Blog

How to Fix Game Pass Games Not Installing on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you’re having trouble installing Game Pass games on your Windows 11 PC, you’re not alone. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you just want to start playing. Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can follow to fix this problem.

Many common causes can stop games from installing, such as app glitches, network problems, or system settings. By addressing these, you can get your games downloading and installing smoothly again.

This guide will walk you through simple, easy-to-understand solutions. Each step includes explanations so you know why it matters.

Let’s get your Game Pass games installed and ready to play.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Outdated systems can cause compatibility issues.
  • Check your internet connection. A stable and fast connection is necessary for downloading games.
  • Verify you have enough free storage space on your chosen drive to install the game.
  • Ensure your Xbox Game Pass subscription is active and linked to your Microsoft account.

Step 1: Restart Your PC and the Xbox App

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches that prevent installations. Restarting refreshes system processes and can resolve minor conflicts.

  1. Click the Start menu and select Power > Restart.
  2. After your PC powers back on, open the Xbox app again.
  3. Try to install the game once more.

If the problem persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Since the Xbox app relies on Windows Store components, running the built-in troubleshooter can find and fix app-related issues automatically.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
  4. Wait for the troubleshooter to detect and fix problems.
  5. Restart your PC if prompted, then try installing the game again.

Step 3: Reset the Xbox App and Microsoft Store

Resetting these apps clears their cache and resets settings, which often fixes installation issues caused by corrupted data.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features).
  3. Scroll down and find Xbox. Click the three dots and select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.
  5. Repeat the same process for the Microsoft Store app.
  6. Once both apps are reset, restart your PC and try installing the game again.

Step 4: Check Storage Settings and Permissions

Your PC needs to have the correct storage settings and permissions to install games. Sometimes, the default drive or permissions can block installation.

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Check that you have enough free space on your main drive (usually C:).
  4. Next, go to Settings > Gaming > Game Pass.
  5. Under Where new content will be saved, make sure the selected drive has enough space and is accessible.
  6. If you want to change it, select a different drive with enough free space.

Also, verify that Windows has permission to install apps from the Microsoft Store:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > Documents and File system.
  2. Make sure apps, especially Xbox and Microsoft Store, have permission to access files.

Step 5: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, the Microsoft Store cache can cause download and installation issues. Clearing it can help.

  1. Press Windows + 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 automatically close and the Microsoft Store to launch.
  4. Try installing your game again.

Step 6: Sign Out and Sign Back into Your Microsoft Account

An issue with your account connection can prevent installations. Signing out and back in can refresh your credentials.

  1. Open the Xbox app.
  2. Click on your profile icon at the top right.
  3. Select Sign out.
  4. Close the app, then reopen it.
  5. Sign back in using your Microsoft account.
  6. Try the installation again.

Step 7: Update Windows and Xbox App

Keeping your system and apps updated ensures compatibility and fixes bugs that could cause installation failures.

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
  3. Open the Microsoft Store, click on the profile icon, and select App updates.
  4. Click Get updates to update all apps, including Xbox.
  5. After updates finish, restart your PC and try installing the game.

Alternative Option: Use PowerShell to Reinstall Xbox App

If the Xbox app itself is corrupted, reinstalling can fix deeper problems. This is a more advanced step but still straightforward.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
  1. Once removed, reinstall the Xbox app from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Sign in again and try installing your game.

FAQs

Why won’t my Game Pass games start installing?

This could be due to app cache issues, a poor internet connection, insufficient storage, or outdated system files. Following the troubleshooting steps above usually resolves it.

Do I need a specific amount of free space to install games?

Yes, games vary in size, but always ensure you have several gigabytes free on your installation drive to avoid installation errors.

Can antivirus software block game installations?

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall settings can interfere. Temporarily disabling them or adding Xbox and Microsoft Store as exceptions might help.

Is it necessary to reset the Xbox and Microsoft Store apps?

Resetting clears cached files and settings that might be corrupted, making it an effective fix for many installation problems.

Will reinstalling the Xbox app delete my games?

No, reinstalling the app will not delete your installed games but may require you to sign back into your account.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still can’t install Game Pass games, you might consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Xbox Support website for personalized help.
  • Reset Your PC: As a last resort, resetting Windows 11 can fix deep system issues but will remove apps and settings. Back up your data first.
  • Check Xbox Server Status: Sometimes, server outages affect installations. Verify status at Downdetector Xbox Live.

Conclusion

Game Pass games not installing on Windows 11 can happen for a variety of reasons, but the solutions are usually simple. Starting with basic restarts and troubleshooting tools, progressing through resetting apps and checking storage, you can often fix the issue yourself.

Remember to keep your system and apps updated and ensure your internet connection is strong. If problems persist, reinstalling the Xbox app or seeking official support can help. Following this step-by-step guide will get you back to gaming in no time.

Leave a Reply