James Harper
How to Fix SMITE 2 Not Launching from Xbox App or Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11
Are you struggling to launch SMITE 2 from the Xbox app or Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC? This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential troubleshooting steps to fix issues related to the game failing to launch. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your gaming experience without interruptions.
Before we start, ensure you have the following tools and configurations ready: your PC should be running Windows 10 or 11, access to the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, and a stable internet connection.
Step 1: Disconnect External Devices
Start by unplugging all external devices from your PC. This includes:
- USB adapters
- Controllers or joysticks
- Multiple monitors
Next, disable any software that may interfere with the launch, such as Razer Synapse, MSI Dragon Center, and other third-party applications like Nahimic Services. Close any overlay applications (e.g., Discord, GeForce Experience) and overclocking applications (e.g., MSI Afterburner). Finally, perform a clean boot by disabling all non-Microsoft services through the System Configuration utility.
Step 2: Restart Your Computer
After disconnecting the external devices and closing unnecessary applications, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Step 3: Run the Gaming Services Repair Tool
Next, you need to run the Gaming Services repair tool. Visit the following link to download the repair tool:
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
Step 4: Perform a Clean Installation of Your Graphics Driver
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause launch issues. Depending on your graphics card, download the latest drivers:
Install the latest drivers following the instructions provided.
Step 5: Verify and Repair the Game Files
Open the Xbox app, locate SMITE 2, right-click on the game, and select “Manage.” From there, choose the option to “Verify and Repair” the game files. This process ensures that any corrupted files are fixed.
Step 6: Create a Desktop Shortcut and Run as Administrator
Create a desktop shortcut for SMITE 2. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” This can sometimes help bypass permission issues that prevent the game from launching.
Step 7: Repair or Reset the Game
Go to the Settings menu, navigate to Apps, find SMITE 2 in the list, and select “Advanced Options.” From there, you can choose to repair or reset the game. This can fix persistent issues by reinitializing the game settings.
Step 8: Delete Microsoft Store Local Cache Files
Clearing the Microsoft Store cache can help resolve various issues. Navigate to the following directory:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe
Replace “Username” with your actual Windows username and delete the contents of this folder.
Step 9: Ensure You Are Logged in with the Same Account
Log into both the Xbox app and Microsoft Store with the same account that has the Game Pass subscription. This consistency is crucial for launching the game.
Step 10: Install All Updates in Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store, navigate to the downloads section, and click on “Get Updates.” Ensure all available updates are installed.
Step 11: Update Windows
Check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
Step 12: Run the WSReset Command
Open the command prompt and type wsreset. This command resets the Microsoft Store cache.
Step 13: Repair or Reset the Xbox App/Store
Go to the Settings menu, select Apps, and find the Xbox app. Use the repair or reset options as necessary.
Step 14: Run the Following Command in PowerShell
Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This command re-registers the app packages, which can help resolve issues.
Step 15: Start Required Services
Ensure that the following services are running:
- IP Helper
- Xbox Live Auth Manager
- Xbox Live Game Save
- Xbox Live Networking Service
- Gaming Services
- Windows Update
- Microsoft Install Service
Set them to automatic if they are not already.
Step 16: Uninstall and Reinstall Gaming Services
In PowerShell, type the following command to uninstall Gaming Services:
Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | Remove-AppxPackage -allusers
Then reinstall it via the Microsoft Store link:
Step 17: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game to a Different Drive
If the problem persists, consider uninstalling SMITE 2 and reinstalling it on a different drive to avoid any installation-related issues.
Step 18: Update Windows Using Media Creation Tool
If all else fails, you can use the Media Creation Tool to update your Windows version. Download the tool here:
Follow the prompts to complete the update process.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for SMITE 2. Additionally, check your internet connection and firewall settings to ensure they are not blocking the Xbox app or game launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if SMITE 2 still won’t launch after following all these steps?
If the game still fails to launch, consider reaching out to Xbox Support for further assistance.
Is it necessary to keep my Windows updated?
Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest security patches and compatibility fixes that can affect game performance.
Can third-party applications interfere with SMITE 2?
Yes, applications like Discord or Razer Synapse may cause conflicts. It’s advisable to disable them while troubleshooting.