Ethan Brooks
How to Fix South of Midnight Not Launching from Xbox App or Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11
If you’re experiencing issues launching the game “South of Midnight” from the Xbox app or Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, you’re not alone. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and resolving the problem effectively. By following these steps, you will ensure that your gaming experience is restored, allowing you to dive back into the game without any interruptions.
Before starting the troubleshooting process, ensure your system is up-to-date, and you have administrative rights. You may also want to temporarily disable any third-party applications running in the background, such as overlays or performance-enhancing tools, to avoid conflicts during the troubleshooting process.
Step 1: Disconnect External Devices
Begin by unplugging any unnecessary external devices connected to your PC. This includes:
- USB adapters
- Game controllers or joysticks
- Multiple monitors
Additionally, disable any software related to Razer Synapse, MSI Dragon Center, or Corsair, as they can interfere with game launches. Close third-party services running in Task Manager, such as Nahimic services, and turn off overlay applications like Discord, GeForce Experience, and AMD overlay.
Step 2: Restart Your Computer
After disconnecting external devices and closing unnecessary applications, restart your PC. This refreshes the system and can resolve temporary glitches that may prevent the game from launching.
Step 3: Repair Gaming Services
Run the Gaming Services repair tool by visiting the following link: Gaming Services Repair Tool. Follow the instructions to repair any issues with Gaming Services, which are crucial for Xbox app functionality.
Step 4: Clean Install Graphics Drivers
Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date. For NVIDIA users, visit: NVIDIA Driver Download and for AMD users, visit: AMD Driver Support. Download and perform a clean installation of your graphics drivers to fix any potential conflicts.
Step 5: Verify and Repair the Game
Open the Xbox app, locate “South of Midnight,” right-click on it, and select the option to verify and repair the game files. This process will check for any corrupted files and replace them as needed.
Step 6: Create a Desktop Shortcut and Run as Administrator
Create a desktop shortcut for “South of Midnight” and ensure to run the game as an administrator. Right-click on the shortcut, select ‘Run as administrator,’ and check if the game launches successfully.
Step 7: Repair or Reset the Game
If the game still doesn’t launch, navigate to the Settings menu, select Apps, and find “South of Midnight.” Click on it and choose the options to repair or reset the game to restore its default settings.
Step 8: Clear Microsoft Store Local Cache
To clear the local cache for the Microsoft Store, navigate to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe and delete all files in this folder. This can help resolve caching issues that might be affecting game launches.
Step 9: Confirm Account and System Settings
Ensure that you are logged into the same Microsoft account on both the Xbox app and Microsoft Store. Additionally, verify that your date, time, time zone, and region settings are accurate in Windows settings.
Step 10: Update Microsoft Store
Open the Microsoft Store, navigate to Downloads and Updates, and click on Get Updates to install any pending updates that may resolve compatibility issues.
Step 11: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your computer.
Step 12: Run WSReset Command
Open the Windows search box and type WSReset. This will reset the Microsoft Store cache without altering your settings.
Step 13: Repair or Reset Xbox App and Store
In the Windows search box, type Xbox App, right-click on it, and select App Settings. From there, you can choose to repair or reset the app. Follow similar steps for Microsoft Store.
Step 14: Execute a PowerShell Command
Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This command will re-register all Windows apps, including the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, which may resolve any underlying issues.
Step 15: Start Required Services
Ensure that essential services are running. Use the Windows search box to open the Services application, and make sure the following services are set to automatic:
- IP Helper
- Xbox Live Auth Manager
- Xbox Live Game Save
- Xbox Live Networking Service
- Gaming Services
- Windows Update
- Microsoft Install Service
Step 16: Uninstall and Reinstall Gaming Services
In Windows PowerShell, run the following command to uninstall Gaming Services:
Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | remove-appxpackage -allusers
Then reinstall it by running this command:
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
Step 17: Uninstall and Reinstall the Game to a Different Drive
If issues persist, consider uninstalling “South of Midnight” and reinstalling it on a different drive. This can sometimes resolve installation-related problems.
Step 18: Update Windows Using Media Creation Tool
If none of the above steps worked, use the Media Creation Tool to update your Windows version. Visit the following links based on your OS:
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to check for any conflicting applications or background services that might interfere with game launches. Common culprits include screen recording software and system optimizers. Always ensure your drivers are up-to-date and that your operating system is properly configured for gaming.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any issues preventing “South of Midnight” from launching. If problems continue, consider reaching out to Xbox support or checking community forums for additional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the game still won’t launch after following all steps?
If the game continues to fail to launch, consider reinstalling both the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, or checking for hardware issues.
How can I ensure my Windows is updated properly?
Regularly check the Windows Update section in your settings for updates and install them promptly to avoid compatibility issues.
Are there any specific software conflicts I should be aware of?
Yes, software like overlays and performance enhancers can conflict with game launches. It’s best to disable them during troubleshooting.