Top 10 Ways to Fix Xbox Games Installation Stuck on Windows

Microsoft’s PC Game Pass is undoubtedly one of the best deals in gaming. The company offers Xbox app on Windows to download, update, and manage your favorite games. Even after Microsoft’s frequent updates, the Xbox experience isn’t entirely bug-free on Windows. Many have complained about Xbox app not opening, notifications not working, and failing to install games on Windows.

Imagine when Xbox game installation stuck at 0% or 100% in progress and it prevents you from updating or downloading your preferred titles on Windows. Several factors can affect Xbox games installation on your PC. Here are the best tips to resolve Xbox app game installation stuck on Windows.

1. Restart Xbox App

You can completely close the Xbox app and try installing the apps again. Simply hitting the X mark in the menu bar won’t close the Xbox app on Windows. The services are still running in the background. You need to hit the up arrow icon in the taskbar and right-click on Xbox to quit the app.

Launch Xbox and try installing the games again.

2. Check Device Limits

The Microsoft Store lets you access up to 10 devices simultaneously with your Microsoft account. If you have exceeded the limit, it’s time to remove your Microsoft account from old Windows devices.

Step 1: Visit your Microsoft account on the web and sign in with your account details.

Microsoft Accounts page

Step 2: Expand Devices and select View details below a device you want to remove.

Step 3: Click ‘Remove this device’ to unlink from your account.

3. Check the Network Connection

Your Xbox game installation may get stuck at 0% due to a sketchy network connection on your PC. You should connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and try again. Check our dedicated guide if Wi-Fi isn’t working on Windows.

4. Check Xbox Network Outage

A server-side major outage can be the real culprit behind the ‘Xbox for PC not installing games’ issue. You can visit the link below and check the Xbox status. Expand Store & subscriptions and ensure it says ‘Up and Running’ beside Download & Install service.

You need to wait for a few days until a new high-profile title arrives on Xbox. Such games receive unprecedented demand during the launch days, and you may face issues installing them in the initial days.

Visit Xbox Server

5. Restart Gaming Services

Windows Gaming services are a part of the Xbox app to deliver a smooth gaming experience. You can reset it to resolve problems with installing games from Xbox app on Windows.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open Settings and go to Installed Apps under the Apps menu.

Step 2: Scroll to Gaming Services and click the three horizontal dots menu beside it. Open Advanced options.

Step 3: Hit Terminate. Restart your PC and install games from Xbox without any issues.

If you still face issues, try resetting Gaming services from the same menu.

6. Check Windows Storage

If you have insufficient storage on your PC, Xbox game installation may get stuck on your Windows computer.

Step 1: Go to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: Select Storage and check your C: drive space.

If you are indeed running low on drive space, read our dedicated guide to free up storage on Windows.

7. Check Xbox Games Installation Drive

Are you trying to install Xbox games on an external drive or location? You should revert to the default C:\XboxGames location and try again.

Step 1: Open the Xbox app and click on your profile in the top left corner. Go to Settings.

Step 2: Select General and find Game install options. Hit Change Folder and set C:/XboxGames as the default folder to store games and related files.

Close the app and try installing apps from Xbox without issues.

8. Check Time Zone

Incorrect time and date settings can be the reason behind Xbox game installation getting stuck on your PC.

Step 1: Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app and select Time & language. Open the Date & time menu.

Step 2: Select a relevant time zone based on your location.  

9. Repair Xbox App on the PC

If the Xbox app acts up on Windows, repair it from Settings. It’s one of the effective ways to troubleshoot common Xbox problems.

Step 1: Open Installed apps in Windows Settings (check the steps above).

Step 2: Click the three-dot menu beside Xbox and open Advanced options.

Step 3: Hit Repair and go through the on-screen instructions.  

10. Update Xbox and Windows

Outdated Xbox app and Windows OS can create issues with game installation from the app.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Store and go to Library from the sidebar. Install pending Xbox updates on your PC.

Step 2: Open Windows Settings and select Windows Update. Download and install the latest Windows updates on your PC.  

Once you complete Windows installation, launch Xbox and install your favorite titles quickly.

Manage Xbox Games Like a Pro

If your PC is running Windows Insider builds, it may create incompatibility with several Xbox titles. You can read Microsoft’s guide to leaving the Windows Insider Program. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments.