The genuine dxdiag.exe file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft created "DxDiag.exe" as a diagnostic aid for users of the numerous API's designed to enhance 2D and 3D graphics, audio, and gaming: DirectDraw, DirectMusic, DirectInput, etc. The API names originally all began with "Direct...," and "DirectX" became the collective name. Every Windows version since 98 and NT 4.0 has included DirectX and the DirectX SDK merged with the Windows SDK as of Windows 8.1 Developer version. The DirectX Diagnostics Tool was introduced in DirectX Version 4.09.0000.0900. It originally had testing and troubleshooting capabilities but since Windows Vista it only displays information about the video and audio hardware, drivers, and software. Found in "C:\Windows\System32," (which in 64-bit systems is the native x64 version with an x86 version in "C:\Windows\SysWoW64"), it presents a GUI divided into category tabs: System, Display, Sound, and Input. A "Save All Information" button creates a text file, convenient for forum posting or email attachment.
DXDiag stands for DirectXDiagnostic Tool
The .exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. Executable files may, in some cases, harm your computer. Therefore, please read below to decide for yourself whether the dxdiag.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you should remove, or whether it is a file belonging to the Windows operating system or to a trusted application.
Description: Dxdiag.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. Dxdiag.exe is located in the Windows folder for temporary files.
The file size on Windows 10/11/7 is 20,480 bytes.
The dxdiag.exe file is not a Windows system file. The software has no file description. The program has no visible window.
Therefore the technical security rating is 61% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
If dxdiag.exe is located in a subfolder of the user's profile folder, the security rating is 36% dangerous. The file size is 192,000 bytes (50% of all occurrences) or 24,619 bytes.
The program has a visible window. Dxdiag.exe is not a Windows core file. There is no file information. The software is loaded during the Windows boot process (see Registry key: User Shell Folders).
If dxdiag.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, the security rating is 0% dangerous. The file size is 1,298,432 bytes.
The program has a visible window. Dxdiag.exe is a Windows system file. It is a Microsoft signed file.
Dxdiag.exe is able to record keyboard and mouse inputs.
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as dxdiag.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example Trojan.Generic.KD.548428 (detected by F-Secure), and Artemis!F653A754A458 (detected by McAfee). Therefore, you should check the dxdiag.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer's security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
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User Comments
mine need to be updated as I had to reset my computer to factory settings and not all windows updates up loaded some failed and I cant get them to upload Ruth Mackenzie
motherboard an da
i have dxdiag.exe as part of windows xp64 on one pc and it does show the rotating cube test but the version in windows 7 which is on another pc, does not andreas (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of dxdiag.exe:
based on 9 votes with 3 user comments.
8 users think dxdiag.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application.
One user thinks it's probably harmless.
3 users don't grade dxdiag.exe ("not sure about it").
Best practices for resolving dxdiag issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with dxdiag. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows' 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or, for Windows 8 and later versions, executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To help you analyze the dxdiag.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. BMalwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Score
User Comments
Ruth Mackenzie
an da
andreas (further information)
Summary: Average user rating of dxdiag.exe: based on 9 votes with 3 user comments. 8 users think dxdiag.exe is essential for Windows or an installed application. One user thinks it's probably harmless. 3 users don't grade dxdiag.exe ("not sure about it").