How to Fix Dota 2 ‘Change Rendering API’ Error on Windows

Dota 2 is a game loved by every player. However, it is recently that several players have faced the Change Rendering API error while trying to launch the game. When a user clicks “Play,” the error message stops it from loading. While it is just a normal error and can be fixed, it often frustrates users as they do not know what it is about. 

The Change Rendering API is a launching issue with Dota 2 that can be resolved using the game launch options. In this post, let us look at the error closely and try to understand why it appears and how you can fix it.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

What is the Change Rendering API Error in Dota 2 About

The rendering API for any application refers to its processing API that interacts with the program to run it successfully. It has much to do with your PC’s graphic memory and processing capabilities. The most commonly used rendering files in games are your DirectX files. These files assist a game in rendering the visuals properly, enhancing your overall experience. 

With that being said, some of the main reasons that this error appears include – 

1. Game Launch Misconfiguration
2. Outdated GPU Drivers
3. System Glitch

If there is just a glitch with your PC’s display or processing capabilities, you can simply go ahead and fix the issue with a restart. It can happen to an older PC you have been using for a while. However, if you feel that the core reason behind the error appearing on your PC is not a glitch but something else, you might have to use stepwise fixes. Find them in the next section. 

Read Also: How to Fix a “DirectX Encountered an Unrecoverable Error” Issue

2 Ultimate Ways to Fix Change Rendering API Error in Dota 2

The first thing you should do is restart your PC and refresh the Steam client. Doing so will help you resolve any glitch or temporary error on your PC. After a restart, if the error reappears, you can click Yes to check if the game works after changing your rendering API as asked in the error prompt. 

If it helps and resolves the error, you are good to go. However, if the issue persists even after allowing the game to change the rendering API as mentioned, you should try the following fixes – 

Fix 1 – Configure Launch Option in Steam

This feature allows you to supersede the internal settings of the game and override the game launch preferences of the PC. Using this method, you can troubleshoot multiple issues with your Dota 2 game, including video incompatibility and rendering errors. 

Here are the steps that you need to follow – 

Step 1 – Launch Steam on your PC.
Step 2 – In Steam, spot the Library option, and under Library, select Dota 2. Right-click on it to open the context menu.

Step 3 – From the opened menu, click on Properties.
Step 4 – In properties, navigate to Set Launch Option under the General tab.

Step 5 – In the pop-up, type -dx11 and click OK.

Save the changes, and you can bypass the Change Rendering API error. If you are on an older version of Windows or your PC uses an older processor, you can use the -dx9 as an option.

Fix 2 – Update GPU Drivers

The error appears due to incompatible video settings and GPU support. If your PC meets the requirements to run Dota 2 and you cannot still play the game properly, it is due to the drivers that may be used in the gameplay. Since GPU drivers are the key to the proper video performance of your PC, it is recommended that you keep your display adapter drivers updated. 

To do so, we recommend you use Advanced Driver Updater, which resolves all the hassle. You see, you may be required to finish several steps if you plan to update drivers manually. On the other hand, if you want to get things done faster, you can finish the process in just three steps, thanks to Advanced Driver Updater – 

Step 1 – Download and install the application on your computer.

Step 2 – Run a quick scan to identify outdated drivers.

Step 3 – Use the Update All button to start the update process.

With these easy steps, you can update all your PC drivers, including the display adapter. Not only does the tool finish the process, but it also ensures that no driver is left outdated. Change Rendering API error will be resolved after the process if it was due to driver errors.

After using these 2 methods, you can easily get the API error on your PC. If it is still not working, you should delete and reinstall the game, as there may be an issue. That will be all for this post. Thanks for reading. Good luck!

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