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How to Fix Game Could Not Start Xbox Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing the “Game Could Not Start Xbox Error” on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you just want to dive into your favorite game. This error often prevents games from launching through the Xbox app or Xbox Game Pass, affecting your gaming experience.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can take to resolve this issue. These solutions range from simple checks to more detailed fixes, all designed to get your games up and running again.

This guide will walk you through each step in a clear, easy-to-understand way, so even if you’re not very tech-savvy, you can follow along and fix the problem yourself.

Let’s begin by looking at some quick notes before diving into the step-by-step solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential since Xbox services require connectivity to verify your game licenses.
  • Ensure Windows 11 is updated: Running the latest Windows updates helps avoid compatibility issues.
  • Verify Xbox app updates: Keep the Xbox app and Xbox Game Pass updated from the Microsoft Store.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.

Step 1: Sign Out and Sign Back Into the Xbox App

Often, the error occurs due to authentication problems with the Xbox app. Signing out and back in refreshes your login credentials and can fix these issues.

  1. Open the Xbox app on your Windows 11 PC.
  2. Click on your profile picture or gamer tag in the top right corner.
  3. Select Sign out from the dropdown menu.
  4. Close the app completely (make sure it’s not running in the background).
  5. Reopen the Xbox app and sign back in with your Microsoft account.

This step ensures your account is properly authenticated with Xbox services, which is crucial for launching games.

Step 2: Reset the Xbox App

If signing out doesn’t help, resetting the Xbox app can clear corrupted temporary data that might be causing the problem.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Search for Xbox in the list.
  4. Click the three dots next to the Xbox app and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset.
  6. Confirm the reset and wait for it to complete.
  7. Open the Xbox app again and try launching your game.

Resetting the app removes all temporary data and restores it to its default state without affecting your installed games.

Step 3: Check the Xbox Services Status

Sometimes, the issue might not be on your end but with Xbox servers. Checking the service status helps identify if there are ongoing outages.

  • Visit the official Xbox Live Status page.
  • Look for any reported issues related to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox app, or Xbox Live authentication.
  • If there is an outage, you will need to wait until Microsoft resolves it.

Knowing this can save you time from trying fixes that won’t work during server downtimes.

Step 4: Update Windows and Xbox App

Outdated software can cause compatibility problems. Ensuring your system and apps are up to date is important for smooth operation.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
  4. Open the Microsoft Store.
  5. Click on your profile icon and select App settings.
  6. Enable Update apps automatically or manually check for Xbox app updates.
  7. Update the Xbox app if an update is available.

Keeping everything up to date helps fix bugs and ensures compatibility with the latest game versions.

Step 5: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues with apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool can resolve common app-related problems without complex manual fixes.

Step 6: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

A corrupted cache in the Microsoft Store can indirectly cause Xbox app errors. Clearing it might help.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to close automatically.
  4. The Microsoft Store will launch after the cache is cleared.
  5. Try launching your game again.

This process clears temporary files and refreshes the Store’s data.

Step 7: Reinstall the Xbox App

If none of the above work, reinstalling the Xbox app can fix deeper installation issues.

  1. Open PowerShell as an administrator:
    • Press Windows key, type PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the following command to uninstall the Xbox app: 
    Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  4. Search for Xbox and reinstall the app.
  5. Sign in again and try launching your game.

Reinstalling ensures you have a clean and fresh copy of the app.

FAQs

Why does the “Game Could Not Start Xbox Error” happen?

This error usually occurs due to account authentication issues, corrupted Xbox app data, outdated software, or Xbox Live service outages.

Do I need to reinstall the game if I see this error?

Not necessarily. Most of the time, fixing the Xbox app or your system settings resolves the issue without reinstalling the game.

Will resetting the Xbox app delete my games?

No, resetting the app only clears temporary data related to the app itself. Your installed games and save files remain intact.

Can this error happen if I am offline?

Yes, some Xbox games require an online connection to verify licenses. Offline play may be restricted depending on the game.

Is it safe to uninstall and reinstall the Xbox app?

Yes, it is safe and often effective. Just make sure you know your Microsoft account credentials to sign back in.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the game still won’t start, you have a few final options:

  • Contact Xbox Support: Visit the official Xbox Support page for personalized help.
  • Check for Known Issues: Sometimes new Windows updates or Xbox app versions introduce bugs. Look for community forums or official announcements.
  • Create a New Windows User Profile: Occasionally, user profile corruption causes the error. Creating a new profile can help isolate this.
  • System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring your PC to a previous state may resolve the issue.

Conclusion

The “Game Could Not Start Xbox Error” on Windows 11 is a common but solvable problem. By starting with simple steps like signing out and updating your system, and moving to more advanced options like resetting or reinstalling the Xbox app, you can usually fix the issue yourself.

Remember to check your internet connection and Xbox service status before diving into complex fixes. If all else fails, reaching out to official support or trying system-level solutions can help get you back to gaming.

With patience and these step-by-step solutions, you’ll be enjoying your games again in no time.

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