DirectX is a set of system files that are required to run many of the newest Windows 95 and Windows 98 multimedia applications and games.

This latest version of DirectX includes DirectMusic, which addresses the historical limitations of MIDI-based music playback on Windows by delivering superior timing services, support for the MIDI Manufacturers Association's Downloadable Sounds (DLS) standard for wavetable synthesis, and an integrated software synthesizer, which guarantees users consistent and high-quality playback on virtually any hardware configuration. DirectMusic also includes a DLS version of Roland's SoundCanvas General MIDI sound set, which enables composers to become productive with the technology and reverberation technology licensed from Waves Ltd., which delivers richer, more complex sound quality.

DirectX also delivers support for the Direct3D API for Intel's Pentium III.