Gaming · Windows

How To Fix Xbox Game Pass Games Not Launching on PC

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Answer

Sometimes, your Windows Defender Firewall can be the culprit behind Xbox Game Pass games not launching. To tackle this, navigate to your Windows Security app simply by using the Start menu's search feature. In the Firewall settings, disable the firewall temporarily and reattempt launching your desired Xbox Game Pass game. This often solves the problem right off the bat.

Disable Windows Firewall: A Quick Fix

Sometimes, your Windows Defender Firewall can be the culprit behind Xbox Game Pass games not launching. To tackle this, navigate to your Windows Security app simply by using the Start menu's search feature. In the Firewall settings, disable the firewall temporarily and reattempt launching your desired Xbox Game Pass game. This often solves the problem right off the bat.

disable firewall
disable firewall

Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

Still facing issues? Ensure your Windows OS and graphics card drivers are current. For NVIDIA Users: Open the GeForce Experience application and head over to the "Drivers" tab. Here, you'll be prompted to download the most recent driver, which will install automatically.; For AMD Users: Utilize the AMD Radeon Software to achieve the same end.

download GPU driver
download GPU driver

Keep Your Windows Updated

Lastly, don't neglect your Windows updates. Go to your Windows settings and select the "Windows Update" section. Hit the "Check for Updates" button and download any pending updates. A quick restart of your PC can often be the final piece of the puzzle.

update windows os
update windows os

Repair the Xbox App: Your Final Step

Before hitting the launch button for your game again, it's crucial to make sure your Xbox app is running optimally. Here's how to repair the app: Navigate to Settings: Open your Windows settings and select the "Apps" category.; Find the Xbox App: In the "Installed Apps" list, make sure to view all and then search for "Xbox."; Access Advanced Options: Click on the three-dot menu (also known as the burger menu) next to the Xbox app to reveal advanced settings.; Hit Repair: Scroll down and find the "Repair" option. Clicking this will refresh the app's files, taking only a few seconds. After this quick fix, relaunch the Xbox app. Make sure the game you want to play is updated, setting the stage for a hassle-free gaming session.

reset app
reset app

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • How Do I Know if My Windows Firewall is Blocking My Game?. If your Xbox Game Pass game is not launching, a common culprit can be Windows Defender Firewall. To verify, you may see error messages related to network issues or simply experience game launch failures.
  • What is the GeForce Experience Application for NVIDIA Users?. GeForce Experience is a software companion to your NVIDIA graphics card. It helps keep your drivers up to date and optimizes game settings for a better gaming experience.
  • How Do I Update My AMD Graphics Card Drivers?. AMD users can utilize the AMD Radeon Software to update their graphics card drivers. Open the application, go to the "Drivers & Software" section, and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • How to Repair the Xbox App on My PC?. Repairing the Xbox app is a straightforward process. Go to Windows settings, select the "Apps" section, find the Xbox app, and choose the "Repair" option in the advanced settings.
  • Why Should I Check for Windows Updates?. Keeping your Windows operating system up to date ensures optimal performance and security. This can solve compatibility issues that may prevent Xbox Game Pass games from launching.