- Press the Windows key, search dxdiag, and click Open to launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, type dxdiag, and click OK.
Method 1: Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool With the Task Manager
The Task Manager app on Windows 11 allows you to monitor and manage all running applications and processes. You can use it to create a new task for running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu > select Task Manager to open it.
Step 2: Click Run new task at the top right of the Processes tab, type dxdiag , and press Enter to launch it.
Method 2: Create a Shortcut for the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
If you regularly use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, I recommend creating its desktop shortcut for quick access.
Step 1: Right-click the blank space on your Desktop > select New > Shortcut .
Step 2: Type dxdiag under Type the location of the item > click Next .
Step 3: Name the shortcut as you like and click Finish . Double-click the created shortcut to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Method 3: Create a Hotkey to Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
If you don’t wish to deal with the hassle of locating and opening the DirectX Diagnostic Tool from its shortcut, assign a hotkey to it.
Step 1: Right-click the DirectX Diagnostic Tool and select Properties .
Step 2: Open the Shortcut tab, click the Shortcut key box, and press your desired key combination to assign it. Click Apply , followed by OK to save changes.
Tip: I recommend assigning the Ctrl + Shift + D keyboard shortcut for opening the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Method 4: Utilize the Command-Line Tools
Besides creating a shortcut, you can utilize command-line tools such as Windows PowerShell and Command Prompt to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Windows PowerShell , and click to open it. Alternatively, search CMD to open the Command Prompt app.
Step 2: Type dxdiag in the window and press Enter to launch the app.
Method 5: Edit the Desktop Context Menu
Lastly, you can edit the desktop context menu via Registry Editor on Windows 11 to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool with a few clicks.
Note: Back up the Windows Registry files before editing them using File > Export.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type regedit , and click OK .
Step 2: Copy-paste the below address in the navigation bar, press Enter , and right-click Shell > New > Key .
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
Step 3: Type DirectX Diagnostic Tool in the name box and press Enter .
Step 4: Right-click the DirectX Diagnostic Tool key > choose New > select Key > Name this key as command .
Step 5: Finally, double-click the (Default) string on the right, paste the below location in the Value data , and click OK . Restart your PC to view the applied changes.
C:\Windows\System32\dxdiag.exe
