. Microsoft documents DxDiag as a built-in tool that can be started by searching for dxdiag. You should not need to enable a Graphics Tools feature just to launch the standard DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
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Do not confuse DxDiag with MSDT
dxdiag.exe is the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. It is separate from Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool, or MSDT. The deprecation of MSDT does not mean that DxDiag has been removed from Windows 11.
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Windows is working normally | Windows Search or the Run dialog |
| Search is not finding the tool | Run dialog or the full File Explorer path |
| You already have a command shell open | Windows Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell |
| The Start menu or desktop is unresponsive | Task Manager > Run new task |
| You use DxDiag regularly | Create a desktop shortcut |
Windows 10 and Windows 11 receive the DirectX version applicable to the operating system through Windows Update. DxDiag reports the installed version; it is not a separate DirectX upgrade installer.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to open DxDiag in Windows 11?
Press Windows + S, type dxdiag, and select DirectX Diagnostic Tool. You can also press Windows + R, enter dxdiag, and press Enter.
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Open DxDiag, select the System tab, and read DirectX Version under System Information.
Do I need administrator rights to run DxDiag?
Normally, no. DxDiag can generally be opened from Search, Run, Terminal, Command Prompt, PowerShell, File Explorer, or Task Manager without an administrator command prompt.
How do I save a DxDiag report?
Open the tool and select Save All Information…. Choose a location and save the generated text file before attaching it to a support request.
Is DxDiag available in Windows 11?
Yes. Windows 11 includes the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, and Microsoft’s current instructions use Search to launch dxdiag.
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The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 PCs, press Windows + S, search for dxdiag, and open the result. If Search fails, Windows + R with the same command is the quickest fallback. The full path C:WindowsSystem32dxdiag.exe, Task Manager’s Run new task, and a desktop shortcut cover the remaining common situations.
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