Submitted by john2 489d ago | news

Microsoft makes DirectX 11.1 exclusive to Windows 8, no support for Windows 7/Vista

DSOGaming writes: "Okay everyone, you did see that coming, didn't you? Well, it appears that DirectX 11.1 will be an API that is exclusive for Windows 8, just like DX10 was for Windows Vista and DX11 was for Windows 7 (well, that was until MS released a Vista version for it). This does not shock us at all, as Microsoft is simply trying to make everyone upgrade to its latest OS, by any means necessary." (Dev, DirectX, Microsoft, PC, Tech, Windows 8)

Muffins1223  +   489d ago
Well it's not that much different from dx11 so i think its safe to say game developers wont use it.
nukeitall  +   489d ago
Well, just enable it for people on Windows 8 and stick to DirectX 11 for the rest. No big deal.

Most likely you can't even tell the difference if they were put side to side.
Grap  +   489d ago
it's not like DX12 or something. and MS trying to sell it's new OS.
badz149  +   489d ago
many big devs like Gabe are vocal
about their dislike of MS's approach with 8! and there are still not many games even DX11 enabled yet! there are games released recently still using DX9 for god sake!

I'm gonna side with the devs on this and stay with 7! I don't see the need for 8 just yet and my Win 7 64bit is still good enough to serve several more years!
da_2pacalypse  +   489d ago
I don't plan to ever upgrade to that awful windows8 platform. Microsoft is turning windows into a half-assed version of apple... and that's sad, because apple is already a half-assed version of windows OS.
darkride66  +   489d ago
So, Windows 8 is a half assed version of Apple OS which is sad because the Apple OS was a half assed version of previous windows OS's, is that what you're saying? And what, pray tell, was the Windows GUI originally accused of being a copy of?

Short memories around here.

At any rate, I'll pass on Windows 8 for now. I've learned over the years, no good comes of jumping on board new Window's OS's. If they flop, MS pulls the plug quickly and even if they don't, they often end up being pretty damn buggy until at least the first major service packs. Operating systems are an instance where it's never a good idea to be an early adopter.
nukeitall  +   489d ago


My experience has been that since Windows XP, every Windows release has been pretty rock solid. No problems at all except incompatible drivers.

If anything it is more an issue of learning the new things.

I don't know why people keep saying early releases are buggy, but I believe it is a myth. It's got to be, because nobody I know have any real issues.
hellvaguy  +   488d ago
I guess it's just human nature to be scared and stubborn toward change with little to no evidence to support being bias.

Reminds me of when checking accounts came out and all the old timers refused to put money inside of banks. They just keep fist fulls of money balled up inside of their matresses.
ATi_Elite  +   489d ago
See this is the CRAP that makes many top tier PC Devs such as Valve and Blizzard wanna go the OpenGL route!

No one wants to have to deal with Microsoft and it's greedy tactics when it comes to DirectX!

Forcing Gamers to buy Windows 8 just to get DX11.1 is gonna hurt the development of games using DX11.1 (although the improvements from DX11 are minor). This same tactic hurt the development of DX10 Games by forcing that Vista crap on Gamers.

No one wanted Vista therefore the list of DX10 games was small and DX10 never got any attention from DEvs and had it's problems fixed!

When will Microsoft grow the "F" up and stop this nonsense of trying to force Gamers to buy your Crappy OS's by weaving DirectX into them.

DirectX should be an api that runs fluid on any MS OS and should never be tied to just one OS version!

Windows 8 is crap and is really of NO Use to Gamers or anyone who doesn't have a touch screen. Actually Windows 8 is even more of a turn off to Gamers cause at anytime Microsoft may force Devs to pay higher fees cause of the stupid app store.

It's time for PC Gamers to step up and petition Devs to go all out for OpenGL and alternative Operating systems so that DirectX and Microsoft can DIE when we no longer buy Windows!

OpenGL, Linux, Chrome OS, and I'm even waiting for the glorious day when Apple Execs Open up OSX to freedom!! If Apple wants more market share in teh OS business then all they have to do is Open OSX up and make it Gamer friendly!

Windows and Microsoft are nothing but an eyesore on PC Gaming!

I will NOT be buying Windows 8 but I will find an alternative way to get DX11.1 on my PC just like I had DX10 but never bought Vista!

Windows 7 is just fine and should get the DX11.1 update just like WinXp was deserved the DX10 version!
#1.3 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
hellvaguy  +   488d ago
Sounds like you want private companies to give you all kinds of free technology. Maybe this socialist approach should be called ObamaDX11.1.
TheModernKamikaze  +   489d ago
I hate it when Microsoft does this, even if it's a minor thing.
Prcko  +   489d ago
DaThreats  +   489d ago
How about MAC?
Oh yeah thats right
#4 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(8) | Report | Reply
wishingW3L  +   489d ago
DirectX is an API developed by Microsoft and only for Windows. Macs are OpenGL only.
#4.1 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(12) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
Braid  +   489d ago
You can install any Windows version to your MAC though. MAC, being the platform, supports Windows installations through Bootcamp, that way you can get your DX9-10-11-11.1 games running on your MAC as well.

MAC OS X, being the operating system however, will never get DX support, as it's owned by Microsoft's software department.
NYC_Gamer  +   489d ago
MS is just trying to move more W8 copies
mcstorm  +   489d ago
And do you blame them? Its like Sony or Nintendo stopping development on there consoles for the next.

At the End of the Day MS are a business and to make money you need people to buy your products.

Also is this really a big Deal MS offer anyone using XP, Vista and 7 a Pro upgrade of Windows 8 for £24.99. To me is a no brainer. Your pc will start-up faster and in general see an improvement in speed and you also get D11.1 support.

Ive been using Windows 8 on my work pc for a few months now and I have to say I like it a lot more than the old style windows plus my 3 year old laptop runs a lot better with the new software to.

For me Im going to get a surface pro next year and this will replace my laptop and Xoom as it will be a decice that will do everything I need it to do as a tablet and laptop.
MidnytRain  +   489d ago
I don't know much about computers, but I don't think it's the same thing. New consoles are more capable than their predecessors. Here, Microsoft seems to be making DX11.1 exclusive to Windows 8 just because they can (money). Even then, at one point, some games were developed for both PS2 AND PS3, as well as the GameCube and Wii.
mcstorm  +   489d ago
@MidnytRain I know what your saying but Windows is a peace of software like Android or IOS. Apple don't give the new Iphones everything that the new Iphone gets IE Seri.

Or Samsung not offering the latest build of Android on there tablets. Example the Samsung Galaxy 10.3G is still running version 3.0 yet my Xoom is running the latest version of Jelly bean and they are both the same spec and the Galaxy 10.1 is about 3 months newer.

This is the same thing with Windows. Just like consoles, Phones ect its a new OS and MS need to give reasons to upgrade to it. The never gave Windows XP IE9.

People will moan no matter what MS, Sony, Nintendo ect do with any of there products but at the end of the day MS want to get as many people to move over to there new OS system as this is the look of MS now and by getting new users on Windows 8 will help them in selling more Windows Phone 8 and Xbox/Kinect devices as this is there eco system.
aviator189  +   489d ago
I've pretty much got all my pcs and laptops running on windows 8 now so I'm good.
blackbirdi  +   489d ago
that's bad move make me remember direct x 11 for vista
#7 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(4) | Disagree(3) | Report | Reply
badz149  +   489d ago
dude, Vista was DX10
and AMD cards are 10.1 enable. DX11 started with 7
blackbirdi  +   489d ago
yeah true
25 steam games in the linux beta. And Unity 4 exports all games for linux also. Lets hope the company (named valve) that service 70% of real pc games will shine on that platform.

I want to see MS panic. For my own entertainment of course.

"You think Microsoft is going to panic with 90%"

90% of what?
Are you say 90% of pc gamers game on gfwl? & stick with windows because of the pc gaming experience MS provides?

And your telling me they don't want to compete with steam?
You are aware the Gabe is a billionaire and that steam makes billions no? And that pc made more money for EA than ps3 no?

just sayin u must really be a fans.. F**k MS in the first place I rather not depend on a console gaming company for my pc gaming needs on a tablet OS.

You like them so much? go get an xbox..
#8 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(9) | Disagree(9) | Report | Reply
JBSleek  +   489d ago
You think Microsoft is going to panic with 90% marketshare because Steam is now on Linux? Linux doesn't even move double digit numbers and let's say some gamers do migrate to Linix enough won't that would harbor Microsoft.

And what is a "real" gamer anyway? An elitist who thinks one way?
JOHN_DOH  +   489d ago
not 90% anymore
Now that tablets, netbooks, and smartphones are considered pcs, Microsoft has less than 50% of the pc market. Which is why they rushed out windows 8 with arm support.
JBSleek  +   489d ago
For someone to call a tablet and a smartphone a PERSONAL COMPUTER seems quite ridiculous. And let's assume that is the case. Windows still wins on functionality.
Qrphe  +   489d ago
The truth is people are ditching PCs for tablets. Many people only ever used PCs for browsing the Internet so they're not losing much.
MikeMyers  +   489d ago
You're dreaming if you think people will gravitate towards linux. I find it rather ironic how people are upset at Microsoft when Steam has been supporting Apple for quite some time and their ecosystem is even more closed off and their computers are much harder to upgrade.
#8.2 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(5) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
nukeitall  +   489d ago
I think MS would worry about Macs way before Linux.

Linux is pretty much a joke for end users, and I just don't see consumers caring. It's such a niche market that it is almost impossible to sell a laptop with Linux as the default operating system, let alone targeting an even smaller group of people with gaming.
sjaakiejj  +   489d ago
Your average Joe probably won't go Linux, but the professional user will. To call Linux a joke for end users is incredibly far fetched, and not even remotely true.

But then again, you love anything that has Microsoft stamped on it, so I'm not really going to bother arguing with you about this beyond this comment.
nukeitall  +   489d ago

Don't get me wrong, I use Linux every day. It is great for servers and runs rock solid. I use it for my work as my desktop because it is easier for my task dealing with Linux servers.

However, it is not user friendly in any sense of the word. Even if you coat a nice piece of GUI on top of it the ugliness spews out.

Maybe my word use of end-users while referring to what you call the average Joe ticked you off?
Psychotica  +   489d ago
Steam isn't going to abandon Windows anytime soon..
aviator189  +   489d ago
Microsoft, afraid of linux?
Please... Even if Steam is throwing their full support behind it, I don't see it's marketshare budging.
Moncole  +   489d ago
Than I guess devs wont use it.
CYBERHATER  +   489d ago
Screw them when it comes down to having to switch it will not be with them.
mobijoker  +   489d ago
Ever heard of Direct X 10???

That was along the same path and they will meet the same end I'm sure.......

Windows 7 is the new XP.....
It will last aleast 7-8 years....
spinbot_lv1  +   489d ago
this is the reason why valve and other developers are complaining microsoft for windows 8 restrictions. After all this isn't a big problem since developers can stick to direct x11 for the larger base. However when tablets with android OS will make a significant leap in power(already now tablets with Tegra 3 chips are very powerfull) and OS android will be the most popular operating system( already now the rate is 6 tablets os android sold vs 1 tablet windows 8 os ) with free or low-cost applications, windows will be just a bad memory. Can't wait to see this day.
#12 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report | Reply
sjaakiejj  +   489d ago
Totally didn't see that coming... Unless you look at my comment history on TechSpy.
NiteX  +   489d ago
MS will never learn. Truly sad.
Rayansaki  +   489d ago
This is honestly great news. If Windows goes this way and locks future versions of DX to w8, and with developpers hating windows 8, this can mean a lot of them switching to openGL, which drives down developpment costs and allows for easier ports to other platforms/OS
LAWSON72  +   489d ago
Wow big deal.. the only way ms could ever get me to go to 8 and that is by making halo 4 come out only on 8
#16 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(0) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
aliengmr  +   489d ago
While its obvious this is just a way to move product, the upgrade to Win 8 pro is only 39.99 digital and 69.99 for a disk. That's cheap. Deal goes until Jan 31.

I'm not really an MS fanboy, but for 40$, I might just upgrade.
Dlacy13g  +   489d ago
I made the jump and took advantage of the $40 upgrade. Be warned though depending on what you are upgrading from there could be complications. I was one of those guys running Vista...yeah I know, I know. Anyway I had held off on doing Windows 7 for some stupid reason but when they had the upgrade offer I decided that was a very fair price. Problem was my DVD drive was not supported on Windows 8 and it caused a major conflict. Ulitimately I upgraded my drive to a Blu Ray drive so my windows 8 upgrade cost me more like $120 ...

As for Windows 8...some things I love...some things I don't. you can get to the desktop easy enough...and you can install to that so things that don't work for tablet / menu interface you have the option. The active desktop tiles are interesting and I like some of it but it took me a while to set things up they way I wanted. Also worth noting... the IE on Windows 8 that is accessed from the tablet screen is blazing fast. Reminds me a lot of Chrome but more stable. I was shocked at how good that browser is vs using it via the desktop.
aliengmr  +   489d ago
I have Vista as well and didn't upgrade to 7 because it was way too expensive. I got Vista Ultimate for through a friend for dirt cheap and the thought of taking a feature downgrade for over 100$ wasn't good.

Kudos to MS for using a little more carrot and a little less stick with Win 8.
#17.1.1 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report
Tyre  +   489d ago
The comments in here are just plain stupid. The world uses WindowsXP/Windows 7 in the PC market (still 90% combined) for a lot more things than just touch apps or games and above all most of the world's Industry isn't going to use Win8...Industry Professionals use custom specialized tools running on the Win32 infrastucture, but not Win 8, there is going to be a big problem when most programs aren't compatible anymore with ARM hardware. Most Pros & Developers are not going to use Win8 for a long time to come, Win 8 is for the consumers not the Industry. Windows 8 should have been a seperate version just for tablets. Windows 7 is one of the best windows to date and compatible with almost the whole history of software running on Windows.
#18 (Edited 489d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(2) | Report | Reply
MuhammadJA  +   488d ago
Big deal. Most devs don't support DX11 well enough.

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