FSX supports an experimental DirectX 10 Preview mode. Learn when to enable it, why add-ons break, and how to switch back safely.
FSX supports DirectX 10 only through the experimental Preview DirectX 10 renderer included with Service Pack 2, Acceleration and FSX: Steam Edition. We recommend leaving it disabled for maximum add-on compatibility. Enable it only for its lighting and shadow changes, after testing every aircraft, scenery package and graphics injector you use.
What does DirectX 10 Preview do in FSX?
DirectX 10 Preview is an unfinished alternative rendering path, not a complete upgrade to FSX's graphics engine. It changes the rendering of shadows, lighting, water and some effects, but it does not make FSX 64-bit, remove its memory limit or fix its underlying performance bottlenecks.
Both major releases retain the same basic choice between the established DirectX 9 renderer and experimental DirectX 10 mode, as explained in our comparison of Steam Edition and boxed FSX. Seeing DirectX 11 or 12 in Windows diagnostic tools does not mean FSX uses those APIs.
| Rendering mode | Best suited to | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX 9 | Most installations, older add-ons and DX9 graphics injectors | Broadest compatibility and the established FSX rendering path |
| DirectX 10 Preview | Default content or add-ons explicitly confirmed as DX10-compatible | Different lighting and shadows, but more texture, scenery and injector problems |
Should I enable DirectX 10 Preview?
For a typical FSX installation containing a mixture of older aircraft and scenery, leave DirectX 10 Preview disabled. DirectX 9 remains the safer choice because much of the FSX add-on library was built and tested for it.
- Stay with DirectX 9 if an aircraft or scenery manual does not explicitly mention DX10 support, or if stability matters more than experimenting with visual differences.
- Try DirectX 10 Preview if you mainly use default content or add-ons confirmed to support it and are prepared to test each package.
- Do not enable it as a performance fix. Frame-rate results vary, while FSX's main-thread and 32-bit memory limitations remain unchanged.
- Avoid mixing renderer-specific injectors. FSX ENB installations normally require DirectX 9; our ENB compatibility and installation notes explain the resulting black-screen risk. ReShade must likewise be installed for the selected API, so check our FSX ReShade renderer guidance before changing modes.
A third-party utility commonly known as DX10 Scenery Fixer can repair many native Preview artefacts, but it cannot guarantee compatibility with every aircraft, airport or graphics tool. Preview remains an optional rendering path even with such fixes installed.
How do I enable DirectX 10 Preview in FSX?
Enable the option from FSX's graphics settings, restart the simulator, and then test representative add-ons rather than assuming that a successful launch proves compatibility.
- Confirm the FSX version. FSX: Steam Edition and boxed FSX with Acceleration include Preview. Boxed FSX without Acceleration generally needs Service Pack 2. Do not install standalone SP2 over an existing Acceleration installation merely to expose the option.
- Open the graphics settings. From the FSX settings screen, open the display customisation controls and select the Graphics tab.
- Enable Preview DirectX 10. Tick the checkbox and apply the change.
- Restart FSX. Closing and reopening the simulator ensures the renderer and any graphics tools load in the intended mode.
- Test real operating conditions. Load your usual aircraft at a detailed add-on airport, then check the virtual cockpit, external model, runway markings, night lighting, weather and shadows. A default aircraft at a default daytime airfield is not a sufficient compatibility test.
Why is the DirectX 10 option missing?
A missing Preview checkbox usually means boxed FSX has not been updated to Service Pack 2 or Acceleration, or the system cannot expose the required graphics mode. FSX: Steam Edition already contains the relevant simulator code. Installing a newer DirectX version in Windows will not add Preview to an unpatched boxed installation.
Why do textures disappear or FSX show a black screen?
White, black, transparent or missing textures usually indicate that an add-on's materials or shaders are incompatible with the Preview renderer. Missing airport markings, broken night lighting, flickering scenery and abnormal anti-aliasing are other common symptoms.
First disable Preview, restart FSX and retest the same flight in DirectX 9. If a graphics injector is installed, remove or disable its files while diagnosing the problem; do not leave a DirectX 9 injector active and assume it will work under DirectX 10.
If FSX will not display its menus, close it and back up FSX.cfg. In the [GRAPHICS] section, change an existing D3D10=1 entry to D3D10=0, save the file and relaunch FSX. Our broader Windows 10 and 11 graphics troubleshooting covers the next checks if the black screen remains in DirectX 9.
Does DirectX 11 or 12 improve FSX?
No. FSX does not gain DirectX 11 or 12 rendering simply because Windows and the graphics card support them. The simulator still uses its default DirectX 9 path or the optional DirectX 10 Preview path, so newer hardware does not remove the add-on compatibility decision.