D3D11-compatible GPU (Feature Level 11.0, Shader Model 5.0) is needed error when trying to play Fortnite

This error message usually means that your graphics card does not support the DirectX 11 feature level. Starting from Season 10 onwards, a DirectX 11-capable graphics card is required to play Fortnite.

D3D11 error.png

To check if your graphics card is capable of running Fortnite, please refer to the steps below:

  1. Press both Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run command.
  2. From the Run command, type in dxdiag
  3. Press Enter
  4. From the DirectX Diagnostics Tool window, switch your tab to Display
    Note: Depending on the number of graphics cards your system uses (integrated graphics card, included), you will see more than one display name. You will have to select the tab that mentions your primary graphics card.
  5. Locate the Feature Levels in the Drivers section.

    DXDIAG.png
    • If you do not see the '11_0' in the Feature Levels, it means your graphics card cannot support/run the game. To see the system specifications, especially the graphics card requirement, needed to run Fortnite, please refer to the page: What are the system requirements for Fortnite on PC and Mac?
    • If you see '11_0' in the Feature Levels, it means your graphics card should be able to run the game. If you encounter this error despite your graphics card being capable to run the game, please try launching the game on DirectX 11 mode by following the steps below:
      1. Ensure your graphic card drivers are up to date: How do I update graphics card drivers?
      2. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
      3. In the top-right corner, click on the Player Profile Icon (circle with first character of your Display Name).
      4. Select Settings.
      5. Scroll down and expand Fortnite.
      6. Check the box for Additional Command Line Arguments.
      7. Type: -d3d11
      8. Launch Fortnite.
        Note: If these steps did not help please reach out to your hardware manufacturer: Contacting your hardware manufacturer

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