How to use Windows DirectX Diagnostic Tool for graphics

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool, commonly known as dxdiag, is a handy tool provided by Microsoft Windows that allows users to diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to graphics, video, and audio on their system. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use the Windows DirectX Diagnostic Tool specifically for graphics-related purposes.

Step 1: Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

To open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type dxdiag in the text field and press Enter or click OK.

Step 2: Navigate to the Display tab

After opening the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, you will see several tabs at the top. Click on the Display tab to access the graphics-related information.

Step 3: View system information

The Display tab provides comprehensive information about your graphics card and its drivers. Here you can find the following details:

• Device: This section displays details about your graphics card, including its name, manufacturer, chip type, and more.
• Driver: This section shows information about the display driver, including the driver version, date, and provider.
• DirectX Features: This section lists the DirectX features supported by your graphics card.

Step 4: Test DirectDraw functionality

To test the DirectDraw functionality, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Test DirectDraw button under the DirectDraw section.
2. This will run a series of tests to check the DirectDraw functionality of your graphics card. Wait for the tests to complete.

Step 5: Test Direct3D functionality

To test the Direct3D functionality, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Test Direct3D button under the Direct3D section.
2. This will run a series of tests to check the Direct3D functionality of your graphics card. Wait for the tests to complete.

Step 6: Generate a system report

To generate a system report with detailed information about your hardware and drivers, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Save All Information button at the bottom right corner of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
2. Choose a location on your system where you want to save the report and provide a suitable file name.
3. Click Save.

Conclusion

The Windows DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) is an essential utility for troubleshooting graphics-related issues on your system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily view important system information, test DirectDraw and Direct3D functionality, and generate comprehensive system reports.