How to fix “This location isn’t set up for installing games” error in Xbox App?

What causes How to fix “This location isn’t set up for installing games” error in Xbox App?

Gaming Services not installed
Missing Gaming Dependencies
No storage drive selected for new apps
Issues after upgrading Windows

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Hello. When I try to install a game using the Xbox app on Windows I receive the "This location isn’t set up for installing games" error. What should I do?

The Xbox app for Windows lets users discover and download new games, play console games on PC, connect with friends, etc. However, some people report seeing the "This location isn’t set up for installing games" error when trying to install new games through the application.

It is unknown why exactly this error appears but the issue might be caused by Gaming Services. Some people found that they did not have Gaming Services on their computers. This can happen after upgrading the Windows operating system. Some people fixed the issue by simply updating the services.

Gaming Services are related to Game Core updates to UWP[ref en-1] and Xbox Live. They should allow the Windows Store to perform better and help with the installation of large programs through the Microsoft Store. Another reason why people could be seeing this error is that they have not chosen a storage drive for new apps.

In this guide, you will find 4 steps that could help you fix "This location isnt set up for installing games" Xbox app error in Windows. If you do not want to go through a lengthy troubleshooting process, you can use a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

How to fix this location isnt set up for installing games error in xbox app

Method 1. Download Gaming Dependencies

Gaming Dependencies are apps that are needed for you to be able to install or play games on your device. Look at the list of dependencies and if there are any installations pending, click the install button next to the app/service.

Open the Xbox app on your PC, and go to Settings
Open General, at the top, there should be a notification telling you to download Gaming dependencies for certain games to work

Proceed with the process and check if the issue is solved

Method 2. Update Gaming Services

An outdated version of the Gaming Services app could be causing issues when trying to install games. Update it and see if the issue disappears.

Press the Start button on the taskbar and open the Microsoft Store app
Select Library
Under Updates & downloads, check if there are any updates available for the Xbox app or Gaming Services app
If an update is available, select Update

Method 3. Choose a Storage Drive

Go to Windows Settings and check if you have a storage drive for new applications set.

Click Start, then open Settings
Go to System, and click on Storage
Select Change where new content is saved

Using the menu under Where apps will be saved to, choose the drive you want

Method 4. Install the game through the Microsoft Store

If you have the Xbox game pass, try using this workaround:

Make your Microsoft Store account the same as your Xbox Account
Have the Microsoft Store and Xbox app open
Find the game on the Microsoft Store that you want and click Install

Install the game through the microsoft store

It will show installing in the store and on the Xbox app

Bottom line

To fix the 'This location isn’t set up for installing games' error, you can download Gaming Dependencies, ensure Gaming Services are installed, and select a storage drive for new apps. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider using a maintenance tool to fix system errors.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I see the 'This location isn’t set up for installing games' error in the Xbox App on Windows 10?

You should check the installation location settings in the Xbox App and ensure that the drive is properly configured for game installations. Additionally, make sure that the drive has sufficient space and is not set to read-only.

How can I change the installation location for games in the Xbox App on Windows 11?

To change the installation location, open the Xbox App, go to Settings, select 'General', and then modify the 'Game install location' to your preferred drive. Ensure that the new location is accessible and formatted correctly.

Is there a way to fix the 'This location isn’t set up for installing games' error without reinstalling the Xbox App on Windows 10?

Yes, you can try resetting the Xbox App via the Settings app by going to Apps, selecting Xbox, and clicking on 'Advanced options' to find the reset option. This often resolves configuration issues without needing a full reinstall.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Chris Lawson

Registry & System Configuration Expert

Registry editing Group Policy configuration Advanced system settings Boot repair Windows configuration

Chris Lawson is a Windows registry and advanced configuration expert who tackles the deep-level fixes that most troubleshooting guides avoid. His work covers safe registry editing, Group Policy configuration, advanced system settings, boot repair, and low-level Windows configuration that requires precision to get right. Chris provides step-by-step registry edits and configuration changes backed by thorough testing, with clear explanations of what each change does and how to undo it if needed. His guides are trusted by power users and IT professionals who need reliable instructions for advanced Windows management.

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