Fix Gaming Services Won''t Install on PC (Xbox App)

Problem overview

The Xbox App blocks you from installing or playing Game Pass games on PC, stating that Gaming Services needs an update. When you try to install or update it, the download gets stuck or fails with a generic error code.

Common causes

• Corrupted Windows Store cache
• Broken or incomplete previous installations of Gaming Services
• Background Windows services like WSAppx failing to run
• Conflicting updates pending in Windows Update

Solution 1: Reinstall Gaming Services via PowerShell

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Paste the following command and press Enter to remove the broken service:

   Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | remove-appxpackage -allusers

3. Type the next command and press Enter to clear registry keys:

   Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices" -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

4. Restart your computer.
5. Open PowerShell as admin again and type:

   start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN

6. Click Install when the Microsoft Store page opens.

Solution 2: Reset the Xbox App and Store

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Search for Xbox, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Reset.
5. Repeat these steps for the Microsoft Store app.
6. Open the Xbox app and try launching a game again.

Solution 3: Start required Windows services

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to find the AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC).
3. Right-click it and select Start (or Restart if it is already running).
4. Locate Gaming Services in the list and ensure it is also running.