Fix Xbox Game bar party chat not working

For the most part, gamers of Windows 11/10 have heard of the Xbox Game Bar, a tool designed by Microsoft in a bid to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming. For those who use the Xbox Game Bar quite often, you might come across an issue where you’re unable to hear folks in a party chat. The cause of a problem like this may be due to several reasons, so we will discuss multiple ways to fix it.

Fix Xbox Game bar party chat not working

We suspect that at least one of the options below will be enough to solve your problem, so be sure to read carefully and follow the instructions as they are laid out.

1. Unplug and plug in your headset
2. Perform a reboot
3. Repair Xbox Game Bar app
4. Set automatic time zone in Windows
5. Set your headset as the default device for output and input

Let us talk about this from a more detailed perspective.

1] Unplug and plug in your headset

The first thing we recommend users do is unplug their headset from the Windows 10 computer for five seconds, then plug it in again. Then, use it to listen to find out if party chat is working.

2] Perform a reboot

Another tried, and test way to fix headset audio problems is to restart the computer. Right-click on the Windows icon located at the bottom-left corner, then select Shutdown > Restart.

3] Repair Xbox Game Bar app

If everything above fails, then it is time to perform more Advanced actions to fix the problem once and for all.

Please click on the Windows key + I on your keyboard to fire up the Settings area to repair the app.

From there, select Apps > Apps & Features, then scroll down until you’ve come across Xbox Game Bar.

Now, you will want to click on the app then select Advanced Options.

A new window should appear. Please click on Repair, then give it some time to complete the process.

Once that is done, restart the Xbox Game Bar app.

4] Set automatic time zone in Windows

One reason the Xbox Game Bar fails to work as it should is synchronization issues, which have a lot to do with the time zone set on your computer. To fix this little problem, we will have to set the time zone to automatic.

In order to solve this issue, right-click on the clock located on the Taskbar, then select Adjust date/time. When the window is up, toggle the button under Set Time Automatically to turn it on.

5] Set your headset as the default device for output and input

Your audio input and output are likely not properly configured, so we will have to change how your headset operates.

Okay, so the first thing you must do is visit the Settings area by clicking on the Windows key + I. From there, be sure to select System > Sound, then navigate to Sound Control Panel. A small window should now be visible. Select the Playback tab, then right-click on the correct device and choose Set as Default Communication Device.

Once you’ve completed that section, it is time to switch over to the Recording tab. Right-click on the correct device, then select Properties from the menu. Go to Advanced, then be sure to tick the box beside Allow Applications to Take Exclusive Control of This Device.

Finally, hit Apply > OK, and hopefully, that should fix the problem you’re facing.