As it turns out, there’s a chance that the upgrading process to Windows 11 ends up disabling this functionality. If you face this issue, you won’t be able to launch the Xbox Game Bar via the shortcut or quick startup icon unless you take the time to re-enable this feature under Windows 11. Update: If you previously disabled the Xbox Game bar on your old Windows version via Registry Editor, the change will carry over to the new operating system version. After investigating this issue, it turns out that there are several underlying scenarios that will produce this type of issue on Windows 11: Now that you’ve been briefed about every potential scenario that might render the Xbox Game Bar non-usable on Windows 11, let’s take a look at a few verified fixes that other affected users have successfully deployed to fix this problem.
Enable the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11
When troubleshooting this particular issue, the ideal way to start is to take a trip to the Settings menu of Windows 11 and check if the Xbox Game Bar is enabled. Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for this functionality to auto-disable during the upgrading process. If you’re currently unable to use the Xbox Game Bar because the entire component is disabled under Windows 11, a trip to Settings > Gaming should allow you to get it up and running in no time. Follow the instructions below for step-by-step instructions on enabling the Xbox Game Bar functionality on Windows 11: If you already ensured that the Xbox Game Bar is enabled and you still can’t start it, move down to the next method below.
Repairing or Resetting the Xbox Game Bar Component
If the method above didn’t fix the issue in your case, you should start considering that you might be dealing with some kind of corruption that is affecting the Xbox Game Bar component. According to user reports, this is a common side effect when upgrading to Windows 11 from older Windows versions. Fortunately, Microsoft offers 2 mitigation options for this kind of issue. You can use the Settings app to repair the entire component or reset the Xbox Game Bar entirely if the first option fails. Our recommendation is to start with a simple repair procedure and work your way to a reset in case the Xbox Game Bar functionality is still unusable. To make matters easier for you, we’ve put together a series of steps (with screenshots) that will walk you through both procedures – repairing and resetting the Xbox Game Bar component. Follow the instructions below: If the problem is still not fixed in your case, move down to the next potential fix below.
Repair the ieframe.dll File
As it turns out, another reason why you might see this type of behavior occurring on Windows 11 is due to a corrupted dependency that the Xbox Game Bar uses (ieframe.dll). Note: Ieframe.dll is a Dynamic Link library dependency that is being used by some native Windows applications including Xbox Game Bar. A malware infection or an interrupted upgrade or update are the most common causes that will corrupt it. Several users facing the same issue have confirmed that they managed to fix the issue and repaired the Xbox Game Bar component by running a focused SFC (System File Checker) scan from an elevated Command Prompt to verify and repair the ieframe.dll. For complete instructions on how to repair the ieframe.dll file, follow the steps below: If you’re still unable to launch the Xbox Game Bar using the shortcut or via the Windows Start bar, move down to the next method below.
Uninstalling Windows Update KB5004300
As it turns out, this weird behavior can also be caused by a bad Windows Update (KB5004300) that has the potential of conflicting with the broadcasting component of Xbox Game Bar and messing up its functionality. This is only reported to occur with certain Dedicated Graphics Card drivers. Fortunately, Microsoft has already released a hot-fixed version of this update. If you feel like this scenario could be applicable to your particular scenario, you should be able to fix the issue by rolling back this Windows Update (KB5004300) in order to force your operating system to install the revised version. Follow the instructions below for a step-by-step guide on how to do this: If the problem is still not fixed, try the next method below.
Enable the Xbox Game Bar via Registry Editor
If the two methods above didn’t work in your particular case, it’s likely that the Xbox Game Bar component remains disabled because this behavior is hard-coded inside your Registry. Keep in mind that if you previously disabled the Xbox Game Bar via Registry Editor on your previous Windows version, this change will be carried over when you upgrade to Windows 11. Fortunately, you can resolve this issue by using Registry Editor to modify the GameDVR value in order to ensure that the Xbox Game Bar component remains enabled. For step-by-step instructions on how to do this, follow the guide below: If the problem is still not fixed and you’re using Windows 11 PRO, move down to the final fix below.
Enable Xbox Game Bar via Local Group Policy Editor (if applicable)
In case you’re using Windows 11 PRO and you previously messed around with your local policies, it’s possible that the Xbox Game Bar functionality is forced to remain disabled by a Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting policy. Note: If you’re part of a work or school organization, it’s also possible that your network administrator has enforced a policy that forces every PC part of this network to keep the Xbox Game Bar disabled. If this scenario looks like it could be applicable, you will be able to enable Xbox Game bar by using the Local Group Policy Editor to modify the status of the Enables or disables Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting policy to Enabled. To learn how to do so, follow the instructions below: Important: the Local Group Policy Editor (the tool that we’re using below) won’t be available if you’re using Windows 11 Home. However, you can install it on your Windows 11 Home version by following this article.
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