DXDiag System Tab Explained
The DXDiag System tab shows your operating system version and build, computer manufacturer and model, BIOS version, processor name and speed, total RAM, page file size, and the DirectX version. Open DXDiag with Windows + R, type dxdiag — the System tab is selected by default.
Complete Field Reference: DXDiag System Tab
| Field | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Current Date/Time | Date and time the DXDiag report was generated | Timestamps the report for support submissions |
| DxDiag Version | Version of the DXDiag tool itself | Identifies which DXDiag version created the report |
| Windows Version | Windows edition, version number, and build number | Confirms your exact OS for software compatibility |
| Windows Dir | Path where Windows is installed (usually C:\Windows) | Useful when diagnosing system file issues |
| System Dir | Path to the System32 folder | Confirms system directory location |
| System Manufacturer | PC brand (Dell, HP, Lenovo) or Custom Build | Identifies your PC for support and driver downloads |
| System Model | PC model number (e.g. Dell XPS 15 9520) | Use model number to find drivers on manufacturer's website |
| BIOS | BIOS/UEFI version and release date | Check against manufacturer's latest BIOS version |
| Processor | CPU model, clock speed, and number of cores | Compare to game/software minimum CPU requirements |
| Memory | Total installed RAM in megabytes | Compare to application RAM requirements |
| Available OS Memory | RAM available to Windows (may differ from total) | Smaller than total if some RAM is reserved |
| Page File | Virtual memory size and storage location | Normally managed automatically by Windows |
| Windows Dir | Windows installation directory | Confirms expected system path |
| DirectX Version | Active DirectX version (should be DirectX 12 on Windows 11) | Verify DirectX version meets game requirements |
| DX Setup Parameters | DirectX installation parameters (usually Not found) | Not found is normal — means standard Windows DirectX |
| User DPI Setting | DPI scaling set by the user | Relevant for high-DPI display troubleshooting |
| System DPI Setting | DPI set by the system automatically | Affects how applications scale on your display |
How to Find Your DirectX Version
Open DXDiag (Windows + R, type dxdiag). On the System tab, scroll to the bottom of the fields. Find DirectX Version. On a fully-updated Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, this will show DirectX 12.
If you see DirectX 11, it does not necessarily mean DirectX 12 is unavailable — it may mean your GPU does not support DirectX 12 feature levels even if the operating system version does. Check the Display tab for the DDI Version field to confirm what DirectX feature level your GPU supports.
How to Use the System Tab for Gaming
When a game lists minimum requirements, compare them against your DXDiag System tab:
- Processor: Compare the game's minimum CPU to what DXDiag shows in the Processor field.
- Memory: Convert the DXDiag MB figure to GB (divide by 1024) and compare to the game's RAM requirement.
- DirectX Version: Confirm DXDiag shows the minimum DirectX version the game requires.
- Operating System: Confirm the Windows version meets the game's OS requirement.