DirectX Web Installer Guide
The DirectX Web Installer (dxwebsetup.exe) is a small file from Microsoft that downloads and installs only the legacy DirectX components your PC is missing. Download it from the official Microsoft Download Center at microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 — do not download from any other source.
What the Web Installer Does
When you run dxwebsetup.exe, it:
- Checks which DirectX End-User Runtime components are already installed.
- Connects to Microsoft's servers to download only the missing files.
- Installs the downloaded components silently.
- Leaves your existing DirectX 12 installation untouched.
The result is that missing legacy libraries like d3dx9_43.dll, d3dx10_43.dll, and XAudio 2.7 are added to your system, fixing launch errors in older games.
How to Verify the Installer is Authentic
- After downloading dxwebsetup.exe, right-click the file and select Properties.
- Click the Digital Signatures tab.
- Confirm the signer is Microsoft Corporation.
- If no signature is present or the signer is different, delete the file and re-download from the official Microsoft URL.
Web Installer vs. Offline Installer Comparison
| Feature | Web Installer | Offline Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Download size | ~285 KB | ~96 MB |
| Internet required | Yes (during install) | No (after downloading) |
| Installs only missing files | Yes | Installs everything |
| Best for | Single PC with internet | Multiple PCs or limited connection |