Starting up a game instead takes me to microsoft store for 'Gaming services.'

Jboy43 · Dec 13, 2022

I’m running on Windows 10 pro. My main issue is I cannot load a game up. Other games (e.g. Minecraft) currently work except a specific one (Warhammer Darktide). Instead, I am taken to a Microsoft store page for Gaming Services. I cannot download or update it from this page. I have attempted to troubleshoot this issue from the many solutions online, and I will provide a list of what I have done, but nothing has fixed it permanently.

The only temporary fix I have found is to reinstall Windows 10 or upgrade to windows 10 through a boot tool available to download from Microsoft. I then redownload the game and a day later the issue comes back. But this issue has happened for different games in the past as well. Games such as Halo Wars 2 and some others. On some occasions I will be unable to install games due to some obscure error in Microsoft Store or Xbox app saying there was an issue on their side and any updates or downloads are unable to resume. I believe the error code was 0x803f8001. But this isn't the main issue. Microsoft store popping up is my current issue. Again, the only temporary solution I found is to reinstall Windows 10.

Solutions I have tried:

Restarting the computer. More than once.

Check for windows updates in ‘Settings’ -> ‘Update & security’ -> ‘Windows Update’. Everything is up to date. Even the optional ones.

Checked Microsoft Store for updates via the apps library. Apps and games are up to date.

Checked for updates in Xbox App. Set it to Automatically update. I can’t manually search for updates. It does it on its own.

Reset and repaired apps ‘Microsoft Store’, ‘Xbox’ and finally ‘Gaming Services’.

Inspected my wi-fi. All is working and is running fast.

Ran Powershell commands using admin account, “get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers” and “start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN” to remove and reinstall Gaming Services. This doesn’t seem to do anything.

Reinstalled Xbox App.

Checked drivers for updates.

Reinstalled the Game in question. Sometimes it works. Most times I end up with a different issue. 0x803f8001 error code and a message saying something has happened on Microsoft Stores end of things and cannot resume or cancel a download. I then reinstall Windows 10 and it is temporarily fixed until I start up my computer the next day and I try to start the game up. Which then takes me back to Microsofts Stores page for Gaming services. Rinse and repeat. When I have a look at my updates it says Gaming Services was updated through the night and not when I was actively trying to update it the day before. Making me think it could be the culprit somehow.

I have also done this all again on a different admin account.

***Moved from Windows /Windows 10 /Gaming***

:)

ReynaldoB

Hello Jboy43!

We haven't heard from you in 72 hours, so we assume that your issue has already been resolved. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question or start a discussion (microsoft.com)

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Community Forum Moderator

ReynaldoB

Hi Jboy43,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community Forum. I hope you're doing well.

Based on your description, it seems to be that you have a problem with starting your games wherein you are being redirected to the Microsoft Store.Let's work together to find the best solution to this problem.

I understand that you've already tried different methods of troublehsooting but the problem wasn't resoved. In order for us to better understand the problem, I would like to ask a few questions;

When did the problem started?
What was your last activity on your device before the problem occur? Do you remember any changes you've made to your device recently?
Can I ask for a screenshot of the exact version and edition of your Windows 10?
I would like to ask for a video or a recording of the issue? In this way we can see a bigger picture of the problem specially with the event that takes you to the Microsoft store when you open the game. You can send us here directly the video or you may upload it to OneDrive.com and give us the shareable link. Make sure it is clickable.

Those above questions would help us provide the necessary information. Once we collect all the information, we will formulate the feasible resolution to help you with your case.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely

Microsoft Community Forum Moderator

Seethingmad-[xboxven

If not already solved (on PC, Game Pass), instead of starting via the game link on desktop / program list, instead open the microsoft game store and navigate to MS FS and click play.

Worked for me after prompting a quick update.

Glu10Free

The Games on Demand service is nothing but a convenient ripoff. It's sort of like going to a convenient store and buying a cold 16oz soda for $1.45, instead of going to a grocery store (which normally takes longer) and buying a 2 liter of soda for
$1.35... If someone doesn't want to go to the store or doesn't have room for a ton of game cases taking up space, they can purchase the game on the GoD service for a higher price tag, but hey, at least it's convenient.

I would personally never use the GoD service as like I said earlier, it's a ripoff.

Kimmy_24

Are you subscribed to game pass for PC or game pass Ultimate?

Kindly also re-enable Microsoft Store Install Service. Search services in Windows search box then click on services to open service manager. Locate Microsoft store install service, double click on Microsoft store install service. Please choose startup type as automatic and click on start to start the service then restart your PC. Try installing the gaming services again using the link below:

https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/gaming-...

Starting up a game instead takes me to microsoft store for 'Gaming services.'