How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll Errors

If installing the latest version of DirectX doesn't fix the error, reinstall the program or game that needs the file

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on April 14, 2023

Microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll issues are caused in one way or another by an issue with Microsoft DirectX DirectDraw.

This DLL file is one of many files contained in the DirectX software collection. Since DirectX is utilized by most Windows based games and advanced graphics programs, these errors usually show up only when using these programs.

Any of Microsoft's operating systems since Windows 98 may be affected by microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll and other DirectX issues. This includes Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.

Microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll Errors

microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll error message

There are several ways microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll errors can show up on your computer, such as through these common error messages:

  • Microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll not found. Reinstalling might help fix this.
  • The file microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll is missing
  • Microsoft.directx.directdraw.DLL Not Found
  • File microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll not found

These errors are often seen with video games, but could apply to any program that utilizes Microsoft DirectX. The error could appear at any point during the game (or when using the software program), but you'll most likely see it during startup.

How to Fix Microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll Errors

Follow these steps in the order they're given below to try the simpler solutions first.

Do not download microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll individually from any "DLL download site." There are a number of reasons why downloading DLLs like that is never a good idea. If you've already done that, remove the file from wherever you put it and continue with these steps.

  1. Restart your computer if you haven't yet. The error might be a fluke and a simple restart could clear it up completely.

  2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX. Chances are, upgrading to the latest edition will fix the "not found" error.

    Microsoft often releases updates to DirectX without updating the version number or letter, so be sure to install the latest release even if your version is technically the same.

  3. Assuming the latest DirectX version from Microsoft doesn't fix the microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll error, look for a DirectX installation program on your game or application DVD or CD. Sometimes the software developers will include a copy of it on the installation disc if their game or program utilizes DirectX.

    Sometimes, though not often, the version included on the disc is a better fit for the program than the latest version available online.

  4. Uninstall the game or software program and then reinstall it again. Something might have happened to the files in the program that work with this DLL file, and a reinstall could do the trick.

  5. Restore the microsoft.directx.directdraw.dll file from the latest DirectX software package. If the above troubleshooting steps haven't worked to solve your error, try extracting the DLL file individually from the DirectX downloadable package.

  6. Update the drivers for your video card. This particular DLL file is related to DirectDraw, which is a 2D API used when rendering graphics. Addressing the video card driver could correct this DirectX issue.

Was this page helpful?