How to Fix “The following component(s) are required to run this program” DirectX Runtime Error

If you are trying to play a game or launch an app but get “The following component(s) are required to run this program” DirectX Runtime Error. Windows is is missing important runtime components that the program or game needs to function. These components are usually DirectX libraries, or Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables. Thankfully, these are easy problems to fix so follow along as we guide you through the steps.

How to Fix “The following component(s) are required to run this program” DirectX Runtime ErrorInstall the DirectX End-User Runtime

DirectX manages graphics, audio, and multimedia functions for many applications. Even if Windows includes the latest version, there are some programs and games that still need some of the older files that are less common. So you'll need to make sure that you have all the old stuff as well as the new stuff.

• Close the program that is showing the error.
• Go to the official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime page.
• Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your computer.
• Launch the program again to see if the issue is resolved.

Install the Required Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

A lot of random software and games use DirectX as well as Microsoft Visual C++ files so you will also need to make sure that you have all of these files as well. When these are missing you will typically get a different error message, that usually complains about a missing .dll file. However it also just show the “The following component(s) are required to run this program” error.

• Close the affected program.
• Check your system type by going to Settings > System > About.
• Visit the official Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page.
• Download and install the required x86 and x64 packages.
• Complete the installation for each package and restart your computer.
• Launch the program again to confirm the issue is resolved.

Alternatively: You can use a bulk installer to install all the Visual C++ packs to save some times.

Change the DirectX Launch Option

If the problem is coming from a game, you can force the game to use a specific version of DirectX. On Steam this is super simple, just do the following.

• Open your game launcher.
• Locate the game in your library.
• Right-click the game and select Properties.
• Find the Launch Options field.
• Enter the parameter: -dx11.
• Close the properties window and launch the game.

Update Windows

It's a bit of a no brainer but it's a good idea to make sure that Windows is up to date as well. This will make sure that everything that needs to be updated in the OS is updated.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Select Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install all available updates.
• Restart your computer if prompted.
• Try launching the program again.