Sometimes, GOG games may not appear on your Windows 11 system even after installation. This can be confusing, especially if you want to enjoy your games without delay.
There are several reasons why this issue occurs, ranging from simple software glitches to system settings conflicts. Fortunately, fixing this problem is usually straightforward.
In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-follow steps to get your GOG games showing up properly on Windows 11.
By the end, you’ll be ready to play without any hassle.
Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Begin
- Ensure GOG Galaxy is Installed: The GOG Galaxy client manages your games and keeps them organized.
- Check Your Internet Connection: A stable connection is needed for GOG Galaxy to sync your game library.
- Verify Game Installation: Confirm that the games are fully installed on your PC.
- Run as Administrator: Sometimes, permissions affect the visibility of games.
Step 1: Restart GOG Galaxy and Your Computer
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, try the simplest approach. Close the GOG Galaxy client completely and restart it.
If that does not work, restart your computer. This helps clear temporary glitches and refreshes system processes that might be blocking the game listings.
Step 2: Check for GOG Galaxy Updates
Outdated software can cause functionality issues. To check for updates:
- Open the GOG Galaxy client.
- Click on the Settings icon (usually a gear symbol).
- Select About or Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
Keeping GOG Galaxy updated ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and fixes bugs that could hide your games.
Step 3: Resync Your Game Library
Sometimes, your game list may not sync properly between the GOG server and your client. To force a resync:
- In GOG Galaxy, go to Settings.
- Navigate to the Account section.
- Click on Reauthorize Account or Refresh Library (options may vary).
This action prompts the client to fetch the latest game details from your GOG account.
Step 4: Check Game Installation Paths
If GOG Galaxy shows your games but they appear as uninstalled or missing, it could be due to incorrect installation paths.
To verify and fix this:
- Open GOG Galaxy and go to Settings.
- Click on Installs & Updates.
- Check the Game Installations folder path.
- Make sure it points to the correct drive and folder where your games are installed.
- If necessary, add the correct folder path or move your games to the default location.
Correct paths allow the client to detect your installed games properly.
Step 5: Run GOG Galaxy as Administrator
Windows 11’s security features sometimes restrict app permissions. Running GOG Galaxy with administrator rights can help:
- Right-click the GOG Galaxy shortcut or executable file.
- Select Run as Administrator.
- Check if your games now show up.
If this fixes the issue, you can set GOG Galaxy to always run as administrator:
Right-click > Properties > Compatibility tab > Check "Run this program as an administrator" > Apply > OKStep 6: Repair or Reinstall GOG Galaxy
If none of the above work, your GOG Galaxy installation might be corrupted. You can try repairing the installation:
- Go to Settings > Apps & features in Windows 11.
- Find GOG Galaxy in the list.
- Click it and select Modify or Repair (if available).
If no repair option exists, uninstall and reinstall GOG Galaxy from the official GOG website.
Alternative Method: Manually Add Games to GOG Galaxy
If some games are installed but not showing, you can manually add them:
- Open GOG Galaxy.
- Click the plus (+) icon near My Collection.
- Select Add Game Manually.
- Search for the game or browse to its executable file.
- Add it to your library.
This is useful for games installed outside the default folder or copied from another system.
FAQs
Why are my GOG games not showing after Windows 11 update?
Windows updates can sometimes change system permissions or file paths, causing GOG Galaxy to lose track of installed games. Reauthorizing your account or reinstalling GOG Galaxy usually solves this.
Can antivirus software block GOG Galaxy from showing games?
Yes, some antivirus or firewall programs may interfere with GOG Galaxy’s syncing. Temporarily disable them or add GOG Galaxy to exceptions to check if that fixes the issue.
Is it safe to run GOG Galaxy as administrator?
Yes, running as administrator grants necessary permissions for the app to access files and system settings. Just ensure you downloaded GOG Galaxy from the official source.
What if my games are installed but show as uninstalled?
This usually means GOG Galaxy cannot find the files in the expected location. Verify the installation path in settings or manually add the game to your library.
Can I play GOG games without GOG Galaxy?
Most GOG games can be played without the client by running their executable files directly. However, GOG Galaxy helps manage updates and DRM-free backups.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and your GOG games still do not show on Windows 11, consider these final options:
- Visit the official GOG Support Center for specific help.
- Check the GOG Community Forums where users share solutions.
- Contact GOG customer support directly for personalized troubleshooting.
- Consider backing up your game files and performing a clean reinstall of both Windows 11 and GOG Galaxy if problems persist.
Conclusion
GOG games not showing on Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable with simple steps. Starting with restarting your system and updating the client often resolves the issue.
Checking installation paths, running GOG Galaxy as an administrator, and resyncing your library help ensure your games appear correctly.
If necessary, repairing or reinstalling GOG Galaxy and manually adding games offer further solutions.
Remember to keep your system and client updated, and don’t hesitate to reach out to official GOG support if needed.
By following these instructions, you can get back to enjoying your favorite games without unnecessary delays.