Microsoft has unveiled a public preview of DirectX Dump Files, a significant advancement aimed at streamlining and standardizing the debugging process for GPU crashes on Windows operating systems. This initiative, previously showcased at the GDC conference, aims to equip PC developers with tools that have traditionally been reserved for console environments.
Key Features of DirectX Dump Files
The innovative approach involves the creation of structured files with a .dxdmp extension, generated when the Timeout Detection and Recovery mechanism identifies a hardware error. These files encapsulate essential information, including:
- Hardware snapshots
- Driver data
- Direct3D runtime context
- Application user data for offline analysis
To fully leverage this technology, developers must meet specific software and hardware requirements:
- Operating system Windows 24H2 and 25H2 with update KB5089573 or later
- Operating system Windows 26H1 with update KB5089570 or later
- Agility SDK Update Package 1.721.1-preview
- Enabled developer mode in Windows
- AMD Software AgilitySDK Developer Preview Edition 26.10.07.02, tailored for AMD series graphics cards, including Radeon RX 9000 or AMD Radeon RX 7000
- Compatible benchmark drivers from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, available through official channels
- PIX version 2606.18-preview program for accessing and analyzing dump files
This preview version is primarily focused on gathering developer feedback, which will be instrumental in enhancing the ecosystem and improving driver quality ahead of the full release. Notably, the tool is not yet designed for integration into final retail builds of video games.
Developers will have the flexibility to switch between three operational modes, each offering different levels of performance and data recording accuracy: NOOVERHEAD, MEDIUMOVERHEAD, and HIGH_OVERHEAD. The full-scale launch of this technology in retail products is anticipated for fall 2026.
