DirectX 9 Archives

Winsage

September 22, 2025

Microsoft confirms DRM issues in Windows 11 September 2025 Update

The Windows 11 September 2025 Update (KB5065426) has faced installation errors and Digital Rights Management (DRM) issues affecting video playback, although Netflix remains unaffected. Microsoft traced these problems to the previous optional update, KB5064081 from August 2025, impacting users of digital TV and DVD applications that use the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement. Additionally, some Electronic Arts (EA) games have malfunctioned after the August and September updates, particularly those using the Javelin anti-cheat engine. Users have reported rendering issues in DirectX 9 games, disrupted Microsoft Ink services, and ongoing PowerShell functionality problems. The update has also been linked to issues with Server Message Block (SMB) v1, affecting file sharing and connectivity. Microsoft is working on solutions for these issues.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Windows 8.1 graphics get bit-crushed into working in 40-year-old EGA graphics mode — less than half-megapixel display mode is limited to 16 colors

Bob Pony successfully installed Windows 8.1 on a system using the EGA graphics standard, which was introduced by IBM in October 1984 and supported resolutions up to 800 x 600 pixels in 16 colors. The installation resulted in a desktop display identified by the operating system as having 256MB of memory, despite EGA typically operating with less. The system allowed for a 640 x 480 pixel display in True Color (32-bit) at 64 Hz. However, EGA does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 9, which requires a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels and DirectX 9 support.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

3 times Microsoft has tried (and failed) to reinvent PC gaming

Microsoft has faced criticism from the PC gaming community due to frequent Windows updates causing crashes and altering features. The Universal Windows Platform (UWP), introduced in the mid-2010s to unify operating systems, faced backlash from gamers for restricting access to game files and complicating third-party software use. Many developers bypassed UWP, leading Microsoft to reintroduce Win32 games by 2019. DirectX 10 was exclusive to Windows Vista, resulting in only 87 games being developed for it due to the unpopularity of Vista and lack of backward compatibility. Games for Windows Live (GFWL) aimed to bring Xbox Live to PC but became frustrating due to its closed ecosystem, leading to accessibility issues and unplayable titles after server shutdowns. Microsoft has since improved the gaming experience on Windows, focusing on user choice and compatibility, with features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage integrated into Windows 11.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Windows 11 bug with Nvidia GPUs prevents apps from launching

Windows 11 is experiencing significant issues for users with Nvidia GPUs, particularly those in the Windows Insider program on the Canary channel, who are facing difficulties launching applications. The problem is linked to an incompatibility with DirectX 9, resulting in crashes related to D3D9 DLL files. This affects various software, including applications, games, PowerPoint, web browsers, and certain websites. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue in the known problems list for Canary Channel build 27808, but many users still encounter disruptions. Some users have found temporary solutions by replacing the problematic D3D9 DLL files in the System32 and SysWOW64 folders with versions from previous builds, requiring administrative rights and disabling their Nvidia GPU via Device Manager. The issue appears to be limited to Windows Insider participants using Canary builds, and while Microsoft hasn't explicitly blamed Nvidia GPUs, the evidence suggests a predominant impact on these users.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

The latest Windows Insider build is crashing games, and Nvidia might be the culprit

Build 27808 of Windows Insider, released on March 7, has caused crashes in applications using DirectX 9, particularly affecting the d3d9.dll file. Microsoft is investigating this issue, which primarily impacts users in the Canary channel. There are indications from users that Nvidia GPUs may be related to the crashes, although Microsoft has not confirmed this. Some users have found a workaround by replacing the d3d9.dll file from a previous build, but this requires disabling the Nvidia GPU in Device Manager. The problems seem to be associated with recent RTX 50-series graphics cards. Users in the Canary channel are advised to consider reverting to a previous build or switching to a more stable channel, while the broader user base remains unaffected.