Gaming Service Startup issue

Question

I wish I could add something original to this forum, but unfortunately, it's the same, ongoing issue with the Gaming Service that prevents so many users from enjoying games on Windows/Xbox platform.

Background:

Windows 11 PRO 21H2 Build 22000.652

Dell Alienware Aurora R10 rig

Gaming Service fails to start with an Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified.

I am unable to start any game that leverages Gaming Service (FS2020, Forza Horizons 5 etc)

Troubleshooting steps:

Reinstalled Windows 11 from the factory image, which solved the problem for about 3 weeks, become it came back out of the blue

Removed Gamin Service using PowerShell command: Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

Removed all related registry keys

Reset Windows Store: wsreset.exe

Cleanup all temporary in the OS

Uninstalled Xbox Live apps and services

Reboot

Install latest OS updates and drivers

Install Xbox Live Apps and services

Install Windows Gamin Service from the PowerShell: start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN

Windows Gamin Service still fails Error 2: The system cannot find the file specified

More digging into Windows Logs:

The GamingServices .exe tries to load two drivers on startup: xvdd.inf (.sys) and gameflt.inf (.sys).

Digging deeper into C:\Windows\INF\setupapi.dev log you can see the following GamingServices .exe attempts to install gameflt.inf (AMD64 specific), Windows thinks that an updated version has already been installed and won’t continue. This appears to be the root cause of the issue.

[Device Install (DiInstallDriver) - C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.GamingServices_3.63.31001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\drivers\gameflt.inf]
Section start 2022/04/26 09:04:02.821
cmd: “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.GamingServices_3.63.31001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\GamingServices.exe”
ndv: Flags: 0x00000000
ndv: INF path: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.GamingServices_3.63.31001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\drivers\gameflt.inf
dvs: {DrvSetupInstallDriver - C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.GamingServices_3.63.31001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\drivers\gameflt.inf}
dvs: Flags: 0x00000000
dvs: {Driver Setup Import Driver Package: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.GamingServices_3.63.31001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\drivers\gameflt.inf} 09:04:02.823
inf: Driver package is fully isolated.
dvs: Driver Package:
dvs: Outcome - Already Imported
dvs: Driver INF - gameflt.inf (oem353.inf)
dvs: Class GUID - {d546500a-2aeb-45f6-9482-f4b1799c3177}
dvs: Driver Version - 03/21/2022,10.0.22004.2
dvs: {Driver Setup Import Driver Package - exit (0x00000000)} 09:04:02.831
inf: Driver package is fully isolated.
ump: {Plug and Play Service: Driver Install for C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\gameflt.inf_amd64_4fb6ff83cee708c3\gameflt.inf}
pol: {Driver package policy check} 09:04:02.839
pol: {Driver package policy check - exit(0x00000000)} 09:04:02.839
sto: {Configure Driver Package: C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\gameflt.inf_amd64_4fb6ff83cee708c3\gameflt.inf}inf: Class GUID = {d546500a-2aeb-45f6-9482-f4b1799c3177}inf: Class Options = Configurableinf: {Configure Driver: Game mini-filter driver}inf: Section Name = DefaultInstall.NTamd64inf: Driver Type = Primitivesto: Finding all published driver package versions! sto: Skipping driver package superceded by newer driver package ‘’.
inf: {Configure Driver: exit(0x00000000)}
flq: {FILE_QUEUE_COMMIT} 09:04:02.847
flq: {FILE_QUEUE_COMMIT - exit(0x00000000)} 09:04:02.848
sto: {Configure Driver Package: exit(0x00000000)}
ump: {Plug and Play Service: Driver Install exit(00000000)}
dvs: {DrvSetupInstallDriver - exit(00000000)}
<<< Section end 2022/04/26 09:04:02.851
<<< [Exit status: SUCCESS]

It seems that there is some kind of bug in Windows, and when trying to install Gaming Services drivers. The issue is definitely related to Xbox services integration with the Windows platform.
I wish there was a better way to debug the Gaming Service startup process.
Speaking with Microsoft support over the last few days is disappointing. They deny this to be a widespread issue, but clearly, a quick Google search proves otherwise.

I appreciate all suggestions to reinstall Windows (yes it helps, until the problem comes back in a matter of weeks or days). I simply want to enjoy FS2020, when the mood strikes, without the need to troubleshoot complex service issues, reinstalling Windows, and calling MS support.

There must someone out there who was able to successfully resolve the issue.

Answer 1

Hello Arekitect,

I'm Ludwig and I would like to share this solution with you.

Can you apply the solution proposed in this thread in order to reinstall Gaming Services :

https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxGamePass/comments/...

Hope this helps.

Regards.

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page seems to provide accurate and safe information. Beware of ads on the site that may advertise products that are frequently classified as PUP (potentially unwanted products). Do a thorough research on any product advertised on the site before deciding to download and install it.