This is the standard API version included with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Most modern games still list "DirectX 12" as a requirement rather than "Ultimate," as Ultimate features are optional enhancements for high-end hardware.
As of May 2026, the . While DirectX 12 has been the standard since 2015, Microsoft continuously evolves the platform through the Agility SDK , which allows new features to be rolled out to gamers and developers without waiting for a major Windows OS update. DirectX 12 Ultimate: The Modern Standard
Released as an update to Windows 11 (and available on Windows 10), DirectX 12 Ultimate is the most recent feature set. It was launched in late 2020, but it remains the latest version as of 2026. Microsoft has not released a "DirectX 13" yet. what is latest version of directx
Note that the specific system requirements may vary depending on the application or game using DirectX 12 Ultimate.
What is the Latest Version of DirectX? (Updated 2026) This is the standard API version included with
DirectX 12 Ultimate is considered the "gold standard" for PC and console gaming (Xbox Series X/S). It unifies the feature set across platforms, ensuring that if a game is built for one, it can easily transition to the other with full hardware support. The core "magical features" of DirectX 12 Ultimate include:
The latest version of DirectX is . It was released on March 20, 2020, and is supported on Windows 10 and later versions. While DirectX 12 has been the standard since
If you want to see what version your PC is currently running:
If you have updated Windows 10 or Windows 11, you have the latest version installed automatically. Whether you can use the fancy "DirectX 12 Ultimate" features depends entirely on how new your graphics card is.
Instead of jumping to a whole new number, Microsoft has been updating DirectX 12 Ultimate through the Windows Update system. Think of it like "iOS 17" – the name stays the same, but the features inside improve over time.