How To Update Xbox App On Pc : Update Xbox App Via Microsoft Store

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Learning how to update Xbox app on pc is a simple process that keeps your gaming and social hub running smoothly. Updating the Xbox app on your PC ensures you have the latest features and security improvements. This guide covers every method, from automatic updates to manual fixes, so you can get back to your games quickly.

How To Update Xbox App On Pc

The primary way to update the Xbox app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is through the Microsoft Store. The app is distributed and managed there, making it the most reliable update source. This process is usually automatic, but knowing how to manually check is crucial.

Method 1: Update Via The Microsoft Store

This is the standard and recommended method for most users. The Microsoft Store handles the download and installation in the background.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store application on your PC. You can find it by searching “Microsoft Store” in the Start menu.
  2. Click on the “Library” icon. This is usually located in the bottom-left corner of the Store window. Sometimes it’s represented by a user icon or found in the left sidebar.
  3. Click the “Get updates” button. The Store will then check for all available updates for your installed apps, including the Xbox app.
  4. If an update for the Xbox app is available, it will appear in the list. It should download and install automatically. You can also click “Update all” to refresh every app that needs it.

Enabling Automatic Updates In Microsoft Store

To prevent manual checks, you can turn on automatic updates. This ensures the Xbox app updates itself when you’re not using your PC.

  • Open the Microsoft Store.
  • Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “App settings.”
  • Find the “App updates” section and toggle “Update apps automatically” to the ON position.

Method 2: Using The Windows Start Menu

A quick shortcut exists directly from your Start Menu, which essentially triggers the Microsoft Store update process.

  1. Click the Start button and find the Xbox app in your list of installed applications.
  2. Right-click on the Xbox app icon.
  3. Select “App settings” from the context menu that appears.
  4. Scroll down and click on “Advanced options.”
  5. Scroll further to the “Reset” section. Next to “Check for updates,” you will see the current version number. Click the “Check for updates” button. This will open the Microsoft Store to the app’s page and initiate an update check.

Method 3: Reinstalling The Xbox App

If the app is failing to update or is experiencing persistent errors, a fresh install can resolve the issue. This gives you a clean slate with the latest version.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to “Apps” and then “Apps & features.”
  3. In the search bar, type “Xbox.”
  4. Click on the Xbox app in the list and select “Uninstall.” Confirm the action.
  5. Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Xbox,” and click “Install.” This will download the very latest version available.

Common Update Issues And Troubleshooting

Sometimes, the update process doesn’t go as planned. Here are solutions to frequent problems that can block your Xbox app from updating correctly.

Microsoft Store Is Not Working

A malfunctioning Store is the most common culprit. These steps can reset its cache and services.

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
  2. Type “wsreset.exe” and press Enter. A blank command window will appear; wait for it to close. This clears the Store cache.
  3. If that doesn’t work, open Services by searching for it in the Start menu. Find “Microsoft Store Install Service” and “Windows Update,” right-click each, and select “Restart.”

Xbox App Stuck On Pending Or Downloading

If the update seems frozen, try these steps to get it moving again.

  • Pause and resume the download in the Microsoft Store Library.
  • Check your internet connection and ensure you have sufficient disk space.
  • Restart your computer. This simple step can clear temporary glitches.
  • Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall, as they can sometimes interfere with the Store’s download process. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

Error Codes During Update

Specific error codes can point to the root of the problem. Here’s how to adress a couple common ones.

Fixing Error 0x80073CF9

This error often indicates a conflict or corruption. Resetting the Microsoft Store packages can help.

  1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator (right-click, select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type the command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

Addressing Error 0x80070005

This is an access denied error. Ensuring the Windows Update service has proper permissions often fixes it.

  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Ensure your Windows account has administrator privileges.
  • Check for system-wide Windows updates, as a core OS update may be required first.

Why Keeping The Xbox App Updated Is Important

Regular updates provide more than just new features. They are essential for a secure and stable experience.

Access To New Features And Improvements

Updates frequently introduce new functionality, such as improved party chat, better game library management, or integration with new services like cloud gaming. Performance enhancements make the app faster and more responsive.

Enhanced Security And Stability

Each update patches known security vulnerabilities, protecting your account and personal data. Stability fixes resolve crashes, freezes, and bugs that can interrupt your gaming sessions. An outdated app is more likely to have compatibility issues with new games or Windows updates.

Optimal Game Pass Experience

If you use Xbox Game Pass for PC, the app is your gateway. Updates ensure reliable game installation, proper cloud gaming streaming, and accurate library syncing. Missing an update could prevent you from playing newly added titles or accessing Game Pass perks.

Advanced Tips For Managing Updates

Checking Your Current Xbox App Version

Knowing your version helps you confirm an update was successful. Open the Xbox app, click your profile picture, and go to “Settings.” The version number is listed at the bottom of the General tab. Compare this to the latest version noted on the official Xbox website or Store page.

Using The Xbox Insider Hub For Early Updates

If you want to test features before they are released, you can join the Xbox Insider Program. Download the “Xbox Insider Hub” from the Microsoft Store. Inside, you can enroll the Xbox app in beta or alpha rings to recieve preview updates. Note that these versions may be less stable.

Ensuring Windows Is Up To Date

The Xbox app relies on underlying Windows components. Always keep Windows itself updated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any available feature or quality updates, as these often contain critical fixes for Microsoft Store apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Xbox App Update Automatically On PC?

Yes, if you have automatic updates enabled in the Microsoft Store settings. The app will update in the background when a new version is released. It’s a good idea to occasionally check manually to ensure it’s working.

How Can I Update My Xbox App If The Microsoft Store Won’t Open?

First, run the WSReset.exe tool as described earlier. If the Store remains broken, you may need to repair or reset it via Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced Options. As a last resort, you can download the Xbox App installer directly from the official Microsoft website, though this is less common.

Why Is There No Update Button For The Xbox App?

The Xbox app does not have a built-in update button. All updates are managed through the Microsoft Store’s library section or via the automatic update system. The “Check for updates” button in the app’s Windows settings simply redirects you to the Store.

Can I Update The Xbox App Without The Microsoft Store?

Typically, no. The Xbox app is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application distributed exclusively through the Microsoft Store on consumer versions of Windows. Some enterprise or managed versions might use different deployment methods, but for most users, the Store is required.

What Should I Do If My Xbox App Still Won’t Update After Trying Everything?

Perform a full reset of the app. Go to Settings > Apps > Xbox > Advanced Options and click “Terminate,” then “Reset,” and finally “Repair.” After that, use the PowerShell command mentioned earlier to re-register all Store apps. If the problem persists, consider a system file check by running “sfc /scannow” in an Administrator Command Prompt.