Introduction

The DirectX 12 Agility SDK represents a significant advancement for Windows developers and gamers, enabling access to the latest DirectX 12 features without waiting for OS updates. This guide provides an in-depth look at installing and troubleshooting the Agility SDK to ensure a seamless development experience.

Understanding the DirectX 12 Agility SDK

Traditionally, DirectX updates were tied to Windows OS releases, causing delays in feature adoption. The Agility SDK decouples DirectX 12 updates from the OS, allowing developers to integrate the newest features directly into their applications, thereby accelerating innovation and enhancing user experiences.

System Requirements

Before installing the Agility SDK, ensure your system meets the following criteria:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 version 1909 (November 2019 Update) or later. Verify your OS version by navigating to Settings > System > About and checking the 'Version' and 'OS Build' numbers. For version 1909, the build number should be 18363.1350 or higher; for versions 2004 and 20H2, it should be 19041.789 or higher.
  • Graphics Drivers: Updated drivers compatible with the Agility SDK. For AMD GPUs, obtain the latest developer drivers; for NVIDIA GPUs, ensure your driver version is 466.11 or newer.
  • Development Tools: Visual Studio 2019 is recommended, though Visual Studio 2017 is also supported. Additionally, install PIX for Windows, a graphics debugger with native support for the Agility SDK.
  • DirectX Shader Compiler: The Windows 10 SDK includes a copy of the DirectX Shader Compiler. If you're utilizing Shader Model 6.6, download the appropriate compiler release to compile and run shaders effectively.

Installation Methods

1. Using Visual Studio's NuGet Package Manager

For developers using Visual Studio:

  1. Open Your Project: Launch Visual Studio and open your project.
  2. Manage NuGet Packages: Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select Manage NuGet Packages.
  3. Search and Install: In the NuGet Package Manager, search for "Microsoft.Direct3D.D3D12" or "DirectX 12 Agility". Select the desired version and click Install.

By default, the Agility SDK components are placed in a subdirectory named INLINECODE0 within your project's directory. To avoid potential conflicts, it's advisable to place these components in a subdirectory separate from your application's executable.

2. Manual Installation

For developers not using Visual Studio or preferring manual installation:

  1. Download the SDK: Visit the DirectX 12 Agility SDK Downloads page and download the latest NuGet package.
  2. Extract the Package: Rename the downloaded INLINECODE1 file to INLINECODE2 and extract its contents.
  3. Organize Files: Place INLINECODE3 and other necessary components into a subdirectory (e.g., INLINECODE4 ) within your application's directory.
  4. Set SDK Parameters: Export the constants INLINECODE5 and INLINECODE6 from your main executable to inform the system of the SDK version and path.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. OS Version Compatibility

If your system doesn't meet the OS version requirements:

  • Update Windows: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  • Consult IT Department: If updates are restricted, coordinate with your organization's IT department to obtain the necessary updates.

2. Missing INLINECODE7

If you encounter an error indicating that INLINECODE8 is missing:

  • Verify INLINECODE9 : Ensure that the INLINECODE10 file is located in the directory specified by INLINECODE11 and that the path includes a trailing slash.

3. Version Mismatch Errors

Errors related to INLINECODE12 mismatches can occur if there's a discrepancy between the SDK version requested and the version of INLINECODE13 :

  • Check SDK Version: Confirm that the INLINECODE14 exported from your application matches the version of the INLINECODE15 you're using. This information can be found in the NuGet package details or the file properties of INLINECODE16 .

4. Debug Layer Mismatch

A mismatch between INLINECODE17 (the debug layer) and INLINECODE18 can cause device creation failures:

  • Separate Directories: Ensure that Agility SDK components are placed in a subdirectory separate from your application's executable to prevent conflicts.

5. Features Not Activating

If new DirectX 12 features aren't functioning as expected:

  • Check Feature Support: Use the INLINECODE19 method to verify hardware support for the features you're implementing.
  • Update Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date and support the desired features.

Conclusion

The DirectX 12 Agility SDK empowers developers to integrate the latest DirectX 12 features without waiting for OS updates, fostering innovation and enhancing application performance. By following the installation and troubleshooting steps outlined above, developers can effectively leverage the Agility SDK to deliver cutting-edge graphics experiences.

For further assistance, consider visiting the DirectX Developer Blog or joining the DirectX Discord community to connect with other developers and access additional resources.