6 Quick Ways to Fix Xbox Game Bar Not Working [Solved]

Xbox Game Bar Not Working? Here are 6 quick ways to fix the issue. Whether you reinstall it or use Gemoo Recorder Lite as an alternative, get back on track now!

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Aug. 23, 2024

Is your Xbox Game bar acting up? Are you frustrated and unable to capture those epic gaming moments? Well, then, you’re at the right place. If you’re facing the issue of your Xbox Game Bar Not Working, we have got you covered.

In this article, we will discuss 6 quick ways to fix this issue. From tinkering with the Registry Editor to looking at alternatives, we have all the solutions you need. So, buckle up, and let’s begin!

Why Is My Xbox Game Bar Not Working?

Before we dive into how to fix your Xbox Game Bar, it is important to understand why it’s not working. There may be many reasons for the occurrence of this issue. We have listed some of them here.

  • Software Conflicts: There may be a conflict with another software on your system. It can prevent the Xbox Game Bar from functioning properly.
  • Disabled Game Bar: The Game Bar feature may be disabled on your system.
  • Corrupted Settings: Settings related to Xbox Game Bar can get corrupted over time. This can lead to malfunctions.
  • Registry Errors: Incorrect registry entries can also affect the Xbox Game Bar.
  • Outdated Drivers: Having outdated graphics or audio drivers can lead to compatibility issues. This can result in the Xbox Game Bar not recording.

Whatever the reason may be for your Xbox Game Bar not to work, our recommended fixes are bound to help.

6 Fixes for Xbox Game Bar Not Working

Now that we understand the potential reasons behind the Xbox Game Bar malfunction, it’s time to take action! In this section, we will explore 6 quick ways to fix the Xbox Game Bar not working issue.

Fix 1: Ensure Xbox Game Bar is Enabled

The first thing to do if your Xbox Game Bar is not working is to check if it is enabled. Here is a simple guide for you.

Step 1: Go to the Start menu. Click on Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click on “Gaming.”

Step 3: Then click on “Xbox Game Bar.”

Click on Xbox Game Bar

Click on Xbox Game Bar

Step 4: Toggle the switch on to enable Xbox Game Bar.

Step 5: Once it is enabled, you can use it to record your gameplay.

If your Xbox Game Bar is already enabled, then you can try the next method.

Fix 2: Check the Registry Editor

If your Xbox Game Bar is not recording, then you should check the Registry Editor. Here is how you can do that. Follow the simple steps to check the Registry Editor.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: To open the Registry Editor, type this and press Enter: regedit.

Open Registry Editor

Open Registry Editor

Step3: Follow this path:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR

Step 4: Look for an “AppCaptureEnabled” DWORD value in the right-hand pane. If it is not present, create it.

Step 5: To create the value, right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane. Then choose “New,” and then select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”

Step 6: Name the new value “AppCaptureEnabled.”

Step 7: Double-click on “AppCaptureEnabled.” Then set its Value data to 1 to enable the Xbox Game Bar.

Step 8: Click on “OK” to save changes.

Step 9: Restart your computer to apply changes.

Although this method looks pretty simple, it comes with a great risk. Modifying the Windows Registry can have serious consequences if not done correctly.

So if you do not wish to take that risk, think about repairing or resetting the Xbox Game Bar settings.

Fix 3: Repair or Reset Xbox Game Bar Settings

Over time, settings can become corrupted, leading to malfunctions. In such an instance, you will have to repair or reset the Xbox Game Bar settings. You can eliminate potential glitches and restore functionality by repairing or resetting the Game Bar. Follow the step-by-step guide below to proceed with this fix.

Step 1: Go to Settings. Then select “Apps.”

Step 2: Click on “Apps & Features.”

Step 3: Search for “Xbox Game Bar.” Click on the three dots and select “Advanced options.”

Go to Advanced Options

Go to Advanced Options

Step 4: Scroll down to find the Reset option.

Step 5: Click on “Repair.” Then check to see if the Game Bar works.

Step 6: If it does not work, click on “Reset.”

Click Repair and Reset Buttons

Click Repair and Reset Buttons

Fix 4: Reinstall Xbox Game Bar

Another method to fix the Xbox Game Bar not recording is to uninstall and reinstall the app. Here is how you can do so.

Step 1: Click on the Start menu and type “PowerShell.”

Search for Powershell

Search for Powershell

Step 2: Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.”

Step 3: Type in this command: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay | Remove-AppxPackage

Step 4: Xbox Game Bar will uninstall.

Step 5: To reinstall it, go to the Microsoft Store.

Step 6: Search for the Xbox Game Bar and open it.

Step 7: Click on “Get” to install it.

Step 8: Once it is installed, check to see if the Game Bar works properly.

If the Xbox Game Bar still does not record, then we suggest you use an alternative – Gemoo Recorder Lite.

Fix 5: Use the Best Alternative to Xbox Game Bar – Screenify

The main purpose of the Xbox Game Bar is to record your gameplay. If all fixes above fail to make it work, then try using an alternative – Screenify

Screenify Website Interface

Screenify Website Interface

Screenify is a great screen recorder that is available for free. You can free download it from the official website. With this tool, you can record your gameplay or other operations on your screen without any watermark or time limit. And during the recording, you can also annotate your screen to get a more vivid video. What’s more, it not only offers many features to its users but is also compatible with Windows and Mac.

Screenify’s main features:

  • Free use: You don’t need to pay anything to enjoy comprehensive recording functions.
  • Easy to use: User-friendly interface, simple operation, and reduced learning costs.
  • High-quality recording: Supports HD recording to ensure clear image quality.
  • Flexible recording options: Provides full-screen recording, window recording, and area recording to adapt to different scenarios.

This method is safe and reliable. Since Screenify is lightweight software, it does not require much space.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Step 1.Download and Install Screenify on Computer.

Step 2.Launch Screenify on your computer, and select Record screen mode.

Select Record Screen Mode

Select Record Screen Mode

Step 3.Configure Recording Settings aims to configure settings like system audio before recording.

Set Configure Recording Settings

Set Configure Recording Settings

In this setting menu, you can:

1 Choose the System audio.

2 Choose the Microphone you want to record.

3 Choose the Camera you want to use.

4 Choose whether to add a watermark.

Step 4.Select Recording Screen.

The screen mode offers two recording options: you can either record the entire screen or select a specific region to record.

Option 1. Full Screen Record

Please select Full Screen mode and choose the display you need to record. Hit Record button to initiate recording.

Select Full Screen

Select Full Screen

Option 2. Region Record

To record region, you need to manually select the recording area. After selection, you can still adjust the selected area. It supports customize selection, full screen, and proportional selection based on common social media dimensions.

Record Region

Record Region

Step 5.Wait for the Recording Countdown.

There is a 3-second countdown to help you prepare the recording after you are ready to start recording.

Wait for the Recording Countdown

Wait for the Recording Countdown

If you would like to see a recording countdown before your recording starts, you can enable the countdown option. Or you can tap it off.  View this post to know how to set the countdown option.

Step 6.Start Recording.

The recording will begin after a 3-second countdown. You can make annotations on the recording interface during the recording.

Annotate the Screen during Recording

Annotate the Screen during Recording

With the toolbar, you can add the annotation in the screen:

1 Brush: Draw freehand on the screen recording interface to highlight or illustrate specific areas during the recording.

2 Rectangle: Draw rectangular shapes on the screen recording interface.

3 Text: Add written notes or labels directly onto the screen recording interface.

4 Arrow: Draw arrows on the screen recording interface to point out and emphasize specific areas.

5 Line: Draw straight lines on the screen recording interface to underline or connect specific points.

Step 7.Record Screen Process Completed.

When the recording is completed, you can click the red Stop button to end the recording. Your recorded files will be displayed. From here, you can preview and manage the recorded content as needed.

Preview the Recording

Preview the Recording

However, if you do not wish to get a third-party app, then try our last suggested fix.

Fix 6: Restart your Computer

If all else fails, then as a last resort, try to restart your computer. Doing so can often resolve various software-related problems. Follow these steps to restart your system and potentially get the Xbox Game Bar working again.

Step 1: Close all applications on your computer.

Step 2: Select the power icon on the “Start” menu.

Select the Power Icon

Select the Power Icon

Step 3: Choose “Restart” from the power options to initiate the system restart.

Step 4: Wait for your computer to shut down and boot up again.

Step 5: Once the system restarts, check if the Xbox Game Bar is now functioning correctly.

We have provided you with 6 quick and simple solutions to resolve any Xbox Game Bar Not Working issues.

If you still have some questions left, keep reading ahead.

FAQs about Xbox Game Bar

We have answered some of the most common questions.

What Windows version is supported by Xbox Game Bar?

Xbox Game Bar was primarily designed and supported on Windows 10. However, you can also use it on other versions, such as Windows 11.

Can Xbox Game Bar record anything other than gameplay?

Yes, the Xbox Game Bar can record other things than gameplay. It was originally designed to record gameplay solely. However, it can now record anything on your screen.

The Bottom Line

Having your Xbox Game Bar not working can be quite annoying. However, worry not. With our 6 recommended fixes, your problem will go away in no time. You can either check the Registry Editor to try Screenify for free as an alternative. Whatever method you choose to try, it will surely lead to a solution. So, pick one way and get your game back on now!

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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