- Most Xbox game installation issues on Windows are due to pending updates or temporary app glitches.
- Checking your session, free space, and internet connection is essential before installing any game.
- Errors with specific codes may require specific solutions by consulting official Microsoft support.
In many cases, users trying to install Xbox games on a Windows computer may encounter various errors. Problems that prevent the installation process from completingIf this is your case, you've come to the right place. Here you'll find a comprehensive guide that compiles and explains various causes and solutions based on the most up-to-date information from the main official sources and user forums.
In this article, we are going to Why Xbox games may not install correctly on Windows, focusing on solutions you can implement yourself. We'll also help you identify when it's necessary to contact Microsoft Support and give you practical tips to ensure your experience with the Xbox app on Windows is the best possible. Don't worry if you're new to these types of issues: Everything is explained step by step and in clear language.. So, let's get to it.
Most common reasons why Xbox games won't install on Windows
The first thing you should know is that there are Various factors that may prevent the installation of games from the Xbox app or Microsoft Store on your PC. Often, the cause is compatibility issues, temporary system errors, incorrect settings, or even occasional Microsoft Store crashes. Below, we've detailed the main causes based on official sources and user experience gathered on forums:
- Pending Windows UpdatesIf your operating system doesn't have the latest updates installed, you may experience incompatibility with the Xbox app or Microsoft Store services. This is a very common issue and is usually resolved with a full system update.
- Microsoft Store or Xbox app failureBoth the digital store and the app may experience temporary outages, connection errors, or even file corruption. In this case, games won't download or install correctly.
- Microsoft account issuesIf there's a problem with your session, permissions, or the country associated with your Microsoft account, you may see errors when trying to download or install games from Xbox Game Pass or the Store.
- Insufficient hard drive space: Before installing, make sure you have plenty of free space. A common mistake is not checking the size of the games and the free space on the selected drive.
- Internet connectivity errors: An unstable or very slow connection may cause the installation to stop, hang, or fail repeatedly.
- Corrupt installation filesIf the download was previously paused, the app was closed during the download, or the PC suffered a power outage, the files may become corrupted, preventing installation.
- Security restrictions or permissions: Parental control settings, system security policies, or administrative permissions may block the installation of new software.
- Specific errors (for example, codes 0x80073D22 or 0x80073D23): Microsoft identifies several common Store errors that affect the installation of games and apps.
Step-by-Step Solutions for Installing Xbox Games on Windows
Now that you know the most common causes, let's go with a detailed process to try to solve the problemRemember to follow the order and check after each step to see if it has been resolved.
- Check and update Windows
- Open “Settings” and go to “Update & Security.”
- Click "Check for updates" and let Windows download and install everything it needs.
- Restart the computer to ensure that new versions are applied correctly.
This action usually resolves most compatibility issues with the Xbox app and the Microsoft Store.
- Check your Microsoft account
- Check that you are connected to the same account on Windows, Microsoft Store and the Xbox app.
- Please log out and log back in if you have any questions or if your session appears to have timed out.
- Check the assigned country and region; sometimes certain regions have restrictions for some games.
An account failure may prevent you from downloading, purchasing, or installing games.
- Clean and update the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app
- From “Settings” → “Apps,” select the Microsoft Store and the Xbox app, and use the “Reset” function.
- Check the Microsoft Store for updates for the app itself or the Xbox app.
- If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Xbox app.
Keeping these apps updated and bug-free is key to avoiding installation crashes.
- Check disk space
- Right-click the drive where you plan to install the game and choose "Properties" to see the free space.
- If necessary, free up space by deleting temporary files, games, or apps you don't use.
Many people forget to check this and it is one of the silliest but common causes.
- Check the internet connection
- Try another Wi-Fi network or restart your router.
- Avoid installing large games if you have an unstable connection.
- Use a wired (Ethernet) connection if possible for greater stability.
A good connection prevents corrupted downloads or crashes during the process.
- Delete corrupted files and try reinstalling
- If the download was interrupted, delete any incomplete installation files.
- From the Xbox app, select the problematic game and choose “Uninstall” if it appears.
- Restart your PC and try the clean installation again.
This is especially useful if you've experienced power outages, unexpected app closures, or errors while downloading.
- Review permissions and security settings
- Check that your user has administrative permissions.
- Temporarily disable any antivirus blockers or firewalls that may prevent download/installation.
- Review parental controls and group policies if it's a family or business PC.
Sometimes security systems block the installation of new games without giving clear warning.
- Check for Microsoft Store-specific errors
- If you see a code like 0x80073D22 or 0x80073D23, look for specific help on the Xbox support page or Microsoft Store, where they usually provide specific details on how to resolve them.
- Some errors require deleting certain system folders, resetting the store, or even running advanced commands (e.g., PowerShell or Command Prompt with official instructions).
Code errors can be fixed, although each one may require a different process.
And if everything fails?
If after applying all the previous solutions you still cannot install the games, it is time to contact official technical support from Microsoft. Most official help pages, such as the Microsoft Store, guide you through describing the problem and then they'll guide you (via chat or email) through the next steps.
- You can directly access the option "Get help" on the official Microsoft or Xbox website.
- Furthermore, If you have any specific error messages or codes, please write them down. so that support can quickly find the best solution.
- In the official Microsoft forums or in the Xbox community, other users may have experienced the same issues as you and can suggest tricks and workarounds.
It's always advisable to consult official sources first, and if you have any questions, consult forums or communities only when you're certain there's no direct solution through official channels.
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