If Where Winds Meet is showing a DirectX error on launch or during gameplay, you’re not alone. Many players experience errors like:

  • “DirectX function failed”
  • “DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED”
  • “DirectX 12 not supported”
  • “Fatal Error: DirectX”
  • Game crashes immediately after clicking Play

These issues usually happen due to outdated GPU drivers, missing DirectX components, incompatible hardware, corrupted Visual C++, or Windows system file issues. This guide will help you fix every common DirectX error.


⚙️ Common Causes of DirectX Errors in Where Winds Meet

  • Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
  • Missing DirectX 12 system files
  • Visual C++ Redistributable issues
  • Running on an unsupported GPU
  • Corrupted game files
  • Conflicts with overlays
  • Windows not updated to latest build
  • Using older Windows versions like 1909 / 2004

Let’s fix the issue step-by-step.


🧰 Fix 1: Update GPU Drivers (Most Effective)

Where Winds Meet requires the latest DirectX 12 compatible drivers.

Download the newest version:

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience
  • AMD Adrenaline Software
  • Intel Arc / UHD Drivers

Restart PC after installation.

Result: Fixes crashes, DXGI errors, and GPU initialization issues.


💾 Fix 2: Install DirectX End-User Runtime (Required)

Some DirectX files may be missing from the system.

Steps:

  1. Download DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft
  2. Install all components
  3. Restart PC

Result: Adds missing DirectX libraries often required by the game.


🔧 Fix 3: Install Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022)

DirectX errors are often caused by missing Visual C++ runtime files.

Steps:

Download & install:

  • x64 version
  • x86 version

Restart PC.


🔄 Fix 4: Verify Game Files (Steam / Epic)

Corrupted DirectX or shader files inside the game can cause errors.

Steam:

Library → Right-click game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files

Epic:

Library → Three dots → Verify

Result: Replaces corrupted DirectX-related game assets.


🚫 Fix 5: Disable Overlays (Fixes DXGI & Device Removed Errors)

Overlay apps often conflict with DX12 games.

Turn off:

  • Steam Overlay
  • Discord Overlay
  • Xbox Game Bar
  • NVIDIA Overlay
  • RivaTuner / MSI Afterburner
  • Overwolf

Steam:

Settings → In-Game → disable Enable the Steam Overlay


🧹 Fix 6: Clear Shader Cache (DirectX Freeze Fix)

Corrupted shader cache leads to DirectX fatal errors.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: %localappdata%
  3. Open WhereWindsMeet
  4. Delete:
    • Saved
    • Intermediate

NVIDIA Shader Cache Reset:

NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Shader Cache Size → Reset


🌐 Fix 7: Update Windows to Latest Version

Where Winds Meet requires updated DirectX 12 system components.

Steps:

Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for updates

Install all cumulative updates.


🧱 Fix 8: Check if Your GPU Supports DirectX 12

Where Winds Meet requires DirectX 12 — older GPUs will not work.

Check your GPU:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R → type dxdiag
  2. Look under Display
  3. Check Feature Level

The game requires:

  • DirectX 12
  • Feature Level 12_0 or 12_1

If your GPU only supports 11_1, the game will not run.


🪄 Fix 9: Disable GPU Overclocking

Overclocking can cause:

  • DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED
  • “Device Hung”
  • DirectX crash after loading screen

Reset:

  • MSI Afterburner
  • AMD OC
  • Intel XTU
  • XMP/DOCP RAM (if unstable)

🔧 Fix 10: Change Graphics API Launch Option (Optional)

If supported by launcher:

  1. Open game launcher settings
  2. Set Force DX12
  3. Remove any custom flags like: -dx11 -d3d11

These cause fatal errors if the game is DX12-only.


🧠 Fix 11: Reinstall DirectX (Full Reset)

If the DirectX installation is corrupted:

Steps:

  • Delete folder → C:\Windows\System32\DirectX (only if advised)
  • Run DirectX installer again
  • Restart

🧩 Fix 12: Reinstall the Game (Last Option)

If nothing helps:

  1. Uninstall
  2. Delete leftover folders
  3. Reinstall on SSD

💡 Additional Tips

  • Update your motherboard BIOS
  • Use High Performance power mode
  • Disable high DPI scaling in game properties
  • Close Chrome, OBS, Discord while playing
  • Disable G-Sync / FreeSync (if flickering occurs)

❓ FAQs

Q1: Why does Where Winds Meet show “DirectX 12 not supported”?

Your GPU may not support Feature Level 12_0 or above.

Q2: What causes DXGI device removed error?

Usually unstable GPU overclocking or outdated drivers.

Q3: Can reinstalling Windows fix DirectX errors?

Yes — if system files are heavily corrupted.


🎯 Conclusion

To fix Where Winds Meet DirectX errors, start by updating your GPU drivers, installing DirectX components, verifying game files, and disabling overlays. These steps fix most DX12 crashes and initialization failures.

If the DirectX error still persists, check GPU compatibility and remove any overclocking. In rare cases, a clean reinstall of the game or DirectX may be required.

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