How to Reset Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11 in Simple Steps

Windows 11 » How To

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

How To

3 min. read

Updated on September 29, 2025

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If Xbox Game Bar is not working properly, it can affect your recordings and in-game overlays. Using the steps from this guide, you can reset the app and restore it to default settings so it works smoothly again.

How to Reset Xbox Game Bar?

How to Reset Xbox Game Bar?

1. Reset Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Installed Apps from the left Apps menu.
Locate Xbox Game Bar by searching for it, then click the three dots and choose Advanced options.
Reset the app by scrolling to the Reset section. First, click Repair to fix minor issues. If problems continue, click Reset to clear the cache and settings.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

This process restores Game Bar to its original state and usually fixes most glitches. Try a quick restart for minor freezes by following this guide on how to restart Xbox Game Bar.

For a full guide on setting it up from scratch, see how to install Xbox Game Bar.

2. Alternative Method Using PowerShell

Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
Enter this command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay* | Reset-AppxPackage
Restart your PC once the process is complete.

This method forces a clean reset directly at the system level.

If you also plan to capture content again after resetting, check this guide on how to record with Xbox Game Bar.

FAQs

How do I fix Xbox Game Bar not opening?

Reset the app in Settings. If that fails, reinstall it from Microsoft Store.

Does resetting Xbox Game Bar delete recordings?

No. Your saved clips remain in the Videos > Captures folder.

Can I reinstall Xbox Game Bar?

Yes. Uninstall it in Settings, then download it again from the Microsoft Store.

Why does Xbox Game Bar keep crashing?

Crashes usually happen because of outdated system files or corrupted app data. Resetting or updating Windows often fixes the issue.

Conclusion

Resetting Xbox Game Bar is a quick way to fix crashes, bugs, and performance issues. Whether you use the Settings menu or PowerShell, these methods bring the app back to default and let you continue recording and streaming without interruptions.

If you want to completely remove the tool instead, see how to uninstall Xbox Game Bar. Updating can also resolve stability issues and provide new features. Check this step by step guide on how to update Xbox Game Bar to make sure you are running the latest version.