How to Fix the DirectDraw Error on Windows 10 & 11
The DirectDraw error is one some players have reported occurring when they endeavor to start older retro games on Windows 11/10 PCs. Those players see an error message that says, “DirectDraw error (variable error code) DDERR_UNSUPPORTED.” Windows games don’t start when that error message pops up.
Consequently, players can’t play older games like Age of Empires, Might and Magic 7, and Diablo because of the DirectDraw error. The same error can also occur for art and design software. This is how you can fix the DirectDraw error on a Windows 11/10 PC.
1. Configure Affected Apps to Run in Compatibility Mode
Running games and software in compatibility mode is a resolution that’s fixed the DirectDraw error for many users. As the DirectDraw error usually arises for older games and software, it makes sense to do so. You can set games to run in compatibility mode like this:
There’s also a Program Compatibility Troubleshooter that might be useful for troubleshooting the DirectDraw error. That troubleshooter includes an option that sets recommended compatibility settings for a selected program. It enables you to test programs with compatibility settings.
If selecting the compatibility mode setting doesn’t work, consider utilizing the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. ThisProgram Compatibility Troubleshooter guideprovides guidelines for accessing and utilizing that troubleshooter.
2. Set a 640 x 480 Resolution for the Game
The DirectX error can also occur because your monitor’s resolution is incompatible with that of the affected game or software. Remember that higher resolutions of today might not have existed in an old game’s release year.
To remedy that, try setting a 640 x 480 resolution for the game. You can do that by opening theCompatibilitytab for a game as instructed for the first three steps of the preceding resolution. Then select theRun in 640 x 480 screenresolutioncheckbox and clickApply>OK.
If 640 x 480 is too low for you, you can also try applying a lower universal resolution within Windows settings. However, a resolution set within the Settings app will apply to Windows and all software. These are the steps for lowering the resolution within Settings:
3. Enable Legacy Component Features
Some users might need to enable older legacy component features to resolve the DirectDraw error. To be more specific, an older game might need the deprecatedDirectPlayfeature enabled to run. This is how you can enable legacy component features on Windows 11/10:
4. Install Missing DirectX Runtime Components
As DirectDraw is a part of DirectX, this error is linked to that API. The error can arise because legacy games need older DirectX runtime libraries that might be missing on your PC. You can install missing DirectX components with DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer like this:
5. Try Some Basic Windows Fixes
If nothing has worked yet, there are some simple Windows tricks that usually fix display issues with software and games.
Update Your Video Card’s Driver
This error can also feasibly occur because an outdated or corrupted graphics driver is causing DirectDraw display component issues. Installing the latest graphics driver available for your PC’s GPU could remedy such issues. Our guide toupdating GPU drivers on Windowsincludes instructions for installing new graphics drivers in five different ways.
Run the Affected App in Windowed Mode
Running the game or software in windowed mode can also address resolution issues. To do so, check out our article aboutforcing games into windowed mode on Windows. Follow the instructions for that guide’s third method to set the software to start in windowed mode.
Reinstall the Affected Game or Software
Reinstall affected games or software packages if you’re still trying to fix the DirectDraw error after applying other possible resolutions in this guide. If you’ve installed a game with gaming client software like Steam, Epic, or GOG, you can uninstall it with the same software. Or remove the software within the Control Panel or Settings with a method in thisguide to uninstalling programs on Windows.
When you’ve done that, restart Windows and reinstall the game with your gaming client software. If the game has a DVD/CD, you’ll need to reinstall it with that disc.
Enjoy Your Retro Games or Apps on Windows
Those are the best and most likely potential resolutions to work for fixing the DirectDraw error on Windows 11/10 PCs. One of the possible solutions in this guide will likely get the DirectDraw error sorted on your PC since many users have fixed that issue by applying them. Then you could return to playing the games that didn’t start because of that error.
Want to give the original Diablo a go? We’ll show you where you can find a copy.
Every squeak is your PC’s way of crying for help.
Goodbye sending links via other apps.
Tor spoiled me forever.
Now, I actually finish the books I start.
I gripped my chair the entire time—and then kept thinking about it when the screen turned off.
