How to Open Xbox Game Bar on Windows? Why Is It Not Opening?

Ever been in the heart of a game and wish to capture it? The good news for Windows users here is you have an Xbox Game Bar! This handy tool is a built-in solution for capturing your gameplay. Don’t know how to Xbox Game Bar on Windows? It may feel a little hidden, but you can easily access it on your PC. Read the following parts to discover how to open the Xbox Game Bar and more details about it that may enhance your gaming experience.

Learn How to Open Xbox Game Bar on Windows PC

The Xbox Game Bar is an all-in-one powerful overlay included in Windows and aimed at players and people who work or study with multiple windows simultaneously. But that’s not all – this is designed as an overlay of the game window and grants quick access to features like screen capture, game performance, chat, and audio controls that don’t interfere with the game. Whether you want to record a particular moment in your gaming session or need to check on your system's resources, the Xbox Game Bar is all that, and it is convenient and efficient. Check out these simple steps below on how to open the Xbox game bar on Windows 11 or 10.

Steps How to Open Xbox Game Bar on PC:

• Press the “Window + G” keys on the keyboard to open the Game Bar on your screen. You’ll see its recording options immediately.

• If you’re using an Xbox controller, this is how to open Xbox game bar with controller: press the “Xbox” button immediately to turn on the Game Bar.

• Set up the modes and options you want, like the audio and camera, before you start. Click the “Start Record” button on the interface to start recording.

3 Common Reasons Why Xbox Game Bar Not Opening

Problem 1. Xbox Game Bar Is Disabled in Settings

Usually, the Xbox Game Bar not open because it’s switched off in system settings; that’s why you can’t use the shortcut to open it.

Steps: To correct this, go to “Settings” then “Gaming” to “Xbox Game Bar” and flip the feature on. If this option is disabled, the system cannot identify the Game Bar as being open. This setting is usually checked and confirmed when there is a problem in the working process.

Problem 2. Outdated Windows Version

Windows that are not updated may miss some crucial updates or patches to enable the Xbox Game Bar to run as it should. Microsoft issues typically new updates to address compatibility issues and clear out more problems.

Steps: To fix Xbox Game Bar not opening, navigate to “Settings”, then to “Update & Security”, and click on “Windows Update” to find updates and download the newest version.

Problem 3. Corrupted System Files

Damaged or missing system files in Windows can prevent the Game Bar from working correctly. This can happen due to malware, improper updates, or unexpected shutdowns. Every PC has a System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted files.

Steps: Run the command sfc /scannow in “Command Prompt” with administrator privileges to address this issue. Then, you can try to open Xbox Game Bar on Windows again.

How To Fix Xbox Game Bar Not Opening [Detailed Steps]

Solution 1. Xbox Game Bar Is Disabled in Settings

This often happens due to accidental changes or system updates. Re-enabling it in the Gaming settings ensures the feature is active and ready to use. It can be easily arranged in settings, namely Enable Xbox Game Bar.

Step 1First, go to “Settings”, then select “Gaming” from the left side panel and choose the “Game Bar” option.

Step 2Ensure the toggle switch below enables the Xbox Game Bar to record game clips, talk to friends, and set game invites. If the toggle is on already, you should switch it off and then switch it on.

Step 3Exit from the Settings window and to verify that the application is working, press the “Windows logo key + G” for the Xbox game bar shortcut.

Solution 2. Outdated Windows Version

An outdated Windows version might lack essential updates or bug fixes for the Xbox Game Bar not opening to function smoothly. Ensure that Windows is running the latest possible update.

Step 1Type the “Settings” into the Windows search bar, or press the “Windows key + I” for the shortcut. Then go to the “Update & Security” tab.

Step 2In the left-hand navigation pane, you should look left and click on “Windows Update”. Click on the “Check for updates” button. If updates are available, please download and install them.

Step 3Later, restart your PC to complete these updates. Once a device has been restarted, several applications of Xbox Game Bar will be relaunched.

Solution 3. Corrupted System Files

System files are critical for smoothly operating Windows features like opening the Xbox Game Bar. Corrupted or missing files can disrupt its functionality. Run a check using the command 'sfc /scannow,’ which scans and recreates all damaged files.

Step 1Enter the “Command Prompt” in the Windows Search bar. Choose “Run as administrator” to start the Command Prompt in the administrative mode.

Step 2Type this and press “Enter”: sfc /scannow. It will self-scan and correct all the corrupted system files on your computer.

Step 3Upon completing the task, you should restart your personal computer. Check if the Xbox Game Bar opens by pressing the “Windows key + G”.

Alternative Way If Xbox Game Bar Recording Fail to Open

If you experience problems with the opening or recording on Xbox Game Bar, the 4Easysoft Screen Recorder will do the job well. This tremendous and understandable instrument provides various options for recording your screen, system audio, mic voice, or even a webcam. Whether you want to capture tutorials, meetings, classes, and gameplay, you can accomplish it with ease and clarity using this powerful program. It supports no lag in recording, especially for fast-paced games, giving you only high-quality results.

Step 1Start the 4Easysoft Screen Recorder and select the “Game Recorder” button on the interface.

Upon opening the gameplay, the game recorder will detect it automatically, allowing you to select the gameplay by just clicking the "Select the game" button. By activating the microphone and webcam recordings, you may also perform overlay webcam and sound.

Step 2To begin recording the gameplay, click the “REC” button. You have three seconds to return to the gameplay window before it begins. Start playing now.

Step 3Once you have finished recording your gameplay, click the “Stop” button to end the recording. You can also preview and cut the recording before clicking the “Save” button.

Related Articles

• Review of the 10 Best Screen Recorders for Windows 11 [Pros & Cons]
• Snipping Tool Shortcut: List of its Shortcut Keys and the Functions
• 3 Easy Ways on How to Record Gameplay on Windows PC without Lag
• How to Record Audio: 4 Ways to Record Audio from a Computer