Troubleshooting DirectDraw Error on Windows 10 Legacy Games

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If you got an error with DirectDraw as the keyword in its description, you probably tried to run a certain app or game. Other users have also complained that their games don’t open because of DirectDraw errors. So the problem you encountered is not really an exception.

DirectDraw is a DirectX component used by most games and advanced graphics programs in Windows. To be honest, DirectX errors vary greatly. So it makes sense that the messages or descriptions informing you of problems might be different. Messages that affect DirectDraw are usually as follows:

DirectDraw initialization failed or DirectDraw could not be initialized.

DirectDraw errors are relatively easy to fix. In this tutorial, we’ll show you the most effective ways to solve problems with that DirectX component.

What causes DirectDraw errors?

  • Your system may be experiencing problems because it’s not working properly.
  • A virus attack on your system can cause a DirectDraw error.
  • An error in DirectX registry values can also cause a DirectDraw error.
  • Improper Windows shutdown can cause an error due to a sudden shutdown.
  • Accidental deletion of a DirectDraw file or related file may cause an error.
  • When the system suddenly stops performing DirectDraw-related operations, it causes an error.
  • This problem most often occurs when a process is stopped using the Task Manager.

How to repair a DirectDraw error?

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Update to the latest version of DirectX

  1. Type dxdiag in the Windows search bar (Win+S) and press Enter.
  2. Check the version information at the bottom of the page.
  3. Google to see if you have the latest version of DirectX installed.
  4. If it is, skip this method and move on to the next one.
  5. If not, press Win+I and select Update and Security.
  6. Go to the right window and click on the Check for updates option.
  7. Along with the updates, Windows will also install the latest version of DirectX.

There is no separate software to install DirectX on your computer. Therefore, to fix the DirectDraw error in Windows 10, you need to install it through Windows Update. Before you start the download process, check which version you are currently using.

Configuring the compatibility of screen resolution

  1. Right-click on the game or application causing the error and select Properties.
  2. Click the Compatibility tab.
  3. Select the Perform 640 x 480 screen resolution check box.
  4. Select Apply and then select OK.

The DirectDraw error in Windows 10 is partly due to an incompatible screen resolution.

Update the video driver

  1. Right-click on the Start icon and select Run.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the dialog box and press Enter.
  3. Locate the display adapters and expand them.
  4. Right-click on an available graphics driver and select Update Driver.
  5. Select Automatically check for driver software updates and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the graphics driver is outdated, corrupt, or missing, you may experience a DirectDraw error.



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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Restart your computer if you haven't already.
  2. Install the latest version of Microsoft DirectX.
  3. Assume that the latest version of Microsoft DirectX does not fix the error.
  4. Uninstall and reinstall the game or software.
  5. Restore Microsoft.

  1. Run the DirectX diagnostic tool (Dxdiag.exe).
  2. On the Display tab, make sure DirectDraw Acceleration and Direct3D Acceleration are selected under DirectX Features.

If the "DirectDraw Error(DDERR UNSUPPORTED)" error occurs, the video card driver may be missing or outdated. You can update your video card driver to fix this error. You can go to the video card manufacturer's website and manually download and install the latest video card driver.

A DirectDraw driver is a device-specific interface, usually provided by the display hardware manufacturer. DirectDraw provides methods to an application and uses part of the DirectDraw display driver to work directly with the hardware. Applications never call the display driver directly.

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  3. Microsoft Disruptive Shooter Games and Entertainment
  4. Resolve the error ‘computer does not meet the minimum requirements’ when installing the graphics driver
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