How to Fix PC Game Pass Games Not Launching

What Causes This?

PC Game Pass games usually fail to launch because one of the Microsoft gaming components is broken or out of sync. The most common causes are problems with the Xbox app, Gaming Services, the Microsoft Store, sign-in permissions, or corrupted game files. In some cases, Windows updates, background services, or security software can also block the game from opening properly.

Common Symptoms

• You click Play in the Xbox app and nothing happens
• The game opens briefly, then closes right away
• You see errors related to Gaming Services, Microsoft Store, or 0x87e... codes
• The Xbox app says the game is installed, but it will not start
• Game Pass games worked before, then stopped launching after an update

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart the Xbox app, Microsoft Store, and your PC

   • Close the Xbox app and Microsoft Store completely.
   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
   • Under Processes, end any tasks named Xbox, Gaming Services, or Microsoft Store.
   • Restart your PC, then try launching the game again.

2. Check that Gaming Services is installed and running

   • Press Windows + S, type Services, and open it.
   • Find Gaming Services in the list.
   • If it is present, make sure it is not disabled.
   • If Game Pass games still will not launch, reinstall Gaming Services:
     1. Right-click Start and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
     2. Run:

        get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
        start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN

     3. When the Microsoft Store page opens, reinstall Gaming Services.
     4. Restart your PC.

3. Repair and reset the Xbox app and Microsoft Store

   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Xbox, click the three dots > Advanced options.
   • Click Repair. If that does not help, click Reset.
   • Do the same for Microsoft Store.
   • Sign back into both apps after resetting them.

4. Sync your Microsoft account and verify Game Pass access

   • Open the Xbox app and make sure you are signed into the correct Microsoft account.
   • Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, and confirm it uses the same account.
   • If needed, sign out of both apps, then sign back in.
   • Check that your PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate subscription is active.

5. Install pending Windows and Store updates

   • Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
   • Install everything available, including optional updates related to gaming or the Store.
   • Then open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
   • Update the Xbox app, Gaming Services, and any affected game.

6. Repair the game files or reinstall the game

   • In the Xbox app, open the game page and look for Manage or Files options if available.
   • If there is no repair option, uninstall the game from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Restart your PC, then reinstall the game to a drive with enough free space.
   • If you use third-party antivirus, temporarily disable its game protection features and test again.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can detect common Windows issues that stop Game Pass games from launching, including broken services, app problems, background conflicts, and system settings that reduce stability. Instead of checking each Xbox and Store component manually, you can let Kudu scan the PC and apply safe fixes faster.

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