how to fix A D3D11-compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is required to run the engine on valorant

Question

how to fix A D3D11-compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is required to run the engine on valorant

Artin Azizpour 0

i recently bought a lenovo slim 7i aura edition. i tried to play valorant in this pc but it keeps saying A D3D11-compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is required to run the engine. even tho it opened twice randomly. all my laptops specs match and i have dirext x 12. i have tried everything but nothing seems to work. its says my system cant handle it even though it has opened before and my laptops specs match the requirments.

2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Gade Harika (INFOSYS LIMITED) 1,945 Microsoft External Staff

Thanks for reaching out.

The error indicates Valorant needs a GPU that supports Direct3D 11 (Feature Level 11.0) and Shader Model 5.0, even if DirectX 12 is installed. Here are some steps you can try:

Step 1: Check GPU Feature Level

Press Win + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
Click Display tab.
Look for Feature Levels → Ensure 11_0 or higher is listed.
- If missing, your GPU does not meet Valorant’s requirements.

Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Go to Device Manager → Display adapters.
Right-click your GPU → Update driver.
Or download latest drivers:

Step 3: Force Dedicated GPU

Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings.
Add Valorant → Set to High performance.

Step 4: Install DirectX Runtime

Download and install https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35.

Step 5: Disable Overlays

Turn off Discord, Xbox Game Bar, and other overlays.

Step 6: BIOS Settings

Ensure dedicated GPU is enabled in BIOS.

If Feature Level 11.0 is Missing

Your GPU does not support Valorant. Options:

Use an external GPU (eGPU).
Upgrade to a laptop with Feature Level 11.0 or higher.
Let me know if the issue persists after following these steps. I’ll be happy to assist further if needed. If the issue has been resolved, please click "Accept Answer".

retrix 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T15:47:42.18+00:00

Nice AI Response from Microsoft's External Staff. ChatGPT gave me the same answers, with the same 'Step 4' download link for DirextX Runtime that is no longer available. None of these troubleshooting steps resolve this issue. This is a software development problem related to Unreal Engine 5 issues. I personally have ensured I am running the latest drivers, with proper DirectX 12 and feature level 11 with Shaders 5.0 installed, and the issue persists. I hope Microsoft can do better than spend 10 seconds copy and pasting an AI response.
Bruce (SqlWork.com) 81,971 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-20T15:58:06.1766667+00:00

Valorant is a 3rd party application. Microsoft does not control their hardware requirements. You should open your question with the Valorant vendor.
retrix 0 Reputation points

2025-10-20T16:10:14.8166667+00:00
One of these three options resolved the issue for me, as I completed them all at the same time before performing a restart.

Disabled 'Hardware Accelerated GPU scheduling' (Windows Display Settings > Graphics > Advanced Graphics Settings > disable HA GPU scheduling.

Downloading dxwebsetup and reinstalled DirectX (did not restart after doing this so this could have been the resolution)

Updated to Windows 25H2 (unlikely that this resolved the issue, but I am mentioning this change.

After a restart, one of these 3 resolved the issue. I believe it was the HA GPU Scheduling change, as Windows may have been pulling Microsoft Basic Display Adapter which may have some kind of issue with DX.

Answer 2

Gade Harika (INFOSYS LIMITED) 1,945 Microsoft External Staff

Fix Valorant GPU Error:

Turn OFF Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
Reinstall DirectX Runtime
Update Windows & GPU drivers
Restart PC

If the issue persists after these steps, it may be related to Unreal Engine 5 compatibility or a Riot Games patch requirement. contacting Riot Support is the best next step.

Let me know if the issue persists after following these steps. I’ll be happy to assist further if needed. If the issue has been resolved, please click "Accept Answer".

Gade Harika (INFOSYS LIMITED) 1,945 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-10-24T09:59:49.8133333+00:00

Hope you're doing well! Please let us know if the issue persists or resolved. If the answer is helpful, please click Accept Answer and kindly approve it. If we didn't get any response from your side. we will proceed to close the thread by October 29th.
Gade Harika (INFOSYS LIMITED) 1,945 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-10-29T11:35:46.34+00:00

We haven’t received any further updates or follow-up on this case, so we’ll proceed with closing it at this time. If you require additional assistance or have new information to share, please feel free to raise new thread, we’re happy to support you further needed.

Share via

how to fix A D3D11-compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is required to run the engine on valorant

2 answers

Your answer