Xbox App Not Working on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Experiencing issues with the Xbox app on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to dive into your favorite games. The Xbox app is crucial for accessing Xbox Game Pass, connecting with friends, and managing your gaming library on your PC. Fortunately, many common problems have straightforward solutions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your Xbox app up and running smoothly on Windows 11.

1. Preliminary Checks

Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s cover some basic but essential checks.

  • Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for the Xbox app to function correctly. Ensure you’re connected to the internet and that your connection is stable. Try restarting your router or modem.
  • Check Xbox Live Status: Xbox Live outages can prevent the app from working correctly. Visit the official Xbox Live Status page to check for any known issues. If there’s an outage, all you can do is wait for Microsoft to resolve it.
  • Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that may be affecting the Xbox app.

2. Update the Xbox App and Windows

Outdated software can often cause compatibility issues. Make sure both the Xbox app and Windows 11 are up to date.

Updating the Xbox App

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click on the Library icon in the bottom-left corner.
  3. Click Get updates. This will update all your installed apps, including the Xbox app. Alternatively, you can check for updates individually for the Xbox app in the list.

Updating Windows 11

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update in the left sidebar.
  3. Click Check for updates. Install any available updates.

3. Repair or Reset the Xbox App

If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, try repairing or resetting the Xbox app.

Repairing the Xbox App

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Apps, then Installed apps.
  3. Search for Xbox in the search bar.
  4. Click the three vertical dots next to the Xbox app and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down to the Reset section and click Repair. This will attempt to fix any corrupted files without deleting your data.

Resetting the Xbox App

If repairing doesn’t work, try resetting the app. Note that resetting will delete your app data, so you’ll need to sign in again.

  1. Follow steps 1-4 above to get to the Advanced options for the Xbox app.
  2. In the Reset section, click Reset. Confirm the reset when prompted.

4. Reinstall the Xbox App

If repairing and resetting don’t solve the problem, a fresh installation might be necessary.

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Apps, then Installed apps.
  3. Search for Xbox in the search bar.
  4. Click the three vertical dots next to the Xbox app and select Uninstall.
  5. Once uninstalled, open the Microsoft Store, search for Xbox, and reinstall the app.

5. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes interfere with the Xbox app’s ability to connect to Xbox Live. Ensure your date and time are set correctly.

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Time & language, then Date & time.
  3. Make sure Set time automatically is turned on. If it’s already on, toggle it off and on again.
  4. Verify that the correct time zone is selected.

6. Troubleshoot Network Adapters

Sometimes, network adapter issues can prevent the Xbox app from connecting properly.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter. This will open the Network Connections window.
  3. Right-click on your active network adapter (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Disable. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.
  4. If the problem persists, right-click on the adapter again and select Properties.
  5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  6. Ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. If not, select them.

7. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix problems with Windows Store apps.

  1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on System, then Troubleshoot.
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

8. Check Gaming Services

The Gaming Services are essential for the Xbox app to function correctly. Ensure these services are running.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
  3. Look for Gaming Services (there might be two entries: GamingServices and GamingServicesNet). Make sure their status is Running. If not, right-click on each and select Start.
  4. If the services are already running, right-click on each, select Restart, and check to see if this resolves the issue.

9. Check for Conflicting Software

Some software, such as certain VPNs or antivirus programs, can interfere with the Xbox app. Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if they’re causing the problem.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting the Xbox app on Windows 11 can involve several steps, but by systematically working through these solutions, you can usually resolve the issue and get back to gaming. Remember to start with the simplest solutions, such as restarting your computer and checking your internet connection, before moving on to more complex troubleshooting steps.