Windows 11 · Windows 10 and Windows 11

Fix ‘DirectX Setup Could Not Download the File’ on Windows

Source-checked 15 August 2026About 10 minutes

Answer

If the failing file is `dxwebsetup.exe`, stop retrying the web installer. Download Microsoft's 95.6 MB DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) package, extract it, and run `DXSETUP.exe`. This installs optional files used by some older games; it does not replace DirectX 12. If the message comes from a game launcher instead, use that launcher's Verify or Repair command first.

Confirm which installer failed

Read the error window and check the installer in Downloads. Continue only when the failed file is `dxwebsetup.exe`. If the error belongs to Steam, Epic Games Launcher, or another app installer, close this guide and use that publisher's Verify or Repair command first; it may provide the exact prerequisite its app needs.

Download Microsoft's full package

Open Microsoft's DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) Download Center page. Before selecting Download, verify the address is on `microsoft.com`, the file is `directx_Jun2010_redist.exe`, and the listed size is 95.6 MB. Save that file; do not use a mirror or download an individual DLL.

Extract and run DXSETUP

Create a new empty folder, then run `directx_Jun2010_redist.exe`. Accept Microsoft's terms and choose that folder when the package asks where to extract its files. Open the folder, run `DXSETUP.exe`, approve the Windows prompt, and wait until setup reports completion. Delete only the extracted folder after the installation succeeds.

Retry the original app

Fully close and reopen the game or app that triggered the setup, then repeat the same launch or installation action. Stop when it completes without the DirectX download error. The DirectX version shown by `dxdiag` may stay unchanged because this package adds optional legacy libraries beside Windows' built-in DirectX runtime.

If it does not work

If Microsoft's full package will not download, open the same Download Center page in another browser or try another trusted network. Keep Windows Security and the firewall enabled, and do not use a third-party mirror.
If `DXSETUP.exe` fails after extraction, record the exact code or log and use the game publisher's prerequisite support. The original web-download error is no longer the failing stage.
If the app still names a missing D3DX, XInput, or XAudio file, verify or reinstall that app from its official launcher instead of copying a DLL into System32.
If you were trying to install DirectX 12 itself, stop. Microsoft says Windows 10 and 11 already include the latest DirectX version for those systems and update it through Windows Update.

Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on 15 August 2026. Scope: Windows 10, Windows 11.

Source-checked against Microsoft's current Download Center and DirectX guidance. No hands-on Windows retest was performed. This page is intentionally image-free because the decisive evidence is the exact installer filename, Microsoft domain, package filename, and completion result; a generic Windows Settings screenshot would not clarify those choices.