Does a WPF application need DirectX preinstalled to run?

Question

Hi I'm trying to develop a WPF application for windows. Now my serious question is about the requirements of this application. Should the user have DirectX installed on his O.S to run my app? If not So does it run in high quality as I've created it before? What is the main dependencies of a WPF application on user's computer ?

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Answer

You just need to have the .NET framework installed ( that supports WPF ). WPF is based on DirectX so the framework that you would consume would already have the DirectX installed before it can run the applications. User (as I already mentioned) only needs the required .NET framework installed. I believe .NET framework 3 (and above) is required to be on the machine. WPF is the most-widely used framework now a days and would be supported in coming frameworks also. Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 all support WPF (as they already have the .NET framework installed). Microsoft has officially removed the support for Windows XP but you can still install it (I have no idea whether it would work or not but it should ).

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Answer

Glad I helped you out as a thanks you can also marks the helpful replies by me as answers so that others can know the answer also. :)

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Answer

I would answer your question with a question  Do you install the initial version of .NET framework on your machine ? Windows comes shipped with the basic version of .NET framework required for application set for that particular version. .NET framework also contains the required assemblies. However other setups are provided to install your favorite version of product. That is why there are separate installers for them. So that you can enjoy the one you prefer.

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Answer

I did mention that .NET framework installs the DirectX also. However if there isn't DirectX it won't be able to render anything at all.

Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan · Answer

Perhaps if there are not enough resources for the application .NET framework would try to ensure best possible results for the users. But it is not promised if there are not enough required dependencies. Hardware and software resources are managed by DirectX therefore WPF has very less to manage because most of the renderings are left to DirectX. DirectX is a very powerful API and you are well aware of that. :)

Peter Pan · Answer

Sure I've just upvoted them too.

Peter Pan · Answer

I've just found out what you meant. In fact I know that .NET framework is planted in windows operating systems on the birthday! But I had never paid attention to DirectX which is shipped in it too. You are right about both; the dxdiag tool guides us through DriectX version installed in windows. In another word there is no big problem for running such application because both .NET framework and DirectX are commonly pre-installed in windows . I must be very thankful to you because of this. You helped me so much.

Peter Pan · Answer

Dear friend I can't understand what do you mean of  .NET framework installs the DirectX also. .NET framework and DirectX have their own setup packages that are provided separately. Am I right?

Peter Pan · Answer

As you said WPF is included in .NET framework. I know this but we know that DirectX is the rendering engine for the WPF.I mean that WPF uses DirectX to render the interface  and also in some cases WPF uses hardware resources to do that. Now the question is what if DirectX isn't installed in the user's o.s? Does it run well as it was designed before? Thank you so much for the high responsibility.

Peter Pan · Answer

Ok Thank you . You know WPF is a rendering engine for the windows application. It does this by using both software and hardware processing. This means that even with the lack of appropriate hardware dependencies the rendering process could be failed. Do you agree with me too?