I recently encountered a frustrating issue with my Windows 11 PC: my Game Pass was not launching any games. It was perplexing because I had used it without any problems before. Every time I tried to start a game, the Game Pass app would either crash or freeze, leaving me stuck with a spinning loading icon. I knew I had to find a solution quickly because I was really looking forward to diving into the latest game releases and didn’t want to miss out.
After some investigation, I discovered that there are a number of potential reasons why Game Pass might not be launching games on a Windows 11 or 10 PC. I had to methodically work through various troubleshooting steps to pinpoint and resolve the issue.
Firstly, I checked if my Windows operating system was up to date. Sometimes, system updates can resolve underlying compatibility issues, so I made sure to go to the Settings menu, select “Update & Security,” and check for any available updates. I installed any that were pending and restarted my computer. This simple step surprisingly often fixes problems like this one.
Next, I looked into whether the Game Pass app itself needed an update. Keeping applications updated is crucial, as updates can fix bugs and improve performance. I navigated to the Microsoft Store, went to the “Library” section, and clicked “Get updates.” The store then updated the Game Pass app to the latest version. After updating, I tried launching a game again, but unfortunately, the issue persisted.
I then decided to clear the cache for the Game Pass app and Microsoft Store. Sometimes, corrupted cache files can cause applications to malfunction. To clear the cache, I opened the “Run” dialog box by pressing Windows key + R, typed “wsreset.exe,” and hit Enter. This command resets the Microsoft Store cache, which can often resolve issues with app downloads and launches. I restarted my PC after running the command and tested the Game Pass app again, but the problem remained.
Another step I took was to check the Windows Services related to Game Pass. I opened the “Services” application by searching for it in the Start menu, and I looked for services such as “Xbox Live Auth Manager” and “Xbox Live Networking Service.” I made sure these services were running, as they are essential for Game Pass functionality. If any of them were stopped, I right-clicked and selected “Start” to enable them.
After ensuring that relevant services were running, I reviewed my network connection. Sometimes, connectivity issues can affect game launches. I performed a network troubleshooting by going to Settings, selecting “Network & Internet,” and then choosing “Network troubleshooter.” This tool identified and fixed any network issues. I also made sure my firewall or antivirus software wasn’t blocking the Game Pass app. Occasionally, these security programs can be overly aggressive and interfere with legitimate applications. I checked my firewall settings and added exceptions for the Game Pass app if needed.
Further investigation revealed that the problem might be related to the installation of the games themselves. I went to the Microsoft Store and navigated to “My Library.” Here, I checked if there were any pending updates for the installed games. If updates were available, I installed them. Additionally, I verified the installation of the games by selecting “Manage” and then “Repair” or “Reset” if the option was available. This process can fix corrupted game files that might prevent them from launching.
As a last resort, I considered reinstalling the Game Pass app. Sometimes, a fresh installation can resolve persistent issues. I uninstalled the app through the Settings menu by going to “Apps,” selecting “Apps & features,” and finding the Game Pass app. I clicked “Uninstall” and then went to the Microsoft Store to reinstall it. After the reinstallation was complete, I tried launching a game again, and fortunately, it worked this time.
I also found it helpful to consult forums and community discussions for additional insights. Often, other users who have experienced similar issues share their solutions, which can be useful in resolving technical problems. I came across a few suggestions from the community, such as ensuring that the Xbox app and Game Pass app were properly synchronized and that my Microsoft account was correctly signed in.
In the end, through a combination of updating software, clearing caches, checking services and network settings, and reinstalling the app, I managed to fix the issue of Game Pass not launching games on my Windows 11 PC. It was a relief to get back to gaming, especially after the troubleshooting process. If anyone else encounters a similar problem, I’d recommend following these steps methodically and keeping an eye on updates and community forums for additional help.