I love getting lost in the epic battles of Company of Heroes 3, but hitting a DirectX error that stops the game cold is a real mood-killer.
If you’re dealing with this issue, I’ve got your back. This error often pops up because of outdated drivers, software glitches, or hardware hiccups.
But I’ve put together simple steps to help you fix it and get back to leading your troops.
These are straightforward, gamer-to-gamer tips that I’ve seen work, so let’s dive in and sort this out!
Why Does the DirectX Error Happen?
DirectX is the tech that helps Company of Heroes 3 connect with your PC’s graphics and sound systems. When it fails—maybe due to old software or a permissions issue—you might see errors like “DirectX unrecoverable error” or “No supported device found.” My goal is to guide you through fixing this in plain language, no tech degree required.
10 Easy Steps to Fix the DirectX Error
Work through these steps one by one, trying the game after each to see if the error’s gone. They’re designed to be quick and doable for anyone.
Check If Your PC Can Run the Game
Ensure your computer meets Company of Heroes 3’s needs, like DirectX 12 and a compatible graphics card. Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter. Check the System tab for DirectX Version (needs to be 12) and the Display tab for your graphics card. If your setup’s too old, you might need a hardware upgrade.
Update DirectX
An outdated DirectX can cause trouble. Go to the Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer, download the installer, and run it. Restart your PC and see if the game launches.
Update Graphics Drivers
Old drivers can mess with DirectX. For NVIDIA, use GeForce Experience or NVIDIA’s Driver Downloads. For AMD, try the AMD Drivers page. For Intel, use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant. Install the latest driver, reboot, and test the game.
Run the Game as Administrator
The game might need extra permissions. Find CoH3.exe in the game’s folder (like C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Company of Heroes 3, right-click it, choose Properties, go to Compatibility, check Run this program as an administrator, and click Apply. Try launching it.
Verify Game Files on Steam
Corrupted files can trigger errors. In Steam, go to Library, right-click Company of Heroes 3, select Properties, click the Installed Files tab, and hit Verify integrity of game files. Wait for it to finish, restart Steam, and launch the game.
Lower Graphics Settings
High settings can stress your GPU. Open the game, go to Options, set graphics to Medium or Low, and reduce resolution or effects like shadows. Save and restart the game to check if it works.
Install Visual C++ Redistributables
The game needs these files to run properly. Download the latest x64 version from the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable page, install it, and restart your PC. Then try the game.
Turn Off Overclocking and Extra Apps
Overclocking can make your system unstable. Reset any overclocking in your BIOS or GPU software. Also, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and close apps like browsers. Then launch the game.
Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily
Security software can block the game. Pause your antivirus’s real-time protection and go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection to turn off the firewall. Test the game, then turn security back on. If it works, add the game and Steam to your exceptions.
Reinstall the Game
If nothing works, uninstall Company of Heroes 3 from Steam’s Library by right-clicking and choosing Uninstall. Restart your PC, reinstall the game, and try launching it again.
Final Thoughts
The Company of Heroes 3 DirectX error is annoying, but these steps should help you squash it. Start with checking your PC and updating DirectX and drivers, then move to things like verifying files or reinstalling if needed.
I’ve seen these fixes work for plenty of players, and I hope they get you back to the battlefield fast. If you find a trick that works or hit a snag, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
