Top Fixes for DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient Memory on Windows 11

A group of application programming interfaces (APIs) known as DirectX allows software, including games, to interface with the graphics card, RAM, and input devices such as gaming controllers. Your Windows 11 PC may display the error message DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient Memory and crash your games and multimedia programs if DirectX has issues.

There are many reasons why you could get this error, including outdated or corrupted graphics drivers, insufficient memory, or damaged hardware. Regardless of what the cause might be, this guide will provide some effective solutions to troubleshoot this error.

1. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tools

The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is an integrated tool that helps to check your computer’s memory for issues. This is quite helpful because a defective or damaged computer RAM could be the cause of the DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient RAM error. You can easily resolve your computer’s memory issues with the use of the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool by following the steps below.

1. Click on the magnifying glass icon, type Windows tools in the text field, then hit Enter.
   
2. Locate the Windows Memory Diagnostic option, and double-click on it.
   
3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
4. Next, choose the Restart now and check for problems option.
   
5. Once your computer restarts, the diagnostic tool will look for errors with the RAM.

2. Remove cache from DirectX

Your computer’s cache is kept by DirectX to enhance the responsiveness and speed at which apps load. However, if this data becomes corrupted, DirectX may not function properly on Windows and issues may occur. Try clearing the DirectX cache and see if it works.

1. Click on the Search icon, type disk cleanup in the text field, and hit Enter.
   
2. From the drop-down menu, choose your primary drive, then click OK.
   
3. Look for the DirectX Shader Cache option, then click OK.
   
4. Next, click the Delete Files button.
   

3. Increase virtual memory to resolve DirectX errors

When your computer’s physical memory runs empty, Windows utilizes a section of your hard drive called virtual memory as RAM. Thanks to this, your computer can now execute more apps and tasks than it could before.

The reason behind the DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient Memory problem is that the program is attempting to utilize more memory than what your computer is capable of providing. This may occur when you have too many open apps or when you are using a demanding game or application.

By giving DirectX extra memory to work with, increasing your virtual memory can assist in resolving this issue. You can expand your virtual memory by following the steps below.

1. Hold Windows + S to open the Search bar, type view advanced system settings in the text field then hit Enter.
   
2. Navigate to the Advanced tab on the top, then click the Settings button.
   
3. In the Performance menu, go to the Advanced tab, then click on the Change button.
   
4. Next, uncheck the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
   
5. Click Custom size after locating your game or app on the selected drive. In the text boxes labeled Initial size and Maximum size, enter the desired values.
6. Once you are done, click the Set button, then choose OK.
   
   

4. Update your graphics driver

An outdated graphics driver will cause the DirectX could not allocate sufficient memory issue. This is because outdated drivers often have bugs, may raise compatibility issues, or even exhibit inefficient memory management, potentially triggering the DirectX malfunction. You may follow the steps below to update the driver.

1. Right-click on the Start icon, then choose Device Manager.
   
2. Double-click on the Display adapters option to get more options, right-click on your graphics driver, then select Update driver.
   
3. Follow any other on-screen instructions to update your drivers, then check if the error has been fixed.

5. Reinstall your graphics driver

If updating the graphics driver does not work, you can resolve the DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient Memory problem by reinstalling your drivers and replacing any damaged or out-of-date ones with new, functional ones. This might be especially useful if your graphics card driver is the source of the error.

1. Right-click on the Start icon, then choose Device Manager.
   
2. Double-click on the Display adapters option to get more options, right-click on your graphics driver, then select Uninstall device.
   
3. Restart your PC and allow it to automatically reinstall the missing drivers.
4. Once your PC is on, check to see if the error has been fixed.

6. Update your operating system

The DirectX Could Not Allocate Sufficient Memory error may also be fixed by updating your operating system and applying the most recent security updates and bug fixes. Microsoft updates Windows 11 frequently with solutions for recognized problems, such as DirectX failures. Use the steps below to update your PC.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I simultaneously.
2. Next, click on the Windows Update tab on the left side, then click the Check for updates button on the right.
   
3. If any update is available, download and install them.

Final Thoughts

If you carefully follow the steps above, you should be confident enough to troubleshoot errors associated to DirectX. If you have further questions, reach out to us via the comment section below. If you would also like to know how to manage high GPU usage on Windows 11, check out the linked article.