How to fix "to play games on pc, we need to install some gaming components. you only need to do this once" stuck

abel ahadu 5 Reputation points
2026-06-13T01:35:09.79+00:00

So, it gave me the following article while I was trying to download minecraft launcher and its not letting me download anything at all i click download, then it just stays unresponsive. I am honestly annoyed off of this error and tried asking chat gpt or ai even tried looking for help articles but it never worked. Please help me and thank you!!!

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Microsoft Store
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  1. Thomas4-N 21,315 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-13T08:35:14.2166667+00:00

    Hello abel ahadu,

    That message means Gaming Services is stuck — it's the component the Store needs before it'll let game installs through, so nothing downloads until it's sorted. Let's try this in order:

    • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
    • Find Gaming Services > three dots > Advanced options > Repair (then Reset if Repair doesn't help)
    • Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, hit Enter — let the Store open on its own
    • Then open this link to reinstall Gaming Services: ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
    • Restart the PC and try the Minecraft Launcher again

    If Gaming Services isn't listed at all, or it still won't install, run this in PowerShell (admin):

    get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers

    then, retry the link above.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-13T01:35:33.09+00:00

    Follow these steps in order on the Windows 10 PC.

    1. Install the Gaming Services fix (if applicable) On Windows 10, the Gaming Services component can block game installs and show messages about needing extra gaming components. Install the update that specifically fixes Gaming Services issues:
    2. Repair Gaming Services (workaround) If the Store/Xbox app still says “to play games on PC, we need to install some gaming components” and nothing happens when selecting Install:
      1. Open Notepad.
      2. Paste this PowerShell script: 
              Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | remove-appxpackage -allusers
      Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices" -recurse
      Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet" -recurse
      3. Save it as RepairGamingServices.ps1 and set Save as type to All Files (.).
      4. Right‑click the file and select Run as administrator.
      5. Restart the PC.
      6. Open the Xbox app. A blue banner should appear: “This app needs an extra component. Gaming Services is needed for playing some games. Administrator approval required. Install”.
      7. Select Install to reinstall Gaming Services.
      8. After installation completes, try installing the Minecraft Launcher again from Microsoft Store or the Xbox app.
    3. Reset Microsoft Store (if downloads still don’t start) If the download button is still unresponsive for all apps:
      1. Press Windows key + R.
      2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
        • A blank Command Prompt opens; after about 10 seconds it closes and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
      3. Try downloading the Minecraft Launcher again.
    4. Check common Store blockers If it still fails:
      • Make sure the PC has been restarted after any recent Windows Updates.
      • Confirm the device is signed in with the correct Microsoft account and is added/authorized for Microsoft Store apps (see Manage/Add a device to your Microsoft account in the linked docs).
      • Ensure the app is available in the current country/region and that family settings are not blocking game installs.

    If, after these steps, other apps also will not install or update, follow the broader Microsoft Store troubleshooting in the referenced articles and, if needed, contact support with the exact error text and steps already tried.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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