Fix: Valorant ”DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine”

There have been several reports of users facing the ‘DX11 feature level 10.0 is required to run the engine’ on Valorant. This issue also occurs during the gameplay in CS:GO, PUBG, and other games.

We had a look into the issues and discovered that it is typically caused by an outdated operating system, corrupt system files, outdated GPU drivers, and a faulty Valorant installation. Listed below are detailed methods on how you can fix the issue in no time, so let’s get right into it!

Install Pending Updates

As we just mentioned, one of the most common reasons for the Valorant error is pending updates that you have not installed on your operating system. If your system is outdated, it will fail to perform certain functions successfully. 

Follow these steps to install the pending updates on your PC:

1. Launch Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I keys together on your keyboard. 
2. Click on Updates & Security from the context menu.
   

   

3. Then, select Windows Update from the left panel and then click on Check for updates button in the right pane.
   

   

4. If the scan shows any pending updates that you need to install, take your time to install them one by one.
5. Once done, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved. 

If the Valorant error persists, proceed with the next method below.

Run an SFC Scan

It is possible for a corrupted system file to cause issues like the one at hand. If your files contain inconsistencies, your operating system has trouble processing them and displays errors like this one.

The good news is that you do not have to look for third-party tools to identify and fix these problems, as the built-in troubleshooting utilities will do the job well for you. One of these utilities is the System File Checker (SFC), which is designed to scan your system’s protected files for potential issues.

Here is how you can run an SFC scan on Windows 11:

1. Type cmd in the search bar and click on Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Once you are inside the Command Prompt window, type the command mentioned below and hit Enter.
   

   sfc /scannow

   
   

3. When the scan is complete, restart your computer once more to see if the issue has been resolved.

Install the Latest DirectX Version

DirectX is Microsoft’s software technology for enhancing 3D gaming, graphics, network gaming, and audio experiences on Windows. This utility is often required for the game and graphic software applications. 

If you’re running Windows 10, you should have DirectX12 installed. In some cases, DirectX11 and DirectX10 should work too. If you do not have the latest version of DirectX on your Windows, you are likely to face the problem at hand. If this scenario is applicable, then install the latest version and check if that does the trick for you.

Update GPU Drivers

Older drivers have a tendency to crash programs, games, and even the whole operating system. That is why updating your drivers should always be a priority. 

If you don’t have the latest GPU updates installed on your PC, you will most likely encounter the issue discussed above. In that case, here is how you can update your GPU driver to proceed: 

1. Type Device Manager in the search area of the taskbar and hit Open.
2. Once you are inside the Device Manager window, locate and expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click on your graphics drivers and select Update driver.
   

   

4. Now select Search automatically for drivers and wait for the system to scan for updates. If any updated drivers are found, install them and check if this fixes the Valorant error.
   

   

Uninstall Vanguard

If the methods mentioned above have failed to work for you, then try reinstalling Vanguard. There is a good chance that the issue is within the Vanguard application itself, causing the issue at hand.

Here is how you can reinstall Vanguard:

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open Windows Settings.
2. Inside the Settings window, click on Apps.
   
   
3. Select Apps & features from the left pane and locate the targeted application in the right side of the window.
4. Click on it and select the Uninstall button.
   

   

5. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. 
6. Once you uninstall the application, install its latest version and check if the Valorant error persists.