Microsoft recently rebranded Game Pass as PC Game Pass for PC users. While PC Game Pass is a bargain for premium users, the overall experience remains cumbersome over the default Xbox app on Windows 11. Sometimes the app displays errors while downloading games and won't open. Here are ways to fix the Xbox app not opening in Windows 11.
Xbox remains the central hub for checking the PC Game Pass library, downloading games, and starting discussions in the Xbox community. An app that won't open on Windows 11 can be confusing because there's no alternative.
1. Check XBOX servers
This is the first thing you should do. If Xbox servers are having a hard time, you'll experience issues with the Xbox app on Windows 11. Xbox offers a dedicated page to check the status of all services.
Visit the Xbox Status page on the web and see if all Xbox services are running. A green check indicator indicates an active status. If Xbox is experiencing a service outage, you'll see a red block icon next to each service. Wait for Microsoft to resolve the issues on their end and try again.
2. Check the date and time on your computer.
Incorrect date and time settings on your PC can cause problems with default apps, including Xbox.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings app (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: go to the time and language and open Date and time list.
Step 3: Enable Switch time setting automatically If it does not detect the time zone correctly, disable the toggle and select Manually set correct time zone.
3. Restart XBOX services
When you start your computer, the system automatically starts the required Xbox services in the background. You can restart these services and try your luck with the Xbox app again.
Step 1: Click on Windows key and search for Services. Click on Enter and open Service List.
Step 2: Scroll down to Games services.
Step 3: Right-click on it and select Reboot of context menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and search for Manage Xbox accessories و Xbox Live Auth Manager. Right click on each item and restart it.
4. Disable VPN on your computer
Xbox services like Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Cloud Gaming are limited to only a few regions. You can check detailed Xbox availability at Official Microsoft website.
If you're using a VPN and connected to a server in a region where Xbox isn't available, you'll experience issues with the app on Windows. Open the VPN app on your computer and disable the connection.
5. Run Windows applications to troubleshoot
Microsoft offers a built-in troubleshooting tool to fix errors in apps installed on your PC. Here's how to use it and fix Xbox not opening on Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the applicationWindows Settings and go to the system.
Step 2: Open find the mistakes and resolve it and select Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Scroll down and turn on Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter.
Let Microsoft run the troubleshooter and fix Xbox issues.
6. Repair the XBOX app
If your Xbox still isn't working properly, you can try repairing it. App data won't be affected. Here's how to repair your Xbox on Windows 11.
Step 1: turn on Windows 11 settings and go to Application List.
Step 2: Locate Applications and Features and scroll down to Xbox.
Step 3: tap on Three point list Next to Xbox and open Advanced Options.
Step 4: Locate Repair button From a list Reset.
Windows 11 will run the repair tool and troubleshoot the Xbox app that won't open.
7. Turn on XBOX when you log in.
You have the option to turn on Xbox when you sign in so you don't have any issues running the app.
Step 1: Open Xbox Advanced Options in Windows 11 Settings menu (Check the steps above).
8. Reset the XBOX app
Instead of reinstalling Xbox on Windows 11, you can reset it and try using it again. Be careful when using this option, though. This step will delete all app data.
Step 1: Go to Xbox Advanced Options in Windows Settings (See Method 6).
Step 2: Locate Reset button.
9. Update the XBOX app
Microsoft distributes the Xbox app via Microsoft Store on Windows 11The company releases new updates frequently to add features and fix bugs. You may experience issues with an outdated Xbox app on your PC.
Launch the Microsoft Store and go to your Library menu. Install any pending Xbox updates, and you're good to go.
Keep your XBOX controller ready.
Some users have experienced issues signing in to their Xbox account. You need to enable two-factor authentication (TFA) for your Microsoft account for a secure sign-in process. What trick worked to fix the Xbox app not opening issue in Windows 11? Share your results in the comments below.
