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6 Easy Fixes for Xbox App Not Launching Games in Windows 11

This issue mostly occurs for the Game Pass subscribers

8 min. read

Updated onFebruary 22, 2024

updated onFebruary 22, 2024

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Key notes

Xbox has been a hit amongst the gaming community, and their app for Windows paints a clear picture of the success. However, several users have reported that the Xbox app is not launching games in Windows 11.

Those with a Game Pass subscription encounter the error, but others also seem to encounter it. Here is our guide that lists out the underlying causes and the most effective fixes for this issue.

Why is the Xbox app not launching games in Windows 11?

There are many things at work to run your Xbox games, so here are some of the most likely reasons for this problem:

No matter which of these is causing the error in your case, execute the fixes listed below, and one of them should get things up and running.

What can I do if the Xbox app is not launching games in Windows 11?

Before getting into more complicated procedures, let’s crosscheck some easy steps that could restore everything to normal:

Now that we have gone through these preliminary measures, if the issue is still present, follow the solutions below in this order.

1. Update the Xbox app

2. Set the correct time zone

Once you are done making the changes, restart the computer for these to come into effect fully. Now, check if the Xbox app is launching games in Windows 11.

We also have a comprehensive guide onhow to change time and date in Windows 11that will offer more information.

3. Disable Game Mode

Game Mode is a feature in Windows that prioritizes the game and relevant processes over other background tasks and tends to terminate the latter. Also, it prevents the OS from downloading updates while playing a game.

But in some cases, it might terminate tasks critical to the game’s functioning. Therefore, it’s recommended that youdisable Game Modeand check if the Xbox app is now launching games on Windows 11.

4. Restart the Xbox services and Gaming Services

This also helps fix thePalworld black screen during launch.

5. Repair/reset the Gaming Services app

Usually, you should be able to get things working with a mere repair. When you repair an app, all its files are checked, and any corrupt ones are replaced. Apart from that, the Registry entries are verified and reconfigured.

That’s why it’s recommended that you restart the computer after repair to effect the changes made during the process entirely. Also, your data or configured settings will remain unaffected.

If repairing the Gaming Services app didn’t work, you also have the option to reset it. In this case, all data and configured settings will be removed, and the app will be as good as new.

After running both the repair and reset process, the Xbox app not launching games, Xbox Game Pass games not launching, or Xbox game pass games won’t launch on PC problem should be fixed.

6. Modify the Registry

If nothing else has worked, deleting these two keys in the Registry Editor should fix the Xbox app not launching games, Xbox game pass games won’t embark on PC, or Xbox Game Pass games not tackling the problem.

But do remember not to make any other changes to the Registry since it could adversely affect the system’s functioning. Also, find outhow to fix broken registry items in Windows 11.

How do you reset the Xbox app on Windows 11?

TheXbox Game Pass, or simply the PC Game Pass, as it’s now called, allows you to choose and play from over 100 games on the Xbox platform. But you will have to purchase a subscription for that.

Xbox offers three plans at the moment. Though each provides access to the same number of games, the ability to play them across devices drives the prices apart from other features.

So, if you have been planning to subscribe to it, go to theXbox Game Pass’s official website, click onJoinunder the desired plan, and complete the payment.

These are all the ways you can resolve issues preventing the Xbox app from launching games in Windows 11. Once the problem is eliminated, you can enjoy your favorite set of games without any interference whatsoever.

Also,check out what to do if you cannot download games from Xbox Game Pass in Windows 11. Or, in case youcannot select a drive while downloading a game on Xbox, find out how to fix it.

We also have a guide on what to do if theXbox App not working on a PC, so don’t miss it for more solutions.

Tell us which fix worked and your experience with Xbox in Windows 11 in the comments section below.

6 Easy Fixes for Xbox App Not Launching Games in Windows 11#

What can I do if the Xbox app is not launching games in Windows 11?#

1. Update the Xbox app#

2. Set the correct time zone#

3. Disable Game Mode#

4. Restart the Xbox services and Gaming Services#

5. Repair/reset the Gaming Services app#

6. Modify the Registry#

How do you reset the Xbox app on Windows 11?#