How to Fix Games for Windows Live Not Working [SOLUTION]

Microsoft’s game service, also known as Games for Windows- Live enables Windows Computer to connect to Microsoft’s Live Service. This allows users with their unique gamer-tag or username to save their achievements send and receive messages and even look at your friend’s stats. Some games even allow for cross platform play such as Shadowrun matchmaking PC players to Xbox players.

But with time, many users reported that their Games for Windows Live not working on their Windows operating system including the games that got added to the service. For that reason we have included all the possible steps and methods that are needed to solve this issue.

How to fix Games for Windows Live

Method 1: Live Sign-in Assistant

Download the latest version of the Live Sign-in Assistant from the official Microsoft’s Page. Install the downloaded application and fill in with your credentials like your username and password. Open the game with latest version of the live sign in assistant installed. See if the games launches or not.

Method 2: Reinstall Games for Windows Live

Step 1: Open control panel on your computer and uninstall the following program from our computer

Microsoft Games for Windows Live Redistributables

Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace

Use a dedicated, uninstall software if needed.

Step 2: After the unistallation, reboot your computer.

Step 3: Download Games for Windows Live Installer.

Step 4: After downloading, right click on the setup and choose Properties.

Step 5: Go to Compatibility tab and check the box beside Run this program in compatibility mode.

Step 6: From the given list choose either Window 8 or Windows 7.

Step 7: Also check the box beside Run as Administrator.

Step 8: Click Apply then OK and install Games for Windows Live.

Your profile should re-download now be ready to use.

Method 3: Transfer xlive files

Step 1: Navigate to the following location

C:WindowsSysWOW64

Note – if you are using 32 bit Window then your location might be different.

Step 2: Find all the xlive files and copy them

xlive file includes xlive, xlive.dll, xlive.dll.cat, xlivefnt.dll, xliveinstall.dll, xliveinstallerhost.exe

C:WindowsSystem32

Step 3: Try running the game.

If this method did not help, then try copying the files in the installation directory of your game’s exe location.

Check your Internet Connection

Believe it or not, bad or unstable internet connection is cause for many of the issues similar to this. Check for your internet connection stability or switch to wifi LAN is you are using a Wireless connection.

Delete All the Temporary Files

Remnants of older installation files can become a huge issue when you are either updating the software or re-installing it. Therefore removing temp files become very important.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open RUN dialogue box.

Step 2: Type temp and press enter.

Step 3: Grant access if it prompt.

Step 4: Select and delete all the files.

Some Frequently Asked Question

Q- Can I still download games for Windows live?

  • Microsoft’s Games for Windows Live service is still operational and your purchased games will be unaffected by the “Closure of Service”. You can still play your downloaded and purchased games and content in your library by downloading them with Games for Windows Live Client.

Games for Windows Live Not Working is quite a common issue with the users, so don’t worry. We have mentioned all the possible solutions and methods to resolve your issue.