Why does xbox companion always require a reboot?

Hello PastITGuy,

Thank you for posting on the Xbox forums. We understand that the Xbox Console Companion App is not responding every other time you launch it.
It is possible that the application needs to be updated in order to perform efficiently.
We recommend making sure that
Windows 10 is up to date. If this does not resolve the issue; we suggest performing

a clean boot. A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs,
so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program. Be sure to let us know the results!

Try performing a hard reset EXACTLY like this.

Hold the power button on the console for 8 seconds or until the power shuts down completely. Unplug the power cord from the back of the console for 5 minutes. Plug the power cord back in and restart the console.

Good Luck!!

As I said in the original post I already checked these settings are on but what game bar? And why doesn't the app do this like xbox does? It makes zero sense to use something outside of companion to join a party in companion.

Just noticed I didn't try the "surround effect" setting in the TV App (the one that requires a reboot).

Trying it now. Not sure why it's not enabled by default as it seems it does not interfere with stereo passthrough (I have a strict stereo setup).

xbox companion app is a legacy app from early windows 10, they are moving things over to the xbox app and the companion app will be discontinued eventually. you don't really have any reason to use the companion app now, which is why it does not come preinstalled on windows 11. game clips uploaded to xbox live should be visible from the gamebar.