MicroSoft Windows DirectX Releases

* DirectX 9.0c update note :
MicroSoft is continually (rather than releasing a new version) implementing updates into the DirectX 9.0c branch since 2005.
The Redistributables contain latest code to accomodate new Operating Systems and (supposedly) inputs from DirectX10 Development.
As these are already shipping e.g. with the latest Games, they are considered safe for use. Technically, that makes it DirectX 9.0d in many respects.
Various reports indicate performance increases accross Games/Benchmarks and provision of needed compatibility with newest Games.

Officially, Win98/Win98SE is not supported but this may not prevent anyone to experiment (e.g. extract and manually implement updated .dll's).
Be warned though that this is entirely experimental and could lead to erroneous Results...
WinME and Win2000 support shows in and out of the official System Requirements for some of the latest Updates but so far is working just fine.

Above DirectX 9.0c Operating System requirements are likely not 100% correct, as conflicting information exists from different sources (e.g. Wikipedia).
If you see a Version correctly installing despite being listed here as officially not supported (or vice versa), let me know...

Important Notes -
The DirectX Versions above are offered for archival and/or reference purposes.
(those come in handy when building dedicated retro/legacy PC's or running Software that requires a certain DirectX Version)

DirectX can not be uninstalled by normal means!
Since DirectX commits significant changes to the installed Windows, it is recommended to Backup all Data before installation.
Either create a Restore Point with your OS or use equivalent Utility Software.
For a forced uninstallation of DirectX, the use of a 3rd party Software like DirectX Buster is required.

Current Windows versions already ship/install with their own DirectX, thus installation of an older Version than already installed is not normally possible.