DirectX 8.1b Runtime for Windows is available

Thanks SHoTTa35 who saw this interesting update. Following our earlier post that Microsoft have release a new Redist 8.1b DirectX package (for developers) Warp2search have reported that Microsoft have released the End-User runtime of DirectX 8.1b for Win98/Me and a sharp eyed Neowin reader also found the Windows 2000 version! (thanks xStainDx)

This latest version of DirectX® offers updated graphics, faster frame rates, and support for massively multiplayer games. It also offers more immersive audio when running and displaying programs rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation, and surround sound. If you had an earlier version of DirectX installed on your system, you will see little difference in available space on your hard drive following the installation.Funnily enough, Microsoft have not updated their DirectX website it still displays as 8.1 and links the original 8.1 release.

Download: DirectX 8.1b for Windows 9x/ME