How do I add a game to DxWnd?

Older PC games often face compatibility issues when run on modern hardware or operating systems. Many were designed to operate exclusively in fullscreen mode, which can cause problems such as crashes, improper resolution scaling, or difficulty multitasking on newer setups. This is where DxWnd comes in—a powerful, open-source tool that enables users to run these games in a windowed mode, alongside offering a variety of compatibility and performance tweaks.

How to Download and Install DxWnd

DxWnd is an open-source tool, and downloading and installing it is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1:Visit the Official Source

Go to the official DxWnd project page on SourceForge.

This is the recommended and safest source for downloading DxWnd, as it ensures you’re getting the latest official version free from malware.

Avoid unofficial websites to minimize risks of downloading altered or unsafe files

2:Download the Latest Version

Locate the Download button on the SourceForge page and click it.

The website will automatically start downloading the latest version of DxWnd as a compressed ZIP file.

The file size is relatively small, making it quick to download.

3:Extract the Files

Locate the downloaded ZIP file in your computer’s Downloads folder (or wherever you save downloads).

Use a file extraction tool (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip, or Windows built-in extraction) to extract the contents of the ZIP file.

Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All or Extract Here.

Extract to a folder where you can easily find it, such as on your desktop or in a dedicated “DxWnd” folder.

4:Launch DxWnd

Open the extracted folder.

Double-click the DxWnd.exe file to launch the program.

You don’t need to install DxWnd; it runs as a portable application directly from the folder.

5:Optional Setup for Convenience

Create a Shortcut:

Right-click DxWnd.exe, select Send to, and then choose Desktop (create shortcut) for easy access.

Ensure all files remain in the same folder as the program relies on these files to function properly.

Update Regularly:

Periodically check the SourceForge page for updates and new features to maintain compatibility with newer systems.
Keep the Folder Organized

Ensure all files remain in the same folder as the program relies on these files to function properly.

Launching DxWnd

Once you’ve downloaded and installed DxWnd, the next step is to launch it so you can begin adding and configuring games. Here’s how to do it:

1.Steps to Launch DxWnd

Locate the DxWnd Folder:

After installation or extraction (if using a portable version), locate the folder where you saved the DxWnd files. The folder typically contains the main program file along with configuration files and subfolders.

2.Run the Application:

Double-click on DxWnd.exe to start the program.

If you encounter permission issues, right-click the file and select “Run as Administrator”. Running as an administrator is often necessary for modifying game files or accessing protected system features

3.Explore the Interface:

Upon launching, you’ll see the DxWnd main interface.
This is a simple window with a menu bar at the top and an empty list area below.
The list area will display the games or applications you add, along with their status and settings.

4.Initial Setup:

You might want to configure some general settings before adding games:
Go to “Options” in the menu to customize global settings (e.g., logging or debugging preferences).
Verify that DxWnd is set to your preferred language and appearance.

Add a New Game to DxWnd

The process of adding a game to DxWnd is straightforward and involves linking the game’s executable file to the tool and setting up a profile for it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this step:

1.Open DxWnd:

Start by launching DxWnd. You will see the main interface, which initially displays a blank list if you haven’t added any games yet.

2.Access the Add Menu:

Right-click anywhere in the main window, and a context menu will appear.
Select the “Add” option. This opens the configuration dialog box where you’ll set up the game.

3.Set the Game’s Name:

In the configuration dialog, look for the Name field.
Enter a name that clearly identifies the game (e.g., “Age of Empires II” or “Diablo II”).

4.Link the Game’s Executable:

Find the Path field in the dialog.
Click the “…” (Browse) button next to it to open a file explorer window.
Navigate to the folder where your game is installed and select the .exe file that launches the game. This is typically located in the main installation directory.

5.Add Comments

In the Comments field, you can add notes about the game. For example, you might note the specific DirectX version or any tweaks required.

6.Initial Setup Complete:

At this stage, you’ve added the basic information needed for DxWnd to recognize and launch the game.

Configuring Basic Game Settings in DxWnd

Once you’ve added a game to DxWnd, the first step to ensure it runs properly is configuring its basic settings. These settings define the fundamental aspects of how the game interacts with DxWnd, including its name, executable path, and additional notes.

1.Enter the Game Name

In the “Target” tab of the configuration window, look for the field labeled “Name” or similar.
Enter the name of the game for easy identification in DxWnd’s main interface.
Example: For “Age of Empires II,” type “AoE2” or the full game name.

2.Set the Executable Path

Locate the “Path” field in the configuration window.
Click the Browse button (usually represented by three dots “…”).
Navigate to the folder where the game’s executable file is located.
Example: If the game is installed in , select AoE2.exe.
Ensure the correct file is selected, as the launcher or other auxiliary files might not work.

3.Specify Command-Line Arguments (Optional)

Some games require specific command-line arguments for additional functionality (e.g., debug mode or skipping intros).
Use the “Launch” or “Command Line” field to input these arguments if needed.
Example: Adding -window for games that have a built-in windowed mode option.

4.Add Comments

There is often a “Notes” or “Comment” field for optional remarks.
Use this to add details, such as the version of the game, any patches applied, or troubleshooting notes.
Example: “Patched to v1.4, uses DirectX 9.”

Why Configure These Settings?

Game Identification: Easily find the game in DxWnd’s interface if you add multiple entries.
Executable Accuracy: Ensures DxWnd launches the correct file for the game to work.
Debugging: Helps you or others understand the configuration at a glance if troubleshooting is required.
After completing these basic configurations, you can move on to adjusting window and compatibility settings to fine-tune how the game operates. Would you like to dive into window settings next?

Adjust Window Settings in DxWnd

The “Adjust Window Settings” step is critical for customizing how a game appears and behaves when run through DxWnd. These settings allow users to control the game’s window size, positionin

1.scaling, and visual behavior.

Key Options for Adjusting Window Settings:
Window Size:
Width and Height: Set the exact dimensions of the window in pixels.
Example: 800×600 or 1920×1080, depending on your preference and screen resolution.
Allows scaling down or up if the game doesn’t natively support the desired resolution

2.Positioning:

Set the starting position of the game window on your screen.
X and Y Coordinates: Define where the top-left corner of the window appears.
Example: X=0, Y=0 will make the window appear at the top-left of your primary monitor.

3.Fullscreen Emulation:

Forces the game to run in a “fullscreen-like” window while still being windowed.
Useful for maintaining multi-monitor setups without the game minimizing when switching screens.

4.Keep Aspect Ratio:

Ensures the game’s aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9) is preserved when resizing the window.
Prevents image distortion or stretching.

5.Dynamic Window Resizing:

Allows the window to be resized manually by dragging the edges.
Ideal for games where you may want to adjust the size on the fly.

6.Borderless Window:

Removes the title bar and borders from the window for a cleaner appearance.
Commonly used for modernized setups where fullscreen is simulated within a window.

7.Scaling Options:

Normal Scaling: The game runs at its original resolution without resizing.
Stretched Scaling: The game fills the specified window size but may distort.
Filtered Scaling: Smoothens the visuals when scaling the game to larger resolutions.

8.Background Handling:

Always on Top: Forces the window to stay above other windows.
Minimize to Tray: Automatically minimizes the game window to the system tray when needed.

DirectX and Compatibility Tweaks in DxWnd

When adding a game to DxWnd, adjusting the DirectX version and applying compatibility tweaks is crucial for improving the performance and compatibility of older games on modern systems. These options allow DxWnd to emulate older environments or fix specific issues that may arise when running legacy games. Here’s a deeper dive into what these options entail:

1.DirectX Version Selection

DxWnd can simulate different versions of DirectX, allowing you to choose the best one for the game you’re running. Older games were designed for older versions of DirectX, so selecting the right version helps ensure better compatibility and smoother gameplay.

DirectX Versions Available in DxWnd:
DirectX 1 to 7: These are for very old games that were developed before the major shift to modern DirectX versions. Selecting one of these versions may be necessary for certain classic games.
DirectX 8 and 9: These versions are commonly used for games from the early 2000s. They provide better performance and graphical features compared to earlier versions.
DirectX 10 and 11: For newer games that support more modern graphical effects and features, but older games may still require these versions to run smoothly or to fix graphical bugs.
How to Set DirectX Version:
Right-click on the game in DxWnd and choose “Modify”.
In the “DirectX” section, select the version that best matches the game. You might need to experiment with different versions to find the one that provides the best results for your game.

2.Compatibility Tweaks

In addition to DirectX, DxWnd offers various compatibility settings to address specific issues with older games. These tweaks are designed to correct problems like display glitches, input issues, or crashes, which might occur when running games on modern Windows systems.

Here are some common compatibility tweaks available in DxWnd:

Window Mode and Fullscreen Settings:

Force Windowed Mode: This option ensures that the game runs in a window, even if it was originally designed to run in fullscreen. This is especially useful for streaming or using a multi-monitor setup.
Fullscreen Emulation: Sometimes, running a game in a window doesn’t work well, or it affects performance. DxWnd can simulate a fullscreen environment within a window, mimicking the original experience.
Fixing Resolution Issues:

Some older games may not support modern display resolutions, leading to black bars, stretching, or the game not launching properly. DxWnd can adjust the resolution settings, scale the game to fit your display, or apply a fixed aspect ratio to prevent distortion.
Compatibility Modes for Windows:

Games that were developed for older versions of Windows may not work properly on Windows 10 or 11. DxWnd allows you to enable compatibility modes for specific Windows versions (e.g., Windows XP, Windows 7) to emulate the environment the game was originally designed for.
This can help fix issues with crashes, missing textures, or other graphical problems that arise when a game doesn’t run properly on newer versions of Windows.
Mouse Fixes:

Older games may have problems with mouse input, such as mouse cursor lock issues or lag when moving the cursor.
Mouse Cursor Lock: This option locks the mouse cursor inside the game window, preventing it from accidentally leaving the window when playing in windowed mode.
Mouse Input Fixes: Some games may require special tweaks to handle mouse movements correctly, especially if the game was developed with outdated input methods.
Graphics and Frame Rate Fixes:

Some games may have frame rate synchronization issues or graphical bugs such as flickering, tearing, or incorrect textures. DxWnd can help by limiting the frame rate, enabling vertical synchronization (V-Sync), or adjusting other rendering parameters.
If you encounter stuttering or FPS drops, you may want to experiment with V-Sync, frame rate capping, or DirectDraw/Direct3D compatibility settings.
Sound and Audio Tweaks:

In some cases, the game’s sound might not work properly, or there may be issues with audio stuttering or not being heard at all. DxWnd can enable or disable specific sound hardware emulation or apply fixes to ensure the game’s audio works as expected.

How to Apply DirectX and Compatibility Tweaks in DxWnd

Open DxWnd and right-click on the game entry you want to modify.
Select “Modify” to open the game’s settings window.
In the “DirectX” section, choose the appropriate version (e.g., DirectX 9, DirectX 8) that works best for your game.
In the “Compatibility” section, you’ll find a variety of checkboxes and options for things like “Force Windowed Mode”, “V-Sync”, “Mouse Lock”, and more.
Experiment with different settings and use the Test button if available to check how the game runs.
After configuring the settings, click OK to save the changes.

Advanced Options in DxWnd

The Advanced Options in DxWnd provide additional customization to address specific compatibility issues and fine-tune performance for games or applications. These options are especially useful for older or complex games that require more precise adjustments to function correctly on modern systems.

1.Frame Rate Control

Limit Frame Rate: Caps the game’s frames per second (FPS) to a specified value. This can:
Prevent overheating on modern GPUs.
Avoid issues caused by excessively high frame rates in older games.
Frame Skipping: Allows the skipping of frames to improve performance on slower hardware.

2.Logging and Debugging

Enable Logging: Activates detailed logs of the game’s behavior when launched through DxWnd. Useful for:
Identifying compatibility issues.
Debugging crashes or graphical glitches.
Log File Path: Specify a location to save logs for review.

3.DirectX Hooking Options

Hook DirectX API: Ensures the game uses DxWnd’s custom DirectX wrappers. This is essential for:
Games that fail to display correctly in a window.
Forcing compatibility with newer DirectX versions.
Override DirectX Version: Manually set a DirectX version (e.g., DirectX 9) if the game requires a specific version.

4.Input and Mouse Settings

Mouse Locking: Keeps the mouse cursor within the game’s window to prevent it from wandering to other monitors or applications.
Fix Mouse Cursor Visibility: Ensures the cursor is visible or hidden as required by the game.
Custom Input Fixes: Addresses issues like double-click sensitivity or input lag.

5.Display Adjustments

Color Depth: Change the game’s color settings (e.g., force 16-bit or 32-bit colors).
VSync Options: Enable or disable vertical synchronization to avoid screen tearing.
Custom Scaling: Configure scaling behavior for modern monitors, such as:
Stretch to fit.
Maintain aspect ratio.
Center in the window.

6.Fullscreen Emulation Enhancements

Borderless Window: Makes the game appear fullscreen without actual fullscreen mode, allowing seamless alt-tabbing.
Custom Borders: Adjust or hide the window border for better immersion.

7.Sound and Audio Tweaks

Force Sound Compatibility: Fixes for games with outdated audio formats.
Disable Audio: Mutes the game entirely, useful for debugging sound-related crashes.

8.Miscellaneous Settings

Force Single Core: Restricts the game to run on a single CPU core to prevent multi-threading issues.
Timer Fixes: Corrects timing issues in older games that rely on outdated timing mechanisms.
Custom DLLs: Load specific DLLs to provide miss

Save the Configuration

Saving the configuration in DxWnd is a crucial step to ensure your customized settings for a specific game are stored and ready for use. This action finalizes all adjustments made in the setup process and adds the game to DxWnd’s main list for easy access. Here’s how to do it effectively:

How to Save the Configuration

1.After Adjusting Settings:

Once you’ve entered all the necessary settings (game path, window size, compatibility options, DirectX version, etc.), review the configuration for any mistakes or omissions.

2.Apply Changes:

Click the “OK” button in the game settings window to save and exit. Alternatively:
Use the “Apply” button to save changes without closing the window. This is useful if you want to test or tweak settings further.

3.Game Entry in DxWnd List:

The game will now appear as an entry in the main DxWnd window with the name you specified during setup.
This entry includes an icon, the game’s name, and sometimes a brief description or notes.

Why Save the Configuration?

Persistent Settings: Ensures all the customizations for the game remain intact, even after restarting DxWnd.
Quick Launch: Allows you to easily launch the game with just a double-click on its entry in the DxWnd interface.
Profile Management: Supports having unique settings for multiple games, each saved as a separate profile.

Launching the Game in DxWnd

Once you’ve added and configured a game in DxWnd, launching it is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it and what to look out for:

Steps to Launch the Game

1.Locate the Game Entry:

Open DxWnd, and you’ll see a list of all the games you’ve added in the main window.
Look for the game by its name, which you entered during the setup process.

2.Double-Click the Game:

Simply double-click on the game’s entry in the list.
DxWnd will execute the game with the settings you’ve configured (e.g., windowed mode, resolution, DirectX tweaks).

3.Wait for the Game to Start:

The game should start in a window or fullscreen emulation mode, depending on your settings.
Observe how the game behaves to ensure that the configurations are working as expected.

What to Expect During Launch

Windowed Mode: If configured, the game will open in a resizable window.
Fullscreen Emulation: The game might appear to be in fullscreen, but it is emulated within a window to retain compatibility.
Performance Behavior: Adjustments made in DxWnd, such as limiting frame rates or fixing input issues, should take effect.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1.Game Doesn’t Start:

Double-check the file path of the game’s executable in DxWnd settings.
Ensure that DxWnd is running with the necessary permissions (try Run as Administrator).

2.Black Screen or Graphics Glitches:

Verify the DirectX version you selected. Some games require older DirectX settings to work properly.
Experiment with settings like “Run in window” or “Force resolution.”

3.Mouse or Keyboard Issues:

Enable mouse lock or adjust cursor visibility in the DxWnd options.
Check compatibility settings related to input devices.

4.Performance Problems:

Adjust frame rate limits in DxWnd settings.
Disable unnecessary background applications that might interfere with the game.

After Launch

If the game runs smoothly: Enjoy! You can close DxWnd after closing the game, as it only needs to run while the game is active.
If the game has issues: Return to DxWnd’s configuration menu for that game and make adjustments. Repeat the process until the game runs as desired.