While Microsoft has improved the default Xbox app on Windows by leaps and bounds, the app still misbehaves. Sometimes the Xbox app fails to open and some users also reported that the app fails to download games on PC. If you’re having that last problem, we’ve got you covered.

Microsoft recently renamed Xbox Game Pass to PC Game Pass, and if you’re a subscriber to it, the Xbox app remains the central place to download games, interact with the community, and more. The app that fails to download games can frustrate you. Here are some useful methods to fix Xbox app not downloading games on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

1. Check internet connectivity

Most Xbox games are over 1GB to 2GB in file size. They need a strong Wi-Fi connection or preferably a consistent LAN connection to download them successfully.

If you have installed a dual-band router in the office or at work, you can connect to a faster Wi-Fi frequency band of 5 GHz. For best results, we recommend using the Ethernet connection (if possible).

Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings app (use Windows + I keys).

2nd step: Go to Network and Internet. Make sure it shows connected status.

You can even visit fast.com to test your internet speed before downloading a big game to your computer.

2. Check Storage

This is another basic step that you need to tick before downloading games from Xbox app. If you are using less storage on your Windows 11 PC, you may encounter errors during the download process.

Step 1: Launch Windows Settings and go to the System menu.

2nd step: Select Storage and check the remaining space to use.

If you have less storage on your PC, you can enable Storage Sense to automatically free up space, delete temporary files, and manage locally available cloud content. While you’re at it, use the cleanup recommendations to remove the dummy files. Windows 11 will show how many GB of storage will be available after using the tool.

The Xbox app also lets you change the download location on your PC. If you have less storage on your primary drive or partition, choose a second drive or partition as the default location for game storage. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open the Xbox app on your computer.

2nd step: Click on the profile name at the top and go to Settings.

Step 3: Go to the General tab and change the location from the game installation options.

3. Check Xbox Service Status

If the Xbox servers are having trouble staying online, you’ll experience issues connecting, downloading, and other app functions. None of the tricks mentioned in the post will work now.

To confirm the issue, you can head to the Xbox status page and check if everything is working fine or not. Wait for Microsoft to fix the issues on their end and try downloading games again.

4. Check PC Game Pass Subscription

Maybe you have unpaid dues or the bank has blocked your credit card. Microsoft cannot automatically charge the PC Game Pass subscription to your account, which will terminate your plan. You no longer have access to the Game Pass library, nor can you download games.

You need to verify your added payment method. You can even remove the existing card from your account and add a new active one.

The same is true when trying to buy individual games through the Xbox app. Go to your Microsoft account on the web and navigate to the Payment & billing tab. Select payment information from the drop-down menu and edit your payment method.

5. Log out and log back in

When Xbox fails to authenticate your account, it won’t allow you to download games from the Xbox app. You can temporarily log out of your account and log back in using the same credentials.

Step 1: Open the Xbox app on your PC.

2nd step: Select your profile name at the top and click logout.

Step 3: Log in again with the same account details.

Try downloading games and you should not encounter any errors.

6. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 offers a handy troubleshooter to repair Microsoft Store apps on your computer. Let’s use it to fix Xbox app not downloading games on Windows 11.

Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings menu (use Windows + I keys).

2nd step: Select System and open the Troubleshoot menu.

Step 3: Select Other convenience stores.

Step 4: Run the Windows Store app troubleshooter.

7. Repair the Xbox app

If you’re still having issues with the download process on Xbox, it’s time to fix the app. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to launch Windows Settings, select the Applications menu and click Installed Applications.

2nd step: Scroll down to Xbox and click on the three-dot menu and select Advanced Options.

Step 3: Select Repair from the Reset menu.

Windows 11 will run the repair tool and fix problems downloading games in the Xbox app.

8. Update the Xbox app

Are you using an outdated Xbox app on your PC? You might encounter problems with downloading games. Open Microsoft Store and install pending Xbox updates to fix the problem.

Start playing games on Windows

With an extensive library of games and great value with the PC Game Pass subscription, Windows is the top choice for gaming. Xbox failing to download games can spoil your fun. What trick worked wonders to solve the problem? Share your findings in the comments below.

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