How to fix in app sign in failure with Microsoft Solitaire and Majhong

Question

Since installing the latest Windows update, i am no longer able to sign into Microsoft Solitaire or Majhong. I receive the error message "We could not sign you in to XBox Live" and the code 0x8004A97E. I have followed all the reset and other suggestions with no luck.

Answer 1

I use Cuphead on PC to farm Rewards points for the last 6 years.

Yesterday it simply stopped working because of this Xbox Live issue.... did everything that AIs and humans can possibly imagine.

NOTHING fixes it.

Answer 2

Try this order, since reset steps were already attempted:

1. Restart the PC once more after the Windows update A restart can recover sign-in components that get stuck after updates.
2. Check that Windows is fully updated Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install anything pending.
3. Update Microsoft Store apps Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates and let Store, Xbox-related components, and the games update.
4. Make sure Gaming Services is current Outdated Gaming Services can cause Xbox Live sign-in failures. If needed, open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

      get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
      start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
   

   Then install Gaming Services from the Store page that opens. Warning: this removes Gaming Services before reinstalling it. Use an elevated PowerShell window.
5. Update or reinstall the Xbox app If the Xbox app is stale or corrupted, sign-in for Solitaire and Mahjong can fail. In Microsoft Store, search for Xbox app and update it. If needed, reinstall it using:

      get-appxpackage Microsoft.XboxApp | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
      start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9mv0b5hzvk9z
   

   Warning: this removes the Xbox app before reinstalling it. Use an elevated PowerShell window.
6. Repair or reset the affected Store apps Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, open the app entry, then use Advanced options > Repair or Reset for:
   • Microsoft Solitaire Collection
   • Microsoft Mahjong
   • Microsoft Store
7. Run the Microsoft account sign-in helper If the apps still fail but the account works elsewhere, use the Microsoft account sign-in helper to detect account-side issues: Sign-in Helper
8. If the issue started immediately after the latest Windows update and still persists Use a System Restore point from before the issue began, if one exists.

The most relevant fixes from the available guidance are updating/reinstalling Gaming Services, updating/reinstalling the Xbox app, updating Microsoft Store apps, and checking the Microsoft account with the sign-in helper.

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References:

• Troubleshooting Sign-in and Sandbox Errors
• I can't sign in to my Microsoft account
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
• Cannot access Microsoft Solitaire and Casual Games?! - Microsoft Q&A