How to Fix “DirectX setup could not download the file. Please retry later or check network connection.”

DirectX is an important part of Windows that is required for a ton of different things, including playing games. It's also prone to a few issues that stop lots of stuff from working properly. So if you are getting Direct X error, “DirectX setup could not download the file. Please retry later or check network connection.” This article will guide you through a few solutions you can use to solve the problem on Window 10 and 11.

How to Fix “DirectX setup could not download the file. Please retry later or check network connection.”

Before you start this step and any other step restart your computer and your modem/router. Then restart your Network Adapter. Restarting the network adapter forces Windows to rebuild the connection and can resolve temporary faults that prevent the DirectX installer from communicating with Microsoft servers.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, then press Enter.
• Right-click the network adapter currently in use (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Select Disable and wait a few seconds.
• Right-click the adapter again and select Enable.
• Run the DirectX installer again.

Re-download the DirectX Installer

To skip most of the drama downloading a fresh installer usually makes sure that the setup file is intact and able to retrieve the necessary components. It should bypass any issues with the data already on your system.

• Delete the existing DirectX installer from your computer.
• Download a new copy from Microsoft's official website.
• Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
• Follow the installation instructions.

Set DNS to Automatic (It already should be)

While this should already be set to automatic for 99.9% of people check it anyway. DNS servers translate domain names into IP addresses so applications can locate remote servers. The DirectX installer relies on DNS to reach Microsoft's download servers.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
• Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4).
• Select Obtain DNS server address automatically.
• Click OK and run the DirectX installer again.

Reset DNS Cache and Network Stack

Windows stores DNS results in a local cache to speed up future connections. If these records become outdated or corrupted, the system may attempt to connect to incorrect server addresses.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the following commands one at a time:

• Restart your computer.
• Run the DirectX installer again.

Repair System Files Using SFC and DISM

If system corruption is preventing Security Center from starting, use built in repair tools.

• Search for Command Prompt
• Select Run as administrator
• Run: sfc /scannow

• When it's done run the DISM command.

If SFC reports it could not repair some files, run these commands one at a time:

• Restart your PC after completion.

Use the Offline DirectX Installer

The offline DirectX installer has all required files inside the package. Because it does not download components during installation, it avoids problems related to network connectivity or blocked download requests. This should be the most reliable fix when the usual installer fails.

• Visit Microsoft's official website.
• Download the DirectX End-User Runtime (Offline Installer).
• Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.