The Xbox app failing on Windows 10 is usually fixable — most problems stem from outdated software, broken app data, misconfigured services, or network and permission issues. In this article you’ll learn why the Xbox app doesn’t work in Windows 10 and get ten practical fixes you can follow step by step to get the app running again.
You’ll find quick solutions up front and detailed, beginner-friendly steps below for each root cause, plus advanced repair commands and prevention tips.
Key Takeaway
Most Xbox app problems on Windows 10 are resolved by updating Windows and the app, resetting or reinstalling the Xbox/Microsoft Store packages, and restarting related Xbox services; if those don’t work, network, account, or system-integrity fixes usually do.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Outdated Windows or Xbox app | Update Windows 10 and the Xbox app via Settings > Update & Security and Microsoft Store. |
| Corrupted Microsoft Store or Xbox app files | Reset or reinstall the Xbox app and re-register the Store with PowerShell or Settings > Apps > Advanced options > Reset. |
| Xbox-related services stopped or failed | Restart Xbox services via Services.msc or run *Get-Service -Name xbl* |
| Microsoft account or sign-in issues | Sign out and back into your Microsoft account in Settings > Accounts and the Xbox app. |
| Network, firewall, or NAT issues | Check Windows Firewall rules, disable VPN/proxy, and open/forward Xbox ports or use Network Reset. |
| Corrupt app cache or credentials | Run wsreset.exe, clear Store cache, and reset Xbox app data in Settings > Apps. |
| VPN or proxy conflicts | Disable VPN/proxy in Settings > Network & Internet > VPN/Proxy and test again. |
| Out-of-date GPU or network drivers | Update drivers via Device Manager or vendor website. |
| Background app permissions blocked | Allow background apps in Settings > Privacy > Background apps and enable microphone/camera if needed. |
| Xbox Live service outage | Check https://support.xbox.com for outages; wait or change region if necessary. |
Detailed Fixes for “Xbox app doesn’t work in Windows 10”
Reason 1 — Outdated Windows or Xbox app
Why it causes the problem:
- The Xbox app depends on Windows features (UWP framework, updates) that are fixed or added in Windows updates. An outdated OS or app can break compatibility.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all updates and restart.
- Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, choose Downloads and updates, then Get updates to update the Xbox app and Microsoft Store.
- After updates, restart your PC.
Notes:
- Major Windows 10 feature updates can include fixes for the Xbox platform; install them when possible.
Reason 2 — Corrupted Microsoft Store or Xbox app files
Why it causes the problem:
- Store or app package corruption prevents the app from launching, signing in, or updating.
Step-by-step solution:
- Try a simple reset: Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Xbox and Microsoft Store, click Advanced options, then click Repair. If that fails, click Reset.
- Run wsreset.exe: Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, press Enter; this clears the Store cache.
- Reinstall via PowerShell (if reset fails):
- Open Start, type PowerShell, right-click Windows PowerShell, choose Run as administrator.
- To remove Xbox app: Get-AppxPackage XboxApp | Remove-AppxPackage
- To re-register the Store:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} - Reinstall Xbox app from the Microsoft Store.
Notes:
- Removing system apps may require re-downloading from the Store; keep your Microsoft account ready.
Why it causes the problem:
- Xbox app relies on background services (authentication, networking, save game) — if they’re stopped the app may not run or sign in.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Locate services like Xbox Accessory Management Service, Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, Xbox Live Networking Service (names vary).
- Right-click each service and choose Restart (or Start if stopped). Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Or use PowerShell as admin:
Get-Service -Name xbl | Restart-Service -Force to target Xbox-named services.
Notes:
- If services fail to start, check Event Viewer (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application/System) for errors.
Reason 4 — Microsoft account or sign-in issues
Why it causes the problem:
- The Xbox app needs a valid Microsoft account; cached authentication tokens can expire or corrupt.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts. If your Microsoft account is listed under Accounts used by other apps, try removing and re-adding it.
- Open the Xbox app, sign out (Profile > Sign out), then sign back in with your Microsoft account.
- If sign-in fails, open Settings > Accounts > Access work or school and ensure no conflicting accounts are present.
- If using two-factor authentication, ensure verification succeeds; check your email/phone for codes.
Notes:
- If you recently changed your Microsoft account password, you may need to re-enter it in other apps to refresh tokens.
Reason 5 — Network, firewall, NAT or port issues
Why it causes the problem:
- Xbox features (multiplayer, streaming, sign-in) may require specific ports or NAT traversal; strict firewall/NAT blocks connectivity.
Step-by-step solution:
- Test by disabling firewall temporarily: Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off (turn off for private network temporarily). If the Xbox app works, add exceptions.
- Allow app through firewall: Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall, enable Xbox services.
- Check NAT & ports: For best connectivity, open/forward UDP ports 88, 3074, UDP/TCP 53, TCP 80, 443 on your router, or enable UPnP.
- Reset network stack: open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart the PC.
- If using a VPN, disable it (see Reason 7).
Notes:
- Router interfaces differ; search your router model + “port forwarding” for guidance. Test Xbox app on another network (mobile hotspot) to isolate.
Reason 6 — Corrupt app cache or credentials
Why it causes the problem:
- Cached credentials or app data can become inconsistent, preventing operations like signing in or launching.
Step-by-step solution:
- Clear the Store cache: run wsreset.exe (see Reason 2).
- Reset Xbox app: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Xbox > Advanced options > Reset.
- Delete cached credentials: press Windows + R, type %localappdata%\Packages, find folders starting with Microsoft.XboxApp and delete LocalState or the folder if resetting didn’t help (careful: this removes app data).
- Reboot and sign back in.
Notes:
- If unsure, create a System Restore point or back up important data first.
Reason 7 — VPN or proxy conflicts
Why it causes the problem:
- VPNs and proxies change network routes, affecting authentication and Xbox Live connectivity.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, disconnect any active VPN.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, set Use a proxy server to Off.
- Test the Xbox app. If the app works without VPN/proxy, configure the VPN to exclude Xbox traffic or contact the VPN provider.
Notes:
- Some corporate networks block Xbox Live; try a home network to confirm.
Reason 8 — Out-of-date GPU or network drivers
Why it causes the problem:
- Drivers (graphics, network) affect streaming, performance, and connectivity; outdated drivers can break features.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start, choose Device Manager).
- Expand Display adapters and Network adapters. Right-click your device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- For best results, download the latest drivers from the GPU (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) and network adapter manufacturer websites.
- Restart after driver updates.
Notes:
- If a new driver causes problems, use Device Manager > Uninstall device and check Delete the driver software for this device then reinstall the previous stable driver.
Reason 9 — Background app permissions or privacy settings
Why it causes the problem:
- If background apps are blocked, the Xbox app may not run required processes (notifications, sign-in, networking).
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Privacy > Background apps and ensure Let apps run in the background is enabled and Xbox is allowed.
- For streaming or capture features, open Settings > Privacy > Microphone/Camera and allow access for Xbox.
- Check Settings > Gaming > Game Bar and Captures to enable recording options if needed.
Notes:
- Battery saver and certain third-party optimization tools can also restrict background apps — disable those for testing.
Reason 10 — Xbox Live service outage or region restrictions
Why it causes the problem:
- Sometimes the problem isn’t on your PC — Xbox Live services or specific features may be down or region-limited.
Step-by-step solution:
- Visit https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-live-status (or your region page) to check service health.
- If services are down, wait for Microsoft to resolve the issue.
- If region restrictions apply to content or features, confirm your Microsoft account region under account.microsoft.com.
Notes:
- Service outages are generally resolved by Microsoft; follow their status updates and Twitter/Xbox Support.
Additional tips and advanced repairs
- Run system repair tools: open an elevated Command Prompt and run sfc /scannow then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix Windows component issues.
- Create a new Windows user account to test whether the problem is user-profile specific: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
- Collect logs: use Event Viewer (Windows Logs > Application/System) to find application errors tied to the Xbox app; search the error code online or share with support.
- Reinstall whole Store and Xbox stack (PowerShell admin) if nothing else helps — backup important saves or link them to the cloud first.
- If you use S Mode on Windows 10, you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store; ensure the Xbox app version is available for S Mode.
FAQ
How can I prevent the Xbox app from breaking again?
Keep Windows 10 and apps updated, avoid aggressive cleanup tools that remove Store data, and use cloud saves for games. Periodically restart services and check for driver updates.
Will reinstalling the Xbox app delete my game saves?
No — most modern Xbox and Microsoft Store games use cloud saves. Still, verify your saves are synced (in-game save status or Xbox settings) before uninstalling if you have local-only games.
Can I use Xbox Game Pass in the Xbox app on Windows 10?
Yes — if your subscription is active and the Xbox app is updated. If Game Pass library doesn’t show, sign out and back in, check Store updates, and verify your subscription at account.microsoft.com/services.
How do I find more detailed error messages to troubleshoot?
Open Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Application and look for errors from the Xbox or Microsoft.Store sources around the time of failure. Copy error codes and search Microsoft support.
What if the Xbox app works on one user but not another?
The problem may be a corrupted user profile or app data in that profile. Create a new local or Microsoft-linked account via Settings > Accounts, test the app, and migrate data if needed.
Conclusion
Most issues where the Xbox app doesn’t work in Windows 10 are solved by updating Windows and the app, resetting or reinstalling the Store/Xbox packages, and ensuring Xbox-related services and network settings are correct. Follow the steps above in order, and use advanced tools (SFC/DISM, Event Viewer, PowerShell) if simple fixes don’t help.
