The Xbox app on Windows is designed to launch automatically when your computer starts, allowing you to access your games, Game Pass library, cloud gaming features, and Xbox social services quickly. However, some users discover that the “Run on startup” option is grayed out, missing, or simply cannot be selected within the Xbox app settings.

This guide walks you through every solution step by step using beginner-friendly instructions.

In This Guide View

Why can’t You Select Xbox Run on Startup?

When the Run on Startup option cannot be selected, the issue is usually related to Windows rather than the Xbox app itself. Windows controls which applications are allowed to start automatically, and if startup permissions are disabled or corrupted, the Xbox app may lose access to that functionality.

Some common causes include:

Disabled startup permissions
Corrupted Xbox application files
Outdated Gaming Services
Windows startup management restrictions
Damaged Microsoft Store components
Outdated Windows installation
Xbox app configuration errors

The solutions below address each of these possible causes.

Can’t Select Xbox Run on Startup [Fix]

If you cannot select Xbox Run on Startup on Windows, fix the issue by checking Startup Apps settings, repairing the Xbox app, updating Gaming Services, resetting the Xbox app, and reinstalling Gaming Services if necessary. Once the underlying Windows or Xbox component issue is resolved, the startup option should become available again.

Step 1: Check Startup Apps Settings

The first thing to verify is whether Windows has already disabled Xbox from launching during startup.

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

Go to: Settings > Apps > Startup

Once the Startup Apps page opens, look for Xbox or Xbox App in the list. If you find Xbox listed but disabled, turn the toggle switch on.

If the application is already enabled, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and enable it again.

Restart your computer and check whether the Run on Startup option can now be selected inside the Xbox app.

Windows sometimes overrides application startup preferences, so simply re-enabling the startup entry can resolve the issue.

Step 2: Repair the Xbox App

Corrupted application files can prevent Xbox settings from working correctly.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Scroll down and locate Xbox.

Select the three-dot menu next to Xbox. Choose: Advanced Options. Scroll down until you see the Repair button. Click Repair and allow Windows to complete the process.

After the repair finishes, restart your PC.

Now launch the Xbox app and check whether the startup option is available.

The Repair feature fixes damaged files without removing your account information, installed games, or preferences.

Step 3: Reset the Xbox App

If repairing the app does not work, resetting it can restore all default configurations.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps> Find Xbox. Open Advanced Options, scroll down to the Reset section, and click Reset.

Confirm the action when prompted. Wait for Windows to complete the reset process. Launch Xbox again and sign back into your Microsoft account if necessary.

Check whether the Run on Startup setting is now selectable.

Resetting removes corrupted settings that may be preventing the startup option from functioning correctly.

Step 4: Update Gaming Services and Xbox Components

The Xbox app relies heavily on Microsoft Gaming Services. If Gaming Services is outdated, startup settings may stop working.

Open the Microsoft Store, Select Library, and click Get Updates.

Allow Windows to install all available updates. Pay special attention to updates for:

Xbox App
Xbox Identity Provider
Gaming Services
Microsoft Store

Once the updates finish installing, restart your computer. Open Xbox and test the startup option again.

Many startup-related issues disappear after Gaming Services receives the latest update.

Step 5: Reinstall Gaming Services

If Gaming Services becomes corrupted, Xbox startup features can break entirely.

Type PowerShell into Windows Search.
Right-click Windows PowerShell.
Select: Run as Administrator
Enter the following command: get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
Press Enter and wait for completion.
Next, enter: start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
Press Enter again.

The Microsoft Store page for Gaming Services will open automatically.

Install Gaming Services again.

Restart your computer after installation.

Launch Xbox and verify whether the startup option can now be selected.

Reinstalling Gaming Services often resolves persistent Xbox application problems.

Step 6: Check Task Manager Startup Settings

Task Manager includes its own startup management system that can override application preferences.

Press: Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Open the Startup Apps section.
Locate Xbox in the list.
Check its status.
If it shows Disabled, right-click it.
Choose: Enable
Close Task Manager and restart your PC.
Open Xbox again and test the startup setting.

Many users overlook this section because Windows Settings and Task Manager manage startup entries separately.

Step 7: Update Windows

An outdated Windows installation can interfere with Microsoft Store apps and Xbox services.

Open: Settings > Windows Update

Click: Check for Updates. Download and install all available updates.

This includes:

Security Updates
Feature Updates
Cumulative Updates
Gaming-related Updates

Restart your PC when prompted. After Windows finishes updating, launch Xbox and verify the startup option.

Microsoft frequently fixes Xbox and Gaming Services issues through Windows updates.

Step 8: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for Microsoft Store applications.

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot
Select Other Troubleshooters
Find: Windows Store Apps
Click: Run
Allow Windows to scan for issues.
If problems are detected, apply the recommended fixes.
Restart the computer afterward.
Open Xbox and see whether the startup option is functioning correctly.

This tool can automatically repair Store-related configuration problems.

Step 9: Re-register Microsoft Store Apps

If Store components are damaged, Xbox settings may fail to save properly.

Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Enter: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Press Enter.
Allow the process to complete.
This may take several minutes.
Restart your computer when finished.
Launch Xbox and test the startup settings again.

Re-registering Store applications refreshes Windows app registrations and resolves many hidden issues.

Step 10: Reinstall the Xbox App

If none of the previous solutions work, reinstalling the Xbox app is usually the most effective fix.

Open: Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
Locate Xbox.
Select: Uninstall
Follow the prompts to remove the application.
Restart your computer.
Open the Microsoft Store.
Search for: Xbox
Install the latest version.
Sign in to your Microsoft account.
Open Xbox settings and check the Run on Startup option.

A clean installation removes damaged files and restores all startup functionality.

Additional Tips to Prevent Xbox Startup Issues

Keep Gaming Services updated regularly.

Install Windows updates promptly.

Avoid third-party startup management utilities that may disable Microsoft applications.

Use the Microsoft Store version of Xbox rather than unofficial downloads.

Periodically, repair or reset the Xbox app if unusual behavior appears.

Keeping these components up to date helps prevent future startup-related problems.

FAQs

Why is Xbox Run on Startup grayed out?

The option is usually grayed out because Windows startup permissions are disabled, Gaming Services is corrupted, or the Xbox app has damaged settings files.

How do I make the Xbox start automatically with Windows?

Open:

Settings > Apps > Startup

Enable Xbox in the Startup Apps list. Then, verify that the option is enabled within the Xbox app settings.

Does resetting the Xbox delete my games?

No. Resetting the Xbox app removes app settings and preferences but does not uninstall your games.

What are Gaming Services?

Gaming Services is a Microsoft component that supports Xbox features, Game Pass functionality, game installation, and communication between Windows and Xbox services.

Can Windows updates fix Xbox startup problems?

Yes. Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve Xbox app stability and resolve issues with Gaming Services.

Should I reinstall Gaming Services?

Yes. If repairing and resetting the Xbox does not work, reinstalling Gaming Services is one of the most effective solutions for startup-related problems.