DirectX runtime errors in Valorant can crash the game instantly, often showing messages like "DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error" or error codes such as DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG and 0x887A0006. These errors are almost always caused by outdated GPU drivers, a missing or corrupted DirectX installation, or an incompatible DirectX version selected in Valorant's settings — and every one of them is fixable.
This guide walks you through six steps in order of how often each fix works. Start at Step 1 and work your way down until Valorant launches cleanly.
What you will need
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with Valorant installed via the Riot Client
- Administrator access to install drivers and Windows updates
- An internet connection to download updated drivers or the DirectX web installer
Steps to fix DirectX runtime errors in Valorant
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Step 1: Identify the DirectX error
Before changing anything, note the exact error message or code that appears. Common DirectX runtime errors in Valorant include DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG, D3D11 initialization failed, and error 0x887A0006. The error dialog usually appears immediately after the Riot logo, during map load, or after a match. Knowing the exact code helps you confirm which fix worked.
Write down the error code — it confirms the root cause and helps you verify the fix. -
Step 2: Update your GPU drivers
Outdated or corrupt GPU drivers are the single most common cause of DirectX runtime errors in Valorant. To update: press Win + X and open Device Manager, expand Display Adapters, right-click your GPU, and choose Update Driver → Search automatically. For the most current driver, visit nvidia.com or your GPU manufacturer's site directly and download the latest Game Ready or Studio driver. After installing, restart your PC before opening Valorant.
Fresh GPU drivers resolve the majority of DirectX runtime crashes in Valorant. -
Step 3: Install or repair the DirectX runtime
If the driver update did not help, the DirectX runtime files on your system may be missing or corrupted. Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft's official download page and run it. The installer checks for missing DirectX components — including older DLL libraries that Valorant still depends on — and replaces them silently. Restart your PC after the installer finishes, then launch Valorant again.
The DirectX web installer restores missing DLL files that Valorant needs to run. -
Step 4: Switch Valorant to DirectX 11
Valorant supports both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12, but DX12 is less stable on older or mid-range hardware. If you have DirectX 12 selected and are seeing runtime errors, switching back to DX11 often eliminates them entirely. Open Valorant → Settings → Video → Graphics Quality, find the DirectX Version option, and change it to DirectX 11. Apply and restart the game. DirectX 11 is Riot's own recommended setting for maximum compatibility.
Switching to DirectX 11 in Valorant's Graphics settings is one of the quickest fixes for runtime crashes. -
Step 5: Set Valorant to use the high-performance GPU in Windows
On laptops and desktops with both an integrated and a dedicated GPU, Windows can accidentally route Valorant through the weaker integrated chip, which lacks full DirectX support. To force Valorant onto the dedicated GPU: go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings, click Browse, navigate to
C:\Riot Games\VALORANT\live\and select VALORANT.exe. Click the entry, choose Options, select High Performance, then save. Restart Valorant afterward.
Pinning Valorant to the high-performance GPU prevents DirectX failures caused by integrated graphics. -
Step 6: Repair game files or reinstall Valorant
If none of the above steps solved the DirectX runtime error, corrupted game files may be the culprit. Open the Riot Client, click the gear icon next to Valorant, and choose Repair Game Files. The client will scan and restore any damaged files — this usually takes a few minutes. If the repair does not help, uninstall Valorant through the Riot Client, then re-download it from playvalorant.com. A fresh install re-runs Valorant's own DirectX redistributable installer automatically.
Use Repair Game Files in the Riot Client before resorting to a full reinstall.
Tips to prevent future DirectX errors
- Keep Windows Update current. Major Windows updates often include DirectX patches and driver fixes that prevent these crashes.
- Avoid overclocking your GPU while playing Valorant. Unstable overclocks are a frequent hidden cause of DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG.
- Check GPU temperatures. A GPU that overheats under load can trigger DirectX device-lost errors. Use MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z to monitor temps during a match.
- Run Valorant as Administrator. Right-click the shortcut and select "Run as administrator" to rule out permission-related DirectX failures.
Troubleshooting
The error returns after every match but not at launch
This pattern usually points to GPU overheating or an unstable overclock. Monitor your GPU temperature during a full game. If it exceeds about 85 °C, clean your PC's fans or apply fresh thermal paste. Remove any GPU overclock profiles and test again.
Repair Game Files finds nothing but the error persists
Run the DirectX End-User Runtime installer again after the repair, since a repair can overwrite game files without restoring system-level DirectX components. Also check that Windows is fully up to date, as some DirectX DLLs arrive through Windows Update rather than standalone installers.
DirectX 11 is greyed out in Valorant settings
Your GPU driver may be too old to expose the DX11 toggle to Valorant. Update your driver first, then recheck the setting after restarting the game.
Frequently asked questions
What causes DirectX runtime errors in Valorant?
The most common causes are outdated or corrupted GPU drivers, missing DirectX runtime libraries (especially older DLL files), having DirectX 12 selected on hardware that does not support it reliably, or Valorant being routed through an integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one.
Does Valorant require DirectX 11 or DirectX 12?
Valorant supports both, but DirectX 11 is the recommended and more stable option for most players. DirectX 12 is available as an opt-in setting for players on newer, high-end hardware.
Will reinstalling Valorant fix a DirectX runtime error?
A fresh install often resolves errors caused by corrupted game files because Valorant re-runs its bundled DirectX redistributable during setup. However, if outdated GPU drivers are the root cause, reinstalling the game alone will not help — update your drivers first.
What is DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG in Valorant?
DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG (error code 0x887A0006) means the GPU stopped responding and the DirectX graphics subsystem could not recover. It is triggered by driver bugs, GPU overheating, hardware overclocks, or a corrupted DirectX installation. Updating your GPU driver and switching to DirectX 11 in Valorant's settings resolves it in the majority of cases.
How do I know which DirectX version my PC supports?
Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool shows your current DirectX version at the bottom of the System tab. Most modern Windows 10 and 11 PCs support DirectX 12, but Valorant runs more stably on DirectX 11 regardless.
Conclusion
DirectX runtime errors in Valorant are frustrating, but they are nearly always solvable without reinstalling the game. In most cases, updating your GPU driver (Step 2) or switching to DirectX 11 in-game (Step 4) will get you back into matches within minutes. If those quick fixes do not work, reinstalling the DirectX runtime and checking your Windows GPU preference settings covers the remaining scenarios. Work through the steps in order and Valorant should be running cleanly again.
