What is ‘Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer’ error in Windows 10/11?
If you are facing ‘Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer’ error when you try to use Xbox Game Bar for some purpose like to record screen, and searching for ways to fix, then you are in right-place for the solution. You will be guided with easy steps/methods to resolve the issue. Let’s starts the discussion.
‘Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer’ error:
It is common Windows Problem considered as Xbox Game Bar issue. This issue indicates you are unable to use Xbox Game bar feature/function in Windows 10/11 computer for some reasons. If you are not aware, Xbox Game Bar is Windows 10/11 built-in gaming overlay allows you to capture game clips, take screenshots, monitor and manage performance, communicate with friends, and so on, without having to exit the game you are playing. You can access Xbox Game Bar using ‘Windows + G’ shortcut keys combination on keyboard.
However, several users reported they faced ‘Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer’ error while they trying to use of the functions of Xbox Game Bar like screen capturing in Windows 10/11 computer. There could be several reasons behind the issue including outdated Windows OS, disabled Game Mode, and Game DVR, malware or viruses infections in computer, corruption in system files or registry, and other issues. Let’s go for the solution.
How to fix Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer error in Windows 10/11?
Method 1: Fix ‘Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer’ error with ‘PC Repair Tool’
‘PC Repair Tool’ is quick & easy ways to find and fix BSOD errors, EXE errors, DLL errors, problems with programs/applications, malware or viruses infections in computer, system files or registry issues, and other system issues with just few clicks.
Method 2: Update Windows OS
Updating Windows OS to latest version can resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ app in Windows PC via Windows Search Box and go to ‘Update & Security > Windows Update’ and click ‘Check for updates’ button
Step 2: Download and install all available updates and once updated, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 3: Add Windows Media Pack
You can add Windows Media Pack in computer to fix.
Step 1: Open ‘Windows Media Pack’ page official or visit ‘https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=48231’ page in browser
Step 2: Click ‘Download’ button, select the installation pack for either 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, and hit ‘Next’ button
Step 3: Open downloaded installer in install media pack and then check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Enable Game DVR
Another way to fix the issue is to disable Game DVR in computer.
Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ app in Windows PC via Windows Search Box and go to ‘Gaming > Game Bar Settings’
Step 2: Click ‘Capturing’ tab and toggle ON ‘Record in the background while I’m playing a game’ option, and then check if the issue is resolved.
Method 5: Enable Game Mode
Also, enabling game mode in game settings in computer can resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ app in Windows PC and go to ‘Gaming > Game Mode’
Step 2: Toggle ‘Game Mode’ option to ON, and then check if the issue is resolved.
Method 6: Open Game Bar from Microsoft Store
You can also try to fix the issue is to Game Bar from Microsoft Windows Store.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store app in Windows PC and open ‘Game Bar’ from there
Step 2: Make sure the recording button is activated. Click on screen to hide the game bar tools
Step 3: Now, go to window you want to capture and hit ‘Windows + G’ to reopen Xbox Game Bar, and check if it works for you toward resolving the issue.
Method 7: Reinstall Xbox Game Bar
If the issue is still persist, you can try to fix the issue by reinstalling Xbox Game Bar in computer.
Step 1: Right-click ‘Start’ menu and select ‘Windows Powershell (Admin)’
Step 2: Type the following command and hit ‘Enter’ key to execute.
get-appxpackage *Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay* | remove-appxpackage
Step 3: Once executed, open ‘Microsoft Store’ app and download & install Xbox Game Bar from there in computer, and once installed, check if it works for you.
Conclusion
I am sure this article helped you on How to fix Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer error in Windows 10/11 with easy ways. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.
