![Amplifying Age-Old DirectX Experience via DXVK Compatibility](https://thmb.techidaily.com/c7c73b7c4a7efc6c835802b5aee6775aac1b5aafcbc08ea28ac48bf90c458f91.jpg)
Amplifying Age-Old DirectX Experience via DXVK Compatibility
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Amplifying Age-Old DirectX Experience via DXVK Compatibility
Direct3D has been a part of Windows gaming for decades, unifying the segmented PC hardware landscape under one 3D-enabled umbrella. However, an app created primarily for Linux, DXVK, is sometimes a much better option to use, even if you’re on Windows.
Would you like better compatibility and, more importantly, performance for your apps and games? Then you need to try out DXVK.
The Problem With DirectX on Windows
Microsoft created DirectX as a “unified solution” that helped programmers use any PC’s hardware capabilities. Instead of writing different code for each hardware part, software developers could “target” DirectX’s DirectDraw (2D graphics), Direct3D (hardware-accelerated 3D), and DirectSound (audio) libraries. Then, let Microsoft’s solution “translate” their code to “the native language” of each hardware part.
DirectX became an irreplaceable core technology in Windows and has been evolving since. However, there’s a small catch with Direct3D: it’s not 100% backward compatible.
Microsoft, and the creators of GPUs that support the Direct3D API (as in “Nvidia, AMD, and Intel”), have occasionally dropped support for features introduced in past versions of Direct3D but which never gained traction. Thus, some older games might fail to run correctly on a modern GPU with the newest versions of Direct3D.
What Is Vulkan?
Supposedly a more “open” answer to Microsoft’s closed-source Direct3D, OpenGL was a mutated version of the 3D graphics libraries used in Silicon Graphics’ graphics workstations.
OpenGL, though, always lagged, feature-wise, compared to Microsoft’s Direct3D. Eventually, it seemed more rational to reboot the effort. That’s why Vulkan, also known as “OpenGL Next”, was created, offering better performance and increased control over hardware.
Like OpenGL, and unlike Microsoft’s Windows-bound Direct3D, Vulkan is “open” and cross-platform. You can use Vulkan on Windows, Linux, and even smartphones. Although not natively supported on Macs, it’s usable there through MoltenVK.
That was the short version. To learn more about Vulkan, check our article on what Vulkan run time libraries are in Windows .
What Is DXVK?
DXVK is a wrapper, “translating” Direct3D to Vulkan. In the human world, a translator can be a mediator between an English and a Japanese speaker, enabling them to understand one another. Similarly, “wrappers”, or “translation layers”, can “take” code written for a specific piece of hardware, platform, or API, and translate it to run on another.
DXVK was originally developed for Linux with support from Valve, which also uses it on SteamOS and the Steam Deck. You can learn more about that in our article where we saw what is Steam Proton and how it runs Windows games on Steam Deck .
Why Should You Use DXVK on Windows?
If a game already runs fine on your hardware, there’s no reason to use DXVK. But some games written for older versions of DirectX don’t run “correctly” (if at all) on newer versions of DirectX and modern hardware.
By “translating” old-and-buggy Direct3D code into the more modern Vulkan API, there’s a minimal toll on performance (if any). At the same time, problematic games with broken graphics or missing features may become fully playable again.
Since Vulkan is on par with Direct3D 12, and both are much better (and faster) than older versions of Direct3D (as we saw when we compared DirectX 11 VS DirectX 12 ), “translating” old Direct3D games to Vulkan can sometimes improve the game’s performance.
Intel’s work on their Arc GPUs is proof of that. Intel could try to add support for every single older title in Arc GPU drivers. Instead, Intel decided to work on further improving DXVK. Initial results from Intel’s “experiment” lead up to a 2x boost in performance for older titles, with dozens rendered playable “through” DXVK.
How to Use DXVK on Windows
Using DXVK on Windows is easy, since there is nothing to tweak or configure. You only have to download it, extract it into a game’s correct folder, and it’s ready to go.
However, you have to use the correct DXVK version that matches the Direct3D version used by your game.
It’s probably easier if we go through the whole process together to see how you can download the latest version of DXVK, identify your game’s “tech”, and install the correct DLLs in the proper folder.
How to Download DXVK
DXVK is open-source software and free to use. You can find its latest version on GitHub.
- Visit DXVK’s official GitHub page and click on the Latest version link on the right of the page, under Releases.
- Scroll down on the releases page and find the Assets section of the latest version. Click on the latest DXVK tar.gz archive to download it. At the time of writing, it was version 2.2.
- Store the downloaded archive somewhere, for you will need to extract its contents to the folder of every game you want to run with DXVK instead of Direct3D.
How to Choose the Correct DXVK Version
If you need to know which version of Direct3D your game is using, the PC Gaming Wiki website can help.
- Visit PC Gaming Wiki with your browser, and use the search field on the top right to seek the game to which you want to add DXVK.
- When you find your game, visit its page and scroll down to reach the Other Information section. Turn your attention to the API tables. There, on the Technical Specs and Supported columns, you will see the version of Direct3D your game is using. Underneath, the Executable, 32-bit, and 64-bit columns will “tell” you which architecture you should choose.
How to Add DXVK to Your Games
Now that you know which Direct3D version and CPU architecture your game uses, you can add the correct version of DXVK to its folder.
- Open the DXVK archive with your favorite archive manager (for this article, we’re using WinRAR), and enter the single DXVK folder you’ll see there.
- Inside, you’ll find two subfolders, one for each computer architecture. Enter the correct one for your game. Even if your OS is 64-bit, like most versions of Windows today, if your game is 32-bit, you should go for the 32-bit folder.
Screensaver Factory, Create stunning professional screensavers within minutes. Create screensavers for yourself, for marketing or unlimited royalty-free commercial distribution. Make screensavers from images, video and swf flash, add background music and smooth sprite and transition effects. Screensaver Factory is very easy to use, and it enables you to make self-installing screensaver files and CDs for easy setup and distribution. Screensaver Factory is the most advanced software of its kind.
- Select the DXGI.DLL plus the correct DLL for the version of Direct3D your game is using. As you will see, there are three more DLLs, one for each of the previous versions of Direct3D: 9, 10, and 11.
- Find the local folder where your game is installed and locate the subfolder with its executable (“the file from which the game runs”). Extract the DLLs from the previous step to this folder.
How to Test and Benchmark Your Enhanced Game
If you run your game now, it should use Vulkan instead of Direct3D and hopefully perform better.
Even if you don’t see any dramatic changes in frame rates, sometimes the improvements can be “felt” in other ways. For example, we tried DXVK with the classic Batman: Arkham City on a PC equipped with a Ryzen 5900x, 64GBs of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU. Our hardware was already over this old game’s top specs, achieving very high frame rates. Even if they got higher with Vulkan, the difference wouldn’t be easily perceivable.
However, the game’s action felt smoother. Transitions between screens, loading levels, and pressing Alt + Tab were almost instant with DXVK.
When You Should Not Use DXVK
DXVK has many benefits and can bring the performance of older games into the modern era. Despite this, it’s not a silver bullet for improved performance, and sometimes it’s just not worth using it.
1. DXVK Doesn’t Improve the Game’s Performance
If you’ve added the DXVK DLLs to your game but saw no difference afterward, you can remove them again if you like. You can delete the DLLs you’ve added to a game’s folder to do that.
2. DXVK Causes Worse Performance or Introduces New Glitches
Sometimes adding DXVK to a game might have the opposite effect. Unfortunately, there’s no way for an end user to fix such issues.
Did a game’s performance tank or visual glitches appear after adding DXVK? Exit the game and delete the DXVK’s DLLs from its directory.
3. You Want to Play Your Game Online
DXVK is a compatibility layer and only affects the graphic output of a game. Still, some companies are against any modification of their games to ensure a fair environment for everyone.
DXVK might not be “cheating”, but it’s still a “game modification”, and could get flagged as such.
4. The Game Already Has Built-In Vulkan Support
If a game already uses the Vulkan API, like Doom Eternal, there’s no reason to set its output to Direct3D to then translate it to Vulkan.
5. The Game Uses Direct3D 12
Since Direct3D 12 is almost fully on par with Vulkan, there’s nothing to gain by translating one ultra-modern graphics API to another one.
Enhance Your Old Games With “Translated” 3D on Windows
What started as a way to play more Windows-bound games on Linux, ended up becoming a useful compatibility solution and performance booster. So, keep a recent archive of DXVK’s DLLs handy. Add them to any game where you’d like to eliminate glitches, improve its performance, get smoother in-game action, and improve its responsiveness.
Even if it doesn’t end up helping, trying it out will only take seconds, and more often than not, you might be surprised by the results.
Would you like better compatibility and, more importantly, performance for your apps and games? Then you need to try out DXVK.
Also read:
- [New] 2024 Approved Building Your First Channel Essential Video Gear List
- [New] How To Use The Background Eraser Tool In Photoshop Detailed Guide
- [New] In 2024, Evolution of Engagement Key Post-VidCon Events
- [New] Optimal Spectrum Adjuster
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Beginner's Tutorial Composing YouTube Video Content
- [Updated] 2024 Approved How to Hit the High Notes in Capturing Twitch Live Events
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Tips to Share Pre-Recorded Videos Live on Facebook
- [Updated] Framing the Perfect Waterway Narrative
- [Updated] Insta-Marketing Dynamo Crafting Winning Strategies with Videos on Social Media
- [Updated] Premium Tech for Home Screenings for 2024
- [Updated] VideoSnapper Quickly Download Twitter Content on iPhone
- 2024 Approved Comprehensive Telegram Web Usage Tips & Tricks
- 5 Ways To Teach You To Transfer Files from Samsung Galaxy S23+ to Other Android Devices Easily | Dr.fone
- 7 Ways to Add a Merry Flair to Your Windows 11
- 9 Pros of Modernizing to Windows' Revamped Outlook
- 9 Strategies for Troubleshooting Windows 10 Blue Screen Crashes
- 9 Updated W11: Key Enhancements Unveiled by Recent Patch
- 9 Ways to Fix the “Can’t Switch Out of S Mode” Issue in Windows 11 or 10
- A Fresh Approach to Managing Settings in Win11 UI
- A Guide to Immaculate Window Display on W11
- A Guide to Maintaining Perpetual PS4-Windows Tether
- A Step-by-Step Approach to Solving DirectDraw Mistakes
- Accelerate Your Workflow: Fine-Tuning Mouse Clicks
- Addressing 'Network Not Reachable' Issues on Windows 11 Computers
- Addressing 'Occupied' File Problems in Windows 11
- Addressing Audacity's Unexpected Device Access in WinOS
- Addressing Failure Glitches: A Guide for Fixing Windows Office Issues
- Addressing Package Malfunctions in Windows Updates
- Addressing Spontaneous Store Openings on PC
- Adjusting Failed Logon Wait Duration Settings
- Adopt WSL: The Easy Way to Run Linux Commands
- Advanced Methods for WindowsApps Acquisition
- Airplane Mode? Here's Your Guide for Win11
- Altering Account Access in Windows 11 Easily
- Amplify Creativity: Best Writing Software For Windows
- Are Some of Your Keyboard Keys Not Working? Here's How to Fix Them on Windows
- Avoiding Chatbots: Maintaining Security in Your Windows 11 Access
- Avoiding Extraction Fails: Addressing Error 1152 in Windows
- Batch Automation for File Repositioning in Win 11
- Become a Full-Screen Screenshot Expert: 4 Essential Tricks for Windows
- Boost Your Device's Performance with Quick Android APK Installation in Windows 11
- Boost Your PC: Win's Best Performance Fixes Ranked
- Boosted App Opening: Top Techniques for Windows 11
- Boosting App Aesthetics with Win11's Automatic Tuning
- Boosting Classic DirectX Titles with DXVK on Windows
- Boosting Memory Usage in Windows Without Complications
- Boosting Real-Time Performance on Windows 11 Task Monitor
- Boosting System Stability: Fixing High Memory Usage of Services
- Boosting the Utility of Windows 11'S Initial Interface
- Boosting Valorant Speed: Windows Performance Tips
- Bring Your Message Alive How to Send Gifs via Snapchat
- Double Location Dongle All to Know About Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max/iPad GPS Spoofing | Dr.fone
- Evaluating Virtual Realms Pros and Cons
- Fixes for Apps Keep Crashing on Honor 90 Lite | Dr.fone
- Forgot iPhone XR Backup Password? Heres What to Do | Dr.fone
- From Beginner to Expert The Ultimate Guide to HP Screen Recording
- Full Review for Hero4 Black
- How to Bypass FRP on Xiaomi 14 Pro?
- How to Hide/Fake Snapchat Location on Your Itel P55+ | Dr.fone
- How To Unlock Apple iPhone 12 mini Without Swiping Up? 6 Ways
- In 2024, Can I Remove the Apple Watch Activation Lock By Apple iPhone XS Max without the Previous Owner?
- In 2024, Capturing with Snap Zoom Guide
- In 2024, Pinnacle Article Hook Maker
- In 2024, Professional Video Resizer Suite
- In 2024, Syma X5C In-Depth Guide Optimal Choice to Lift Off as a Beginner
- In 2024, The Best Android SIM Unlock Code Generators Unlock Your Honor Magic 5 Lite Phone Hassle-Free
- In 2024, The Complete Hulu Recording Manual for PC, Mac & Mobile Users
- In 2024, Top 10 Dynamic Image Backdrops Viewer
- In 2024, Top 8 Photo Grid Online Makers to Polish Your Pictures
- In 2024, Why Your WhatsApp Live Location is Not Updating and How to Fix on your Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Dr.fone
- InShot App How to Integrate External Songs Easily for 2024
- Lock Your Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro+ Phone in Style The Top 5 Gesture Lock Screen Apps
- New 8 Best Professional Audio Editing Software for Powerful Editing for 2024
- New In 2024, The Secret to Reversing TikTok Videos Insider Tips and Tricks 2023 Edition
- Step-by-Step Solution: Correcting a 500 HTTP Status Code Issue
- Troubleshooting Guide: Addressing the 'Vanguard Not Initialized' Issue in VALORANT
- Windows Issues? Learn How to Seek Expert Guidance
- Xbox Not Launching? Fix It with These Tips!
- Title: Amplifying Age-Old DirectX Experience via DXVK Compatibility
- Author: David
- Created at : 2024-08-15 23:15:17
- Updated at : 2024-08-16 23:15:17
- Link: https://win11.techidaily.com/amplifying-age-old-directx-experience-via-dxvk-compatibility/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.