6 Fixes for “Gaming Features Aren’t Available for the Windows Desktop” Error
Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.
Fix 1: Update the Game Bar App and Open It From Microsoft Store
Several users on aMicrosoft community postreported fixing the error almost instantly by updating the Game Bar app and launching it from the Microsoft Store. You can also try this.
Head to the Microsoft Store toupdate the Game Bar appfrom the Microsoft Store. Once updated, click theOpenbutton to launch Game Bar and check if you can record your screen.
Fix 2: Repair or Reset the Game Bar App
If updating the Game Bar app proves ineffective, you canuse the built-in app repair feature on Windowsto fix issues with it. Here’s how:
Step 1:Press theWindows key + Sto access the search menu. Type inGame Barand selectApp settings.
Step 2:Click theRepairbutton and wait for the process to complete.
If you get the error even after repairing the app, consider resetting it from the same menu. This will clear all the app data and revert the app to its default settings. Following that, you won’t encounter the “Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows desktop or File Explorer” error.
Fix 3: Reinstall the Xbox Game Bar
Another reason why you could encounter sucherrors with the Xbox Game Bar appis if some of the core app files have become corrupted. In that case, your best option is to uninstall the Xbox Game Bar from your PC and install it again. Here are the steps for the same.
Step 1:Click the search icon on the taskbar, type inpowershell, and selectRun as administrator.
Step 2:Type the following command in the PowerShell window and pressEnter.
Step 3:Type in the following command and pressEnterto reinstall Game Bar on your PC.
Fix 4: Check Group Policy Settings
On computers running Windows Pro, Education, or Enterprise editions, you can enable or disable features like game recording via the Local Group Policy Editor. You need to review the relevant policies to ensure game recording isn’t disabled from there.
Step 1:Press theWindows key + Rto open the Run dialog box. Typegpedit.mscin the box and pressEnter.
Step 2:In the Local Group Policy Editor window, use the left pane to navigate to the following folder.
Step 3:Double-click theEnables or disables Windows Game Recording and Broadcastingpolicy on your right.
Step 4:SelectEnabledand then hitApply, followed byOK.
Fix 5: Enable Game DVR
If you still encounter the “Gaming features aren’t available for the Windows desktop or File Explorer” error, the Game DVR feature is likely disabled on your PC. Here’s how to enable it.
Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app. Switch to theGamingtab and click onCaptures.
Step 2:Enable the toggle next toRecord what happened.
Fix 6: Enable Game Mode
Enabling Game Mode allows Windows to restrict background tasks and updates during your games, ensuring a smoother experience while playing or recording games. If the above solutions don’t work and if the record option still appears grayed out in Game Bar, try enabling Game Mode to see if that helps.
Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app. Switch to theGamingtab and click onGame Mode.
Step 2:Enable the toggle next toGame Mode.
Was this helpful?
Last updated on 12 August, 2024
Leave a ReplyCancel reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*
Name*
Email*
Comment*
Δ
Read Next
The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.
More in Windows
5 Ways to Fix Services Not Opening on Windows 11
4 Ways to Fix Error Code 0x80070570 in Windows
JOIN THE NEWSLETTER
Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.
© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.
