Windows & BSOD · high

How to fixD3D11-CREATE-DEVICE-FAILED

Direct3D 11 Initialization Failure

What this error means

D3D11-CREATE-DEVICE-FAILED is a high-severity Windows operating system problem. The application or game could not initialize Direct3D 11. This occurs when the graphics driver is corrupted or the GPU does not support the required DirectX 11 features. Follow the steps below to fix it.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Perform a clean reinstall of graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
  1. Perform a clean reinstall of graphics drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors
02Download and reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime package from Microsoft.
  1. Download and reinstall the DirectX End-User Runtime package from Microsoft.
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors
03Verify the application launch settings and force DirectX 11 mode if supported.
  1. Verify the application launch settings and force DirectX 11 mode if supported.
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Outdated, corrupted, or missing graphics card drivers.
  • Incompatible hardware that lacks native DirectX 11 feature levels.
  • DirectX component corruption in the Windows system directories.

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

dxdiag