How to fix
Xbox app is stuck at “Launching Xbox App”
on Windows

I am using Windows 11 and have problems with Xbox app. Whenever I try to launch it, it simply hangs with the notification "Launching Xbox app." I tried restarting it several times but this always ends up the same. Please, help.

The Xbox app is an important part of Windows for gamers, as it opens up game streaming, social activity, and other Microsoft services directly. Although it has its benefits, a number of users have reported that the Xbox app freezes at "Launching Xbox App" when they try to open it. This issue is annoying because it prevents users from accessing their games collection and utilizing the features that the app offers.

When the Xbox app hangs at the launching phase, it typically means the app is not able to complete its initialization. Users tend to report the problem as the app freezing at the "Launching Xbox App" screen, in some cases without any error message or additional information. The problem may occur even when other apps and games are functioning normally, which indicates the problem is Xbox app-specific.

There could be several reasons behind this issue. It could be due to corrupted app files or a poorly set installation that is not letting the app load correctly. In some cases, system conflicts or outdated drivers are also the reasons. Background processes or interference from security programs also cause the Xbox app not to open as it should at times. Network issues, though not as likely, may also be a cause if the application is trying to reach online services and fails.

Users experiencing this issue are encouraged to attempt various troubleshooting measures to address the root causes. These may include cache clearing, system setting modification, or checking for updates. For those users who prefer an automated process to run and diagnose such issues, the [d1] repair and maintenance application is a useful utility that will repair underlying issues to ensure the Xbox app launches smoothly and operates as intended.

Fix 1. Clear cache

Clearing the cache removes corrupted temporary data that may be causing the app to hang.

• Press the Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
• A command prompt window will open and reset the Windows Store cache without any further input needed. Wait for it to close automatically.
• Once the reset is complete, restart your computer and attempt to log in to the Xbox app again.

Fix 2. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common issues affecting the Xbox app.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Click Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to find Windows store apps and select it.
• Click Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the process is finished and apply the fixes.

Fix 3. Update the Xbox App

Installing the latest version can fix bugs that might cause the app to hang during launch.

• Open Microsoft Store.
• Click on Library.
• If updates are pending, click Update all.
• Otherwise, click Get updates.
• You can also update the app individually.

Fix 4. Repair or reset Xbox app, other components

Resetting the app restores its default settings and clears misconfigurations that may cause it to get stuck.

• Right-click on Start and select Apps & Features/Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find Microsoft Store and click Advanced options.
• Scroll down again and click Terminate and Repair.
• If that does not work, try using Reset.
• Repeat this process with the Xbox app and Gaming Services.

Fix 5. Re-register the Xbox App

Re-registering the app can restore its original configuration and resolve persistent launch issues.

• Ensure the Microsoft Store and Xbox App are closed.
• Type PowerShell in Windows search.
• Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Wait for the command to complete and restart your device.

Fix 6. Check services

• Type Services in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Scroll down to find Gaming Services.
• Right-click on it and select Restart.
• If it is grayed out, double-click the service to open its Properties.
• Under Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process with the following services:
  Windows Update
  Microsoft Store Install Service
  Xbox Live Auth Manager
  Xbox Live Game Save
  Xbox Live Networking Service
  Gaming Services.

Fix 7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot minimizes software conflicts by starting Windows with only essential services, which can help determine if third-party programs are causing the issue.

• Type msconfig in the Windows search box and press Enter.
• Pick the Services tab.
• Mark Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
• Select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, right-click on each of the items and select Disable, then close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab, mark the Safe Boot option, then click Apply and OK.
• On the System Configuration window, click OK.
• If the problem is gone, it means that the software is causing this. Disable each of the entries (or do that in groups) and reboot the system in normal mode; i.e., use the method of elimination.

Fix 8. Reinstall Gaming Services in PowerShell

If Gaming Services are not working properly, reinstalling them using PowerShell will refresh their configuration and resolve the issue.

• Open PowerShell as administrator.
• In the new window, copy and paste the following commands and hit Enter:
  get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-Appxpackage –allusers
  Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices" -recurse
  Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet" -recurse
• Close down PowerShell and restart your system.
• Next, install Gaming Services from the Microsoft Store.