5 Ways to Fix Xbox Game Bar Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Fixes

• Press the Windows + G shortcut to trigger the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
• Repair or reset the Xbox Game Bar from Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps > System components > Game Bar > Advanced options.

Fix 1: Enable Xbox Game Bar in Windows Settings

If you can’t launch the Xbox Game Bar from your connected game controller on Windows 11, head to Windows Settings to enable the feature.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open the Settings app, select Gaming from the left sidebar, and click Game Bar.

Step 2: Toggle on Allow your controller to open Game Bar.

Fix 2: Repair the Corrupt IEFRAME.dll File

The IEFRAME.dll system file is crucial for the Xbox Game Bar to function properly. If it gets corrupt, the Xbox Game Bar may fail to open or work on Windows 11. Repair it using the System File Checker (SFC) to resolve the problem.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Approve the UAC prompt, type sfc /scannow in the console, and press Enter. This will automatically repair all corrupted files, including IEFRAME.dll.

Fix 3: Enable Xbox Game Bar From Registry Editor

Besides system file corruption, Xbox Game Bar may not work on Windows 11 if it is disabled in the Windows Registry. Use the Registry Editor app to tweak and enable it manually.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog using the Windows + R shortcut, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2: Copy-paste the below path in the navigation bar and hit Enter.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR

Step 3: Right-click the empty space on the right and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 4: Name it AppCaptureEnabled, press Enter, and double-click it to set its value data to 1. Click OK to save changes and restart your PC.

Fix 4: Tweak Windows Policies to Enable the Xbox Game Bar

If the Game Recording and Broadcasting policy is disabled on Windows 11, the Xbox Game Bar may fail to trigger or launch on your system. Open the Local Group Policy Editor app to turn it on.

Note: The Local Group Policy Editor app is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions. If you’re running a Home Edition, enable it with the batch file trick.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the following path inside the Local Group Policy Editor app.

Local Computer Policy > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting

Step 3: Locate and double-click the Enables or disables the Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting policy in the right pane.

Step 4: Set its value to Enabled and click Apply to save changes.

Fix 5: Repair or Reset the Xbox Game Bar

Lastly, repair or reset the Xbox Game Bar from Windows 11 settings if nothing works out.

Step 1: Open Windows settings, select Apps from the left sidebar, and click Installed apps.

Step 2: Scroll down and select System components.

Step 3: Click the three-dot menu next to the Game Bar and select Advanced options.

Step 4: Scroll down and click Repair. If the issue persists, select Reset to restore it to factory defaults.