Fix d3dx9_43.dll Missing Error in Age of Empires II
Can't play Age of Empires II due to d3dx9_43.dll error? This guide provides specific solutions for Ensemble Studios's 1999 release.
Table of Contents
Why Age of Empires II Needs d3dx9_43.dll
Experiencing Fix d3dx9_43.dll Missing Error in Age of Empires II? This frequently occurs on Windows 10 and 11.
Solution 1: Install the Official Runtime Package (Recommended)
This solution fixes d3dx9_43.dll errors for 90%+ of Age of Empires II players.
### Download Links (Official Microsoft)
- 64-bit: DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010) x64 - 32-bit: DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010) x86
### Installation Steps
Step 1: Download BOTH the x64 and x86 versions (yes, even on 64-bit Windows)
Step 2: Close Age of Empires II and Steam/Epic/GOG completely
Step 3: Run the x64 installer first, then the x86 installer
Step 4: Restart your computer (important!)
Step 5: Launch Age of Empires II
Why both versions? Age of Empires II may include both 32-bit and 64-bit components. Installing both ensures complete compatibility.
Solution 2: Verify Game Files
If the runtime installation didn't help, your game files may be corrupted.
### For Steam: 1. Open Steam �?Library 2. Right-click Age of Empires II �?Properties 3. Go to Installed Files tab 4. Click "Verify integrity of game files" 5. Wait for verification (5-30 minutes depending on game size) 6. Restart Steam and try launching
### For Epic Games: 1. Open Epic Games Launcher �?Library 2. Click the three dots (�? next to Age of Empires II 3. Select Manage �?Verify 4. Wait for the process to complete
### For GOG Galaxy: 1. Open GOG Galaxy �?Select Age of Empires II 2. Click Settings icon (⚙️) 3. Select Manage Installation �?Verify / Repair
Age of Empires II-Specific Fixes
Age of Empires II has some known issues that can cause DLL errors:
### Known Issues 1. Color issues on modern Windows (run in compatibility mode) 2. Multiplayer desync (ensure same version as other players)
### Performance Tips 1. Use UserPatch for the original version 2. Enable Enhanced Graphics in Definitive Edition 3. Limit population for better performance in large battles
### Community Resources For additional help: AoE2.net, r/aoe2, Steam Community
Related DLL Errors
If you're seeing d3dx9_43.dll errors, you might also encounter issues with these related files:
- d3dx9_42.dll: Part of the same runtime package - d3dx9_41.dll: Part of the same runtime package - d3dx10_43.dll: Part of the same runtime package - d3dx11_43.dll: Part of the same runtime package
The solution above (installing DirectX End-User Runtime (June 2010)) will fix ALL of these errors at once.
Preventing Future DLL Errors
### Before Installing New Games 1. Install all Visual C++ Redistributable versions (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015-2022) 2. Install DirectX End-User Runtime 3. Keep GPU drivers updated
### Antivirus Configuration
Add your games folder to antivirus exceptions:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\
- C:\Program Files\Epic Games\
- C:\GOG Games\
### After Windows Updates
Run sfc /scannow in an admin command prompt after major Windows updates to repair any corrupted system files.