How do I fix gaming services needing to download every time I open the xbox app?

SILENTJOKR · Jul 20, 2023

I have been using my PC for over a year now. I have had no issues with anything up until 2 days ago when I decided I wanted to play Stardew Valley. I clicked install and started watching YouTube. I checked to see if the game was done about 30mins later and it was sitting on 0%. I thought this was odd so I tried pausing and un pausing which it didn't let me do. So I tried cancelling it, which it didn't let me do. I then restarted and it was still sitting there at 0%. I logged out and back in, same thing, 0%. I then began to search around for an answer and ran into hundreds of tips and tricks on how to fix the problem going back to 2019. I decided to stick try some that showed positive responses.

I checked for updates, none needed. I did the repair/restart/uninstall again, which did nothing and I turned my VPN off and then back on which did nothing.

I then did the PowerShell script thing which seems to have made things worse. Now when I open the Xbox app it says that Gaming services isn't downloaded. When I click to download it nothing happens 99% of the time. Once in awhile it will actually download and when I go to Stardew Valley is says "Preparing."

Though when I close the app out and open it again, it say's it isn't downloaded. When I check it in services one says "running" the other says "stopping" and I can't right click and do anything to start/stop/restart them.

I've included some screenshots. If anyone decides to help with any advice that isn't copy/pasted all over the internet, which isn't working, I will be greatly appreciative. Otherwise, I'm going to cancel my gold/gamepass after like 14yrs. I don't use my console and it isn't worth spending this much time trying to fix something that just randomly became an issue, literally out of no where.

:)

SILENTJOKR

I am the admin, it's a personal PC. and as far as trying other games, I haven't really been able to. Without gaming services you can't do anything and when I hit install on any game the screenshot below pops up. I did get it to actually install a couple times but it either crashes after a few mins or just doesn't work. Once I open the xbox app again for any reason it goes back to saying i need to install it. Even if it installed moments prior. Doesn't make any sense. I can even find the gaming services inside the "services app." It is like the xbox app isn't recognizing it for some reason. I would be happy just getting back to where I play the games I have installed.

DiCalzi

As of now, that's the only real thing I could see helping out as well.

Darhyl Mayte Amizola

Thank you for your response.

It seems we have almost exhausted all the troubleshooting steps. In this case, it would be best to perform a reformat on your C: Drive where your Windows was installed then install Xbox app as our last resort.

You've got nothing to worry as I have recommended the same step before and resolved similar issues with this workaround.

Please back up your files before the reformat.

Darhyl Mayte Amizola

Thank you for the information.

I understand that you're hesitant to perform a reformat of your C: Drive, but rest assured that this will fix the issue based on my experience.

No worries, please take your time. You may also try the following troubleshooting steps here at these links:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vYdqwK_akY

Note/Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

SILENTJOKR

I had actually came across that video and followed each step with the exception of the bit about windows 10, as I'm on 11. I repeated them just now, just to do it and still have the same issue. I'm not sure anymore. Makes me not want to use the app or store at all honestly.

I did just notice that both "gaming services" lines in the services app say "running" now. I was able to hit restart on the top one but when I clicked restart on the bottom one the following popped up:

How do I fix gaming services needing to download every time I open the xbox app?