Uninstall DirectX completely - Here's how
If you no longer want to use DirectX or if the software causes problems, you can completely uninstall it. We'll show you how to do it and what to look out for.
Step 1: Remove DirectX software using Control Panel
- You can delete DirectX like any other program via the Control Panel. You can find detailed instructions in this practical tip and in the following video. To reinstall, you can download DirectX for Windows 8 or DirectX for Windows 7, Vista and XP in the CHIP download area free of charge.
- As a rule, normal uninstallation is sufficient. If you really want to remove DirectX completely, you should also carry out the following two steps.
- Before you do that, however, you should create a restore point for security. So you have a backup ready in case of an emergency if errors occur during the process.
Step 2: delete DirectX registry entries
- Simultaneously press the [Windows] and [R] keys and enter the "regedit" command in the "Execute" dialog.
- Confirm with "OK", the registry editor starts.
- Open the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft" and look for folders that start with the name "Direct".
- With a right click you can delete all folders like "DirectX", "DirectDraw" and "DirectShow".
Step 3: Remove remaining files from DirectX
DirectX leaves some files behind even after deinstallation. You can also delete them manually if necessary:
- Press the key combination [Windows] and [E] so that the Explorer opens.
- At the top right you will find the search function. Enter the following file names here and delete the search results: "ddhelp.exe", "ddraw.dll", "dsound.dll", "dinput.dll", "d3d.dll", "dplayx.dll", " dpmodemx.dll ", " dpwsockx.dll ", " directx.cpl ", " vjoyd.vxd ", " joy.cpl ", " dplaysvr.exe ", " dpwsock.dll ", " dpserial.dll ", " dplay. dll "
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to update DirectX.