Game Bar in Windows has proven to be a boon for gamers, allowing them to rapidly monitor and modify game settings by hitting the Windows and G keys. However, some customers are having problems with the game bar function, as it does not open even after using the shortcut keys. This may also include a recording issue, which might prevent you from recording your gameplay.
In this blog, we will try to identify the causes and solutions to the Xbox Game Bar failing to respond.
Potential Causes of the Xbox Game Bar Not Working
The Game Bar is a somewhat recent feature added to Windows 10/11. We can’t pinpoint the exact causes, although it could be due to registry settings, full-screen recording mode, or Game Bar settings.
Some of the potential causes include:
- If the keyboard shortcut (Windows + G) for the Game Bar is changed or not functional. It cannot be operated by you.
- The Game Bar does not allow you to record games in full screen.
- It’s possible that a background program or Windows update blocked the game bar.
- There are certain games that prevent the desktop from recording. Such situations prevent you from recording.
- Registry settings may be the cause if the Xbox Game Bar keeps shutting off.
- Numerous problems can also arise from the Game Bar application settings.
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Resolve the Xbox Game Bar Issue
Now that we are aware of the possible causes, we only need to adjust the settings to resume using the Xbox Game Bar for recording. We have put together a list of fixes to assist you in resolving the Xbox Game Bar problem.
Verify whether the game bar is enabled.
Since the Xbox Game Bar is an integrated feature, it is activated by default, and the keyboard shortcut Windows + G is configured to access it. However, occasionally you have to verify the feature settings because of background settings and Windows updates. Additionally, you can activate the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the lighted button on your Xbox controller.
To activate the Xbox Game Bar, follow these steps:
- To manually open the Settings, press Windows + I one at a time or utilize the Search box.
- In the left panel of the screen, select Gaming Options and then Xbox Game Bar Settings.
- Users will notice the “Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller” feature. To utilize this function, simply switch on the toggle.
To record your screen, press Windows + G or the lighted button on your Xbox controller.
Examine the Registry Editor
Playing with the registry editor is another reason why the Xbox Game Bar is being removed. A messed-up configuration can prevent your Game Bar from showing on your OS because the Windows registry controls advanced and administrative settings. To activate the Game Bar, you must verify and modify the registry settings.
To see if the Game Bar is disabled because of Registry Editor, follow these steps:
- To launch the Run application, press the Windows and R keys at the same time. In the dialog box, type regedit, then click OK.
- Copy and paste the address below into the search box.
- Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR
- Right-click on the right-ane and pick DWORD (32-bit) from the options that appear.
- To create the DWORD (32-bit) value, write “AppCaptureEnabled” and press Enter.
- Double-click AppcaptureEnabled and set the Value data to 1 to modify the DWORD (32-bit) value. Then click OK to save the modifications.
Reset or Repair the Xbox Game Bar Application Settings
There may be times when the Xbox Game Bar is out of date, and you may have changed some internal settings modifications that caused this problem. Thankfully, we can fix the application or return it to its original settings.
Procedure for Fixing or Resetting the Xbox Game Bar App:
- To access the Settings on your computer, press Windows + I or do a manual search for settings.
- Go to the Apps area in the right pane and select Installed Applications.
- You can either manually locate the application or search for Xbox Game Bar.
- Once the application has been located, click the three dots next to the name of the Xbox Game bar. Select Advanced settings from the menu.
- Both the repair and reset options are visible in the Advanced settings. Press the “Repair” button. Click “reset” if it doesn’t resolve your problems.
The Windows operating system will attempt to diagnose the application, fix or reset it, and display a checkmark to show that the operation is complete.
Reinstall or Troubleshoot the Xbox Game Bar via PowerShell
If the above fixes don’t help, you might need to reinstall the Xbox Game Bar using Microsoft PowerShell. Sometimes, corrupted files or updates from the Microsoft Store can cause the Game Bar to malfunction in Windows 11 or earlier versions. Reinstalling ensures that every component of the app is properly restored.
Here’s how to do it safely on your PC:
-
Open PowerShell as Administrator:
Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu. -
Uninstall the existing Game Bar:
Type the command below and press Enter: -
Reinstall the Game Bar from Microsoft Store:
After uninstallation, restart your system. Then open the Microsoft Store, search for Xbox Game Bar, and reinstall it. -
Troubleshoot additional issues:
If the Game Bar still doesn’t respond, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options. From there, use the “Reset app” or “Repair” options again.
These commands and settings are completely safe and often fix stubborn issues where registry or normal resets fail.
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Conclusion
Xbox Game Bar is a very useful feature for Windows OS for users who want to record their games, connect with friends, and stream without using any other programs. To call it, simply hit Windows + G. However, the program is still in its infancy and occasionally has bugs. If the Xbox Game Bar isn’t recording, there may be a number of reasons why, and you may need to adjust certain settings before you can resume recording.
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