Xbox is one of Windows 10’s default apps. This app integrates the Xbox with Windows and includes a handy Game Bar, but some can’t open it on Windows 10.
This Game Bar is a built-in tool you can use to take snapshots. It is also one of the best screen recording tools for Windows PC. To open the Game Bar, you only need to press the Windows key + G with a window selected. So, let’s find out all about it.
Why won’t Xbox game bar open?
If the Game Bar is not opening on Windows 10 and Windows + G is not working, it might be because you altered the shortcut that opens the tool.
Also, the issue might be down to the Game Bar settings on your PC. Lastly, some registry settings can make the tool fail to work on your PC.
Moreover, some of them may be applied even when facing the following issues:
- Xbox Game Bar shortcut not working – Windows + G not opening Game Bar: If pressing the Windows key + G makes no difference, it’s time to check your Xbox Game Bar settings.
- Xbox Game Bar keeps turning off – Xbox Game Bar turns itself off: Chances are you need to use Game Mode, but the Game Bar repeatedly turns off. If so, edit the registry and change AllowGameDVR to 1.
- Game DVR not working in Windows 10: This is just a variation of the original issue, but if you encounter it, you should be able to solve it with the solutions from this article.
- Can’t enable/open Xbox Game Bar – Xbox Game Bar not loading: Users reported that they can’t allow Game Bar on their PC. However, you can fix the issue by changing the Game bar settings.
- Game bar not opening up on Steam, appearing: If you have issues with Game Bar and Steam, you might want to try changing the Game bar’s configuration. If that doesn’t work, you should try reinstalling the Xbox app.
- Windows Game Bar nothing to record: Sometimes, you might get a message saying There’s nothing to record. We covered this issue in great detail in one of our older articles, so check it out for more solutions.
- Xbox Game Bar not working in Windows 11, 10: The solutions below are applicable for both OSs, so make sure to follow them.
- Xbox Game Bar not opening with controller – Try to uninstall, then reinstall the controller driver to fix this. This has worked for most users.
- Xbox Game Bar not working properly – Not running the games in Full-Screen mode, proved to be one of the most effective solutions.
- Xbox Game Bar not recording – Xbox Game Bar record button greyed out – Try to reinstall the feature through Powershell, as shown in the 6th solution below.
- Enable Xbox Game Bar not working – Check the feature’s Hotkey settings.
- Xbox Game Bar party chat not working – If you create a new user profile, you might get access to all the features included.
- Xbox Game Bar not showing friends – Simply update your OS, then reboot it in order to bring everything up-to-date.
The Game Bar is usually enabled by default on your PC. But you can still follow the steps above to check if it is active.
How do I fix my Xbox game bar when it’s not working?
1. Check the Game bar’s Settings
- Search for Xbox in the Cortana search box and click the app.
- Next, sign in to the Xbox app. Note that a Microsoft Account is required to sign in to the Xbox app.
- Click the Settings icon in the bottom left corner.
- Select Game DVR.
- Now, you can select Record game clips and screenshots using Game DVR option. If that option is off, click it to switch it back on.
- Close the Xbox app and then restart Windows.
- Press the Windows key + G again to open the Game bar.
It might be the case that the Game Bar Record game clips and screenshots setting is switched off in Windows 10.
Then the Game Bar isn’t going to open when you press its hotkey. So, you can check that option as described above.
2. Edit the Registry
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and click OK.
- Next, browse to the path below:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/GameDVR - Then, right-click the AppCaptureEnabled DWORD and select Modify.
- If the DWORD’s value is 0, enter 1 in the Value data text box.
- Now, navigate to GameConfigStore.
- Right-click the GameDVR_Enabled DWORD and select Modify from the context menu to open the window below.
- Enter 1 in the Value data text box if its current value is 0.
- Restart Windows and press the Game bar hotkey.
You can also switch the Game Bar via the registry.
3. Don’t Run the Games in Full-Screen Mode
Is it the case that the Game Bar is not opening when you’re running a game on full screen? The Game Bar doesn’t open in full-screen modes because most games don’t recognize the Windows key + G hotkey.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use the Game Bar’s options in full-screen mode, but the overlay UI isn’t going to open. You can still record a game with the Windows + Alt + R hotkey or take a snapshot by pressing Windows + Alt + PrtScr.
Run the game in window mode and press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar UI.
4. Check the Xbox app’s Hotkey Settings
- Press the Windows + I keys.
- Select the Gaming option.
- Check under the Keyboard shortcuts for the Game Bar hotkeys.
- To alter the hotkeys, fill in the field before Your shortcut with your desired shortcut.
- Click the Save button.
Check the Game Bar hotkeys haven’t been reconfigured in any way. The Xbox app enables users to customize the hotkeys so that somebody might have tinkered with the keyboard shortcut settings.
You can check the Game Bar hotkeys as described above.
- Windows 10 is not giving focus to gamebar
- Xbox game bar not working in Windows 11
- Unable to sign in to Xbox account in Windows 10/11
- How to fix Game DVR issues on Windows 10/11
- Fix: Xbox app not downloading or installing on Windows 10/11
5. Install the Windows Media Feature Pack
- Open this Windows Media Feature Pack page.
- Scroll down and click Download the Media Feature Pack update package now to save the installer.
- Open the folder to which you saved the Windows Media Feature Pack and run through its installer to add it to Windows.
Windows 10 N and KN versions don’t include all the media technologies and apps in more standard editions.
So if your platform is a Windows 10 N edition, that might be why the Game Bar isn’t opening for you.
Several apps need Windows Media files not included in Windows 10 KN or N.
However, you can install the media-related technologies otherwise lacking in Windows 10 N with the Windows Media Feature Pack.
6. Reinstall the Xbox Game Bar through Powershell
- Press Windows key + S and enter powershell.
- Right-click Windows PowerShell from the list of results and then choose Run as administrator.
- When PowerShell starts, run the following command to remove Xbox Game Bar:
Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
- Once done, restart the computer.
- Now, open Microsoft Store, and then download Xbox Game bar and other applications all over again.
If you were wondering how do I reinstall game bar, delete the app via PowerShell, and then download Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store.
The Game Bar is a feature closely related to the Xbox app, and if you have any issues with it, you might be able to fix them simply by reinstalling the Xbox app.
Reinstalling a core Windows application is a slightly advanced process that involves PowerShell, but you should be able to reinstall the Xbox app without issues by following the above procedure.
After running this command, the Xbox app will be removed from your PC. You must open the Microsoft Store app and download the Xbox app again.
Once you download it, the problem with the Game bar should be entirely resolved.
7. Turn the Game Bar off and on
- If you are wondering how do I enable the Game Bar on Windows 10, press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select the Gaming option.
- Toggle the switch under the Xbox Game Bar backward to disable it. Now, wait for a few moments and turn it back on again.
If you are wondering how do I fix my Xbox game bar not popping up, simply turning the Game bar off and on or updating the OS should work. This is a temporary workaround, but it might help you with this issue.
After that, the Game Bar should start working again. Remember that this is just a temporary workaround, and if you encounter issues with the Game Bar, you’ll need to repeat this solution.
8. Create a new user account
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Accounts section.
- From the menu on the left, pick Family & other people.
- In the right pane, click the Add someone else to this PC icon.
- Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter the desired user name and click on Next.
According to users, problems with the Game Bar can occur if your user profile is damaged or corrupted. However, you might be able to fix the problem simply by creating a new user account.
To do that, you need to follow these simple steps from above. After creating a new user account, switch to it, and check if that solves your problem.
If the problem doesn’t appear on the new account, you need to move all your files to the new account and use it instead of your old account.
9. Use third-party solutions
If you can’t fix the problem with the Game Bar, you might want to consider using third-party software.
Although the Game Bar comes preinstalled with Windows 10, it has certain limitations, and if you can’t get it to work correctly, you might want to try some other Windows 10 screen recording software.
If you’re looking for a different application to record your screen and gameplay sessions, we strongly recommend trying Icecream Screen Recorder.
This straightforward tool offers certain features that the Game Bar lacks, so feel free to try it out.
Speaking about recording issues, one particular topic caught our attention, and we would like to share it quickly with you.
What can I do if Xbox Game Bar is not opening on Windows 11?
If the Game Bar is not opening on Windows 11, it might be because you have not enabled it from the settings. You can follow the steps in this guide to activate the tool.
Also, it might be down to some glitches with the tool. Disabling and enabling the tool after some minutes should solve this. Lastly, you can apply any fixes in this guide to solve the problem.
What can I do if Xbox Game Bar stops recording when switching Windows?
While many users struggle with the Xbox Game Bar not recording, others only encounter this issue when switching between apps or using the Alt + Tab key combination in the browser. You can fix this by updating the tool by following the steps below:
- To do that, open the Windows Update settings from the Start menu.
- Next, press the Check for updates button. Thus, you will activate the search and, consequently, the installation of these files.
- Finally, restart your PC and check if the issue is still there.
There you have it: Everything you need to fix the Game Bar not opening issue.
Good luck with the troubleshooting, and don’t be shy to let us know if any of these solutions helped you solve the Xbox Game Bar not working issues.
Xbox Game Bar – встроенный в Windows 11 компонент, позволяющий подключать учетную запись Xbox и использовать дополнительные функции в играх, в частности в тех, которые связаны с компанией Microsoft. Некоторые пользователи во время запуска приложений сталкиваются с рядом проблем в работе Xbox Game Bar, сказывающихся на отклике геймпада и отображении информации в окнах.
Я предлагаю несколько методов, способных исправить данную ошибку.
Способ 1: Включение Xbox Game Bar через «Параметры»
Конечно, этот метод самый банальный, и наверняка многие его уже попробовали, однако не все юзеры знают, что помощник Xbox может отключиться или не быть активным по умолчанию. Для его включения выполните несколько простых действий:
-
Откройте меню «Пуск» и перейдите в «Параметры». Значок этого приложения находится в списке закрепленных.
-
В новом окне перейдите к разделу «Игры» и нажмите по плитке «Xbox Game Bar».
-
Убедитесь в том, что переключатель стоит в состоянии «Вкл.». Если это не так, измените его положение вручную, после чего запускайте игры и проверяйте работу компонента.
Обратите внимание на то, что по умолчанию меню управления открывается через сочетание клавиш Win + G, поэтому можете использовать его для проверки работы Xbox Game Bar.
Комьюнити теперь в Телеграм
Подпишитесь и будьте в курсе последних IT-новостей
Подписаться
Способ 2: Исправление приложения
Рассматриваемый компонент является классическим приложением Windows, его можно найти в общем списке. Там же находятся и дополнительные параметры, связанные с работой программы. Предлагаю использовать автоматическое средство исправления, если вы заметили, что Xbox Game Bar не открывается или постоянно отключается самостоятельно.
-
В том же меню «Параметры» через панель слева перейдите в «Приложения» и кликните по пункту «Приложения и возможности».
-
Через поиск отыщите целевую программу и кликните по трем точкам справа от отображения ее размера.
-
Из появившегося контекстного меню выберите пункт «Дополнительные параметры».
-
Найдите кнопку «Исправить» и запустите исправление приложения.
-
Это займет некоторое время, а по завершении вместо полоски прогресса появится галочка.
Способ 3: Создание параметра в реестре
Можно пойти более радикальным путем и самостоятельно создать параметр в реестре, который будет держать Xbox Game Bar во включенном состоянии, если проблемы с работой возникают именно из-за постоянной деактивации приложения. Для этого вам понадобится самостоятельно внести некоторые изменения.
-
Откройте утилиту «Выполнить», используя для этого сочетание клавиш Win + R. Введите в поле regedit и нажмите Enter.
-
В новом окне перейдите по пути Компьютер\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR.
-
Щелкните правой кнопкой мыши по пустому месту справа, наведите курсор на «Создать» и выберите «Параметр DWORD (32 бита)».
-
Задайте для него название AppCaptureEnabled и нажмите по строке дважды для открытия окна редактирования параметра.
-
В нем установите значение 1 и подтвердите изменение.
Обязательно перезагрузите компьютер, поскольку только после этого внесенные настройки вступают в силу.
Способ 4: Исправление файла ieframe.dll
Есть вероятность, что проблемы в функционировании Xbox Game Bar в Windows 11 вызваны отсутствием или поломкой файла ieframe.dll, который напрямую связан с данным компонентом. Для его исправления используйте следующие консольные команды, по очереди вводя их в «Командную строку».
prompt sfc/scanfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll sfc/verifyfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll assoc sfc /scannow
Запустить консоль можно как через утилиту «Выполнить», введя там cmd, так и через «Пуск» или путем использования других доступных методов. Здесь каждый пользователь выбирает подходящий для себя вариант.
Способ 5: Изменение параметра локальной групповой политики
Последний вариант исправления неполадки связан с использованием редактора локальной групповой политики. В нем нам предстоит найти всего один элемент и изменить его состояние, переведя в активный режим работы. Этот метод особенно актуален в тех случаях, когда Xbox Game Bar не работает именно в режиме записи или трансляции игр.
-
Снова откройте утилиту «Выполнить», но на этот раз введите там gpedit.msc, после чего нажмите клавишу Enter.
-
В окне редактора разверните ветку «Конфигурация компьютера» – «Компоненты Windows».
-
Найдите каталог «Запись и трансляция игр Windows», а в ней – единственный элемент, по которому дважды щелкните левой кнопкой мыши.
-
Поставьте маркер возле пункта «Включено» и примените изменения.
Если ни один из данных методов не помог, проверьте, работает ли Xbox Game Bar в других играх. Возможно, только в конкретной запущенной недоступны некоторые функции из-за установленных разработчиками ограничений. Например, иногда в онлайн-играх запрещен запуск каких-либо компонентов поверх текущего окна, что вызывает трудности в работе подобных вспомогательных программ.
Home
Windows
By
Deep Shrestha
XBOX Game Bar is a handy little feature that allows you to capture the screen, control sound on the system, and record or stream your gameplay with a push of a button. The default button to enable Game Bar is Windows + G.
If the Game Bar is disabled from Windows settings, it may not open. However, it is not the only reason Game Bar does not open. Anything from a PC failing to run the right services to corrupted system files could halt the Game Bar process from running.
To fix this, you first need to make sure that Game Bar is enabled from Windows settings. If it is enabled and you still cannot open the Game Bar overlay, you might need to perform some advanced fixes.
Why is My XBOX Game Bar Not Opening?
Windows + G automatically opens the XBOX game bar overlay. Even if you have disabled the setting, the overlay will automatically start. However, if the application is not installed in the application package itself, Game Bar will not run.
Besides this, here are a few reasons that might cause the game bar to close.
- Game Bar disabled from settings
- XBOX services are not running
- Services from another application causing conflict with XBOX services
- Incorrect registry value
- Corrupted iFrame DLL file
Game Bar Not Opening? Here’s How to Fix It
Before we jump into the fixes, make sure that the version of Windows you are running is Windows 10 or newer. Windows 8.1 or lower does not support XBOX Game Bar. If you are on a Windows version 10 or greater but cannot open the game bar, try enabling it from Windows Settings.
Enable Game Bar
First, let us make sure that you have enabled the game bar. As previously discussed, the shortcut key will automatically start the game bar, even if you have a disabled game bar. However, there are cases where disabling it will not open the game bar.
Therefore, first, let’s check whether your game bar is enabled.
- Press the Windows + I key to open Settings.
- Go to Gaming.
- Select XBOX Game Bar.
- Enable Open XBOX Game Bar using this button on a controller.
- Press Windows + G or the X button on your XBOX controller to open XBOX Game Bar
Start XBOX Services
Several XBOX services must run when you open the Game Bar. If the XBOX-related Service’s startup type is manual, it may not run automatically when you try to run Game Bar. You need to set these service startup types to automatic.
- Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter to open Services. - Scroll down and select XBOX Accessory Management Service.
- Set the Startup type to automatic. Also, if the service is not running, click on Start to ensure that the service is running.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
Once you enable this Service, set the startup type to automatic and the Service status to running on the following services as well.
- XBOX Live Auth Manager
- XBOX Live Game Save
- XBOX Live Networking Service
Repair/Reset XBOX and XBOX Game Bar
Most pre-installed applications on Windows come with a feature to repair. The repair function scans for possible errors and bugs in the application and fixes any issues found. The same is the case for XBOX Game Bar and XBOX.
If the application is not functioning correctly, you can repair or even reset it. Repairing the application will not affect the app data, which means it won’t delete any saved information. However, resetting will set the application to its default state, and the system will reset any saved settings, configuration, and application data.
- Press the Windows + I key to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Click on the three horizontal dots on XBOX Game Bar and click on Advanced Options.
- Scroll down to Reset and select Repair. The repair process may take a few minutes.
- Once done, press Windows + G to open the XBOX Game Bar overlay.
- If that does not work, under Repair, click on Reset. Wait for the reset process to complete.
- Now, try opening XBOX Game Bar.
Manage Background Permission
Background permission on any application manages whether the app runs in the background. If the settings are configured for the application not to run in the background, the shortcut key may not open the Game Bar.
To fix this, you will need to manage background permission.
- Open Settings.
- Then, Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Click on the three horizontal dots on XBOX Game Bar and click on Advanced Options.
- Under Background apps and permissions, make sure that the drop-down menu is either selected to Power optimized or Always.
Enable Game Bar from Application Package
Sometimes, just enabling Game Bar from Windows Settings may not work. This can happen if XBOX Game Bar is disabled from the application package. When disabled from the application package, the game bar will not open even when you press the shortcut key.
If that’s the case for you, you will need to enter a command that will enable the game bar from Powershell.
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type
powershelland press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open PowerShell as Administrator. - Now type the following Command. Press Enter after each command.
- Restart the PC once you run both commands.
The first command re-installs Game Bar, and the second command re-installs XBOX apps and services.
Clean Boot Your PC
Another reason XBOX Game Bar fails to run can be due to conflicts between Services from an application and XBOX services. These conflicts could be complications in resource usage or memory issues. No matter the reasons, you will need to end this Service to run XBOX Game Bar.
- Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
- Type
msconfigand press Enter to open the System configuration. - Go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
- Restart your PC and see if you can run the XBOX game bar.
Change Registry Value
In the registry, you will find a particular value named Game DVR. Game DVR is responsible for recording video in the background while you are gaming. If a specific D-word value in Game DVR is disabled, XBOX Game Bar may not record your screens.
To fix this, you need to change the value from the registry editor. However, changing registry values can be risky as changing wrong values can cause the entire system to malfunction. Therefore, make sure that you backup the registry before making any changes to the registry.
- Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
- Type
regeditand press Enter to open Registry Editor. - Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/GameDVR - Now on the right panel, double-click on AppCaptureEnabled.
- Set Value data to 1.
- Now, navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\GameConfigStore. - On the right panel, double-click on GameDVR_Enabled.
- Set Value Data to 1.
- Now, restart your PC and check if the Game Bar works
The following content will introduce you 3 ways for how to open Game Bar as well as 2 solutions for how to fix game bar won’t open issue. For more information involving in Microsoft Xbox Game Bar, please visit MiniTool Partition Manager.
Press Win + G to Open Game Bar
Whatever task you are doing now, playing game, chatting, listening, writing, reading, etc.; whatever screen you are on, game scene, streaming screen, application UI, Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Text interface or just on desktop, you are able to open the Game Bar by pressing the Windows key together with the letter G key.
No matter the Capslock is on or not, just hold down the key with Windows logo and press the “G” key. Then, a strip with the Xbox logo in the left will appear and locate in the most front layer. In other words, an overlay will pop up. That is the Windows Game bar.
The overlays on the Xbox Game Bar:
- Audio
- Broadcast & Capture
- Performance
- Captures
- Spotify
- Looking for Group (new)
- Xbox Social (new)
How to Open Game Bar with Xbox Controller?
There is an Xbox button on the controller. Just press the button and the game bar will show itself automatically on the monitor. It is just so easy!
How Do I Enable Windows Game Bar?
How to open Windows Game bar? It is also possible to open the game bar through the popup. Launch a game from inside the Xbox app or from Windows Start menu. If there is a pop-up window asking whether you want to enable the game bar, just confirm it to enable the Game Bar.
How Do I Fix My Game Bar Wont Open?
If you can’t launch the GameBar with all ways above, that is to say, no change happens or the Gamebar not open, you may try to fix the issue with the following guide:
Step 1. Make use of Windows + I shortcut to open Windows Settings. Or, you can just access Windows Settings in Windows Start.
Step 2. Click Gaming to enter the Windows Game Settings.
Step 3. In the default Game bar, make sure you have the “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar” feature enabled. If the option is disabled, you can’t open the game bar either by hotkey nor by the Xbox button on controller. To fix Xbox Game bar not working problem, just click on the switch icon to turn on the function.
Step 4. Next, make sure the “Open Game bar using this button on a controller: (Xbox logo)” is checked. If the square box before this option is unchecked, you can’t launch Game bar using the Xbox button on Xbox console. To fix the “Xbox open Game bar won’t open” issue, just tick this item.
Step 5. Under the Keyboard shortcuts theme, look at the shortcut for “Open Game bar” to see whether you have customized the shortcut or not. If you have, no wonder you cannot open the game bar with “Windows + G”. To fix Windows Game bar not opening error, just reopen it with your personalized hotkeys.
Here in above picture, you can learn the default shortcuts for other utilities related to Xbox game bar including:
- “Win + Alt + PrtScrn” for taking screenshot
- “Win + Alt + G” for recording
- “Win + Alt + R” for starting or stopping recording
- “Win + Alt + M” for turning on or turning off Microphone
- “Win + Alt + B” for starting/pausing broadcast
- “Win + Alt + W” for showing camera in broadcast
Also, you can specify your special shortcuts respectively for all features above.
Step 6. Move to the Captures tab through the left menu.
Step 7. Active the Windows game bar by switching on “Record in the background while I’m playing a game”. If this option is on, you will probably be prompted with choice to enable the game bar after you launch a game.
Step 8. It is also recommended to enable “Record audio when I record a game”.
Article related to how to open game bar: [Solved] How to Record Gameplay on Xbox One in 4 Ways?
If you still can’t open the Game Bar using your customized shortcut, you can clear all the existing hotkeys in Registry and reopen the game bar with “Win + G”.
- Search “regedit” in Taskbar, find and launch Registry Editor.
- In Registry Editor, click File on the top menu and select Export to export a copy of original registry file. This step is recommended for editing in Registry Editor is risky; a small mistake may cause big problem.
- Reach this address in the left tree path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionGameDVR
- In the right area, it lists all contents in the GameDVR folder. Select all existing keys, right click on them and choose Delete.
- Try to launch the Game Bar by “Win + G” and it should work. Also, Windows will recreate all required keys in Registry automatically.
How to Disable/Close/Hide/Turn Off Windows Game Bar?
After reading the ways to open Game Bar in above contents, it is easy to disable Game Bar in Windows Settings. Just turn off the option “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar” and that is all.
Conclusion for How to Open Game Bar
The above content provides 3 solutions for opening the game bar as well as fixes for the game bar won’t open error. If you still have question about the Windows Game Bar, just write it down in below comment section and we will reply you ASAP.
Related Articles
- The Evolution of Xbox: Embracing 4K Gaming and Entertainment
- Best 4K Games on PC/Consoles & Is 4K Gaming Worth It
- 4K Switch Review: Definition, Benefits, & Nintendo Switch Prospect
Xbox Game Bar helps gamers record gameplay, connect with other players, and stream it online. This is why gamers face issues when the Game Bar is buggy or stops recording. Luckily, there are different ways to troubleshoot the Xbox Game Bar’s inability to record, and we will discuss them in this post.
Query – I used the Xbox Game Bar to record the game, and I was pretty happy with it until today when it just stopped recording. I tried freeing up space, updating Windows and the Game Bar App, and using Alt+ R + Windows key and Windows + G to record. Also, I have reset and repaired the app, but nothing is working. I have even watched YouTube videos but have had no luck; it would be great if someone could help me.
Resolution – We understand finding Game Bar is refusing to open can be frustrating. However, as you mentioned, you have already tried some fixes, but nothing has worked. We suggest you close the game, relaunch it, and try to record it. To do so, follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab > look for Broadcast bar sever (bcastdvr.exe) process.
- Select it > End Task.
- Restart your game and try to use Game Bar to record it.
In addition to this, ensure that you set up the Game Bar correctly. However, if nothing works, we have mentioned several other ways below to fix the Xbox game bar not working. Please follow them and see if it works.
Why Does The Xbox Game Bar Video Capture Not Working Error Occur?
As Game Bar’s new addition to Windows 10/11 pin, pinpointing the exact reason is difficult. However, the error usually appears due to incorrect Game Bar settings, full-screen recording, registry settings, and:
- The Xbox game bar Settings might have been misconfigured.
- There might be a conflict within the registry Settings.
- Corrupt or missing system files related to the Xbox app.
- Outdated drivers.
- Incompatible hardware
- Unsupported games.
- The shortcut key Windows + G is changed or is not working.
- Game Bar does not support recording games in full screen.
- Third-party software running in the background or Windows updates might have disabled the game bar.
Note : The steps will be same for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, only some settings can be different
There are a few expert-recommended troubleshooting steps that can help fix Xbox game bar video capture not working on Windows. Let’s implement them to fix the issue.
- Before trying the fixes, ensure you are running the latest version of Windows and all Windows updates are installed.
- The game is not running in full-screen mode, as the Game Bar won’t open. However, press the Win + Alt + R keys if you want to record in full screen.
- The system meets hardware requirements. This means the PC video card must support:
- Intel Quick Sync H.264 or later
- NVIDIA NVENC
- AMD VCE
- You may need to download additional software if you are a Windows N edition user. To download it, click – Media Feature Pack list for Windows N editions.
Method 1: Enable Xbox Game Bar
- Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
- On Windows 11, in the left pane, you will find the Gaming option.
- Click on it and go to Xbox Game Bar settings.
- Windows 11 users can see the “Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller” option. Enable it by sliding the toggle bar to the right.
- Now, use the Windows + G shortcut key or the highlighted button on the Xbox controller to bring up the Game Bar and record games.
Method 2 – Enable Gaming Captures
If gaming capture is disabled, then you will not be able to record games. Hence, the first step is to ensure that the feature is enabled. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
2. Click Gaming > Captures > Look for the Record what happened option and enable it. You will find it under Recording Preferences.
Method 3: Update Windows and Game Bar
If your system meets minimum hardware requirements for Game Bar and you still face Game Bar greyed recording problem, update Windows and Game Bar and ensure that the graphics driver is up to date.
Read the post to learn how to update graphics drivers.
To check for Windows updates, press Windows + I > Windows Update > Check for updates.
If an update is available, it will be automatically downloaded.
You will get the Download and Install button. Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to update Windows.
Method 4 – Verify The Xbox App Settings
One of the main causes of the problems with Game Bar is a change in the Xbox app’s settings. Let’s check and make the required changes to the Xbox app settings.
Step 1: Launch the Xbox app and click on the menu on the left to open Settings.
Step 2: Click on the Game DVR tab.
Step 3: Locate Visit Windows Settings to adjust Game DVR settings and click on it.
Step 4: Next, select the Game bar and ensure the options to record games and take screenshots are enabled.
Step 5: Check the box labeled Open Game Bar using this button on a controller.
Read Also: How to Take Scrolling Screenshot in Windows 11, 10
Method 5 – Check Background Apps and Permissions
When the settings are misconfigured, or their access is restricted, encountering Xbox Game Bar can’t record is common. To fix it, run Xbox Game Bar as an admin or check for background running applications that might interfere.
To close unnecessary apps, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, look for the processes running, and close the ones that are not required.
Next, check for Camera and Microphone permission.
Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Game Bar > App permissions.
Method 6: Make Changes In The Windows Registry
The next method to fix the Xbox game bar screen recording not working is to make some changes in the Windows Registry. Make sure to follow every step as mentioned below:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type “regedit” and click on the OK button.
Step 3: Copy the following path and paste it into the address bar of your Windows Registry.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR
Step 4: Locate AppCaptureEnabled DWORD and right-click on it to select Modify. Change the value to “0”.
Step 5: Copy the following path and paste it into the Xbox app.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\GameConfigStore
Step 6: Locate the registry key GameDVR_Enabled and right-click on it to choose Modify. Change the value to “1”.
Step 7: Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Method 7: Check Game Bar Storage
If the storage space to save the recording is insufficient, where will the recording be saved? Go to the default address where Game Bar saved recordings C:\Users\user name\Videos\Captures and see if there is sufficient space available.
Method 8: Repair the ieframe.dll file
1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands. Ensure you press Enter after entering each command:
sfc /scanfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll sfc /verifyfile=c:\windows\system32\ieframe.dll assoc sfc /scannow
3. Restart your PC, and the Xbox Game Bar should work now.
Method 9: Use Local Group Policy Editor to Enable the Xbox Game Bar
1. Press Win + R to open the Run window > type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. Go to Local Computer Policy > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting.
3. Double-click on Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting in the right pane and select Enabled.
4. Click Apply > OK to save changes.
Read Also: How to Record Xbox One Gameplay for YouTube
Method 10: Repair And Reset The Xbox Game Bar App
Moving forward, to fix the Xbox Game Bar not working, we suggest you first repair and then reset the Xbox Game Bar app. Here is how to do just that:
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings, then click on the Apps tab in the left panel.
Step 2: Next, click on Installed Apps in the right section.
Step 3: Your screen will be populated with a list of apps installed on your PC. Type Xbox in the search bar at the top and locate the Xbox app among the search results.
Step 4: Click on the three dots next to the Xbox app to reveal the context menu and choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: Scroll down until you reach the reset section. Click on the Repair button first and check if the issue has been resolved.
Step 6: If not, click the Reset button. The Xbox app will be restored to its default settings, causing you to lose all your customized settings.
Method 11: Reinstall The Xbox App
The next step in fixing the game bar screen recorder’s failure is reinstalling the Xbox app using the Powershell tool.
Step 1: Press Win + X to open the Power Menu.
Step 2: Select Terminal (admin), and the PowerShell window will open in admin mode.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following command and hit Enter to execute it.
get-appxpackage -allusers *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
Step 4: The Xbox app is now completely uninstalled from your PC.
Step 5: Press Win + S to open the Windows Search box and type Microsoft Store.
Step 6: Click on the relevant result under best match to launch the Microsoft Store.
Step 7: Type Xbox in the search bar on the very top to find the Xbox app and click on the install button.
Step 8: Follow the onscreen instructions to install the Xbox app on your PC.
Writer’s Tip – If Nothing Works, Use An Alternative App to Record Game
If the Xbox game bar screen recording is still not working, we recommend using an alternative screen recorder, Advanced Screen Recorder, to record your gaming sessions and capture screenshots. We have been using this one of the best screen recorders for Windows for quite some time now and find it to be a fantastic tool. You can judge all about the tool just by looking at the features it offers to its users.
| Record in 4k resolution in .mp4, flv, and other formats. | Record full screen, selected region, or active window. | Record with or without audio. |
| Create and add a personalized watermark. | Reform footage from the webcam. | Capture a full or partial screenshot, including scrolling ones. |
| Use a microphone to record the voiceover. | Auto Stop & Auto Split recording based on time and size | Broadcast your captures to a live audience over YouTube and Facebook. |
| Automatically Schedule Recording to capture webinars, online classes, and more. | Upload your recorded content to Dropbox, Google Drive, and One Drive. | Does not consume many resources as it is a lightweight tool. |
| Denoise your recorded video to remove unwanted sounds. | Compress recorded video to reduce size. | Annotate videos while recording. |
Here are the steps to use this tool:
Step 1: Download and install Advanced Screen Recorder using the below button.
Step 2: Launch the software and click on the mode you wish to record.
Step 3: Click on the Record button.
Step 4: You will be able to see an audio customization window. Choose the relevant options and click on the Start Recording button.
Step 5: A three-second timer will be displayed, after which your screen capture will begin. The floating bar with a pen icon can annotate text while recording.
Step 6: The relevant buttons on the small menu bar allow you to pause and stop recording anytime. Whenever necessary, click the camera icon on the bar to take screenshots.
Step 7: The recording will be saved automatically after the user hits the red square (Stop) button. You can navigate to the recording section to view all the recorded content.
Did You Fix the Xbox Game Bar Not Working On Windows?
The Xbox game bar screen recording not working on Windows can be very frustrating, especially for gamers who regularly record gaming sessions to create content for their YouTube channels. We hope the above fixes will help you resolve this issue. As a quick fix, we recommend using Advanced Screen Recorder, which offers more features than the Xbox Game Bar. Moreover, we suggest re-registering the Xbox Game Bar and reverting to Windows Update if the issue starts after updating Windows.
Note – The above fixes will help resolve –
- The Xbox Game Bar shortcut is not working
- The Xbox Game Bar keeps turning off.
- Game DVR stopped working for Windows 10 users.
- Game Bar is unable to open up on Steam.
- Game Bar is not recording anything and is not working on Windows 10/11.
- The Xbox Game Bar is not opening with the controller and working properly.
- The recording isn’t working Error: 2147942523
Q. How do I restore my Xbox game bar?
Press the Win + G to restore the Xbox game bar after configuring all the settings and completing the above troubleshooting steps.
I am trying to record my desktop with Xbox Game Bar, but the recording is greyed out or unavailable. How can I solve the problem?
Please note that the Xbox Game Bar does not support recording on desktops or File Explorer. Therefore, you see it greyed out.