Game Pass is a service from Microsoft that offers games at a discount, few games are available on the same day, and many games are free. If you have bought the game pass subscription but cannot launch the games on Xbox or PC, this post will help you fix the problem.
Game Pass not launching games on Xbox or PC
Game Pass games can be launched through the Xbox App on PC and directly on Xbox. So on a PC, it eventually comes to the Xbox App, while on the Xbox console, you will have to work through the console settings, including resetting it.
On Windows PC
- Update Game
- Update the Xbox App
- Reconnect with the Microsoft account
- Reset or Repair Xbox App
- Restart Gaming Service
You will need an admin account to execute some of these suggestions.
On Xbox
- Power cycle
- Offline Update
- Check Xbox server status
- Clear Cache
- Reinstall the game
On Xbox, ensure to use the primary account or the first account used to sign in.
On Windows PC
1] Update Game
It is possible that the game needs to be updated, and it is available through the Microsoft Store. Usually, the games should launch and ask you to update, but it is best to cross-check if that’s not happening. Go to the Library section and click the Get Updates button at the top right to check for updates. The system will check the servers for any updates for your apps. If you have updates for the game, you can click on the Update button and complete the process.
2] Update the Xbox App
If it is happening for most games, you will need to check if an update is available for the Xbox App. It is possible that something has changed on the app level, and it cannot validate the account with the Game Pass. You can update the app in the same way as mentioned above.
3] Reconnect with the Microsoft account
Game Pass is connected with a Microsoft account. If you are sure that you are using the same account with the Xbox App, then reconnectning the account with Xbox App might help. It will revalidate everything, and if there is anything around that is causing the problem, it will be able to fix it.
- Open the Xbox App, and click on the Profile icon on the top-right or wherever you can see it.
- It will expand the menu and show multiple options.
- Click on Signout and wait for the process to complete
- Follow the same method and sign in.
- If you wish to switch the account, you will have the option.
Check if you can launch the Game Pass games.
4] Reset or Repair Xbox App
Open the Windows Settings (Win + I) and navigate to Apps > Apps & features. Find the Xbox app you want, click on the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options. Scroll, and you can find the reset or repair options. The first repair and then reset. Done that, check if you can launch the Xbox App, and check if the game launches as expected.
5] Restart Gaming Service
Open the Run prompt, type services.msc, and press the Enter key. It will open the Services window. Search for any service that is related to Xbox. The list will include Xbox Accessory Management Service, Xbox Live Auth Manager, Xbox Live Game Save, and Xbox Live Networking Service. Start or Restart the services based on the status.
On Xbox
1] Power cycle your Xbox console
When you turn off the console, it simply goes to standby. To completely shut it down and restart. You will have to power cycle it. To manually power cycle your Xbox console, do the following:
To turn off your Xbox console, press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the console for approximately 10 seconds. Then, unplug your Xbox from the power outlet and wait at least 30-60 seconds. Finally, plug your Xbox back into the power outlet. Now, turn your console back on by pressing the Xbox button on the console or controller.
Note: When you do so, It will deactivate instant-on mode. To re-enable instant-on mode, or the ability to turn on your console by saying “Xbox on,” you must restart the console.
2] Check Xbox server status
Some games check for the internet connection when they launch. If the internet is stable, but the Xbox Service is down, then the games may not launch. Go to Xbox Live status and make sure all services are green to check the status.
Additionally, you can also check the network connection from the Xbox Itself. Open the guide by pressing the Xbox button, then go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings. Press Test network connection. If the connection test is not successful, you will need to troubleshoot further.
3] Clear Cache
To clear the cache on your console, press the Xbox button on your controller. Then navigate to your Settings menu. Select Devices and Connections and then select the Blu-Ray option. Choose the Persistent Storage option. Finally, select Clear.
4] Reinstall the game
If the above methods don’t work, you can try to uninstall and then install the game again. If there was some issue with the game’s download, which led to the corruption of files in the game, then it can help fix it.
To uninstall a game or app, open the guide and go to My games & apps > See all. Select the game or app you want to remove, then press the Menu button on your controller. Choose Uninstall. Once it’s uninstalled, you’ll see it in the Ready to install section of your games and apps list. Now, select the game or app you just uninstalled and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the item.
If none of these work, you can also choose to reset your Xbox console and make sure to select the Reset and keep my games & apps option. Once you are back, make sure to check if it is working.
I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were able to resolve the issue with Game Pass not launching games on Xbox or PC.
Why is my Game Pass ultimate not working?
If the games from Game Pass ultimate are not working, ensure you have an active subscription and the games are compatible on your PC. While the service allows you to download the game, the PC should have enough power to run it.
Can you still play Game Pass games after they are removed?
After a game is removed from the Xbox Game Pass library, you will no longer be able to play it, even if it is downloaded to your console or installed on your PC.
