Struggling to launch the Xbox Game Bar or access the Gaming overlay in Windows 10? If you encounter the "You'll need a new app to open this ms-gaming-overlay" error, fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the problem's root causes and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve it swiftly. Follow along, and you'll be back to enjoying an uninterrupted gaming experience in no time.

How to Fix the “You’ll Need a New App to Open This” MS Gaming Overlay Error on Windows 10
What Causes the Error?
This error occurs when Windows 10 can’t find a compatible app to open the Microsoft Gaming Overlay, a handy tool that lets you capture screenshots, record gameplay, and chat with friends while you’re gaming. The missing app can be due to several reasons like:
- Game Bar is disabled or closed in Task Manager
- Discord overlay is enabled
- Missing Windows apps for Game Bar
- Registry issues
- Microsoft Store cache corruption
How to Fix It
Step 1: Check for Software Updates
- Make sure your Windows 10 system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
Step 2: Reset Gaming Overlay
- Open Settings (Windows Key + I) > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
- Click “Reset Gaming Overlay Now” and restart your computer.
Step 3: Reinstall Xbox Gaming Services
- Run PowerShell as administrator.
- Run the following commands one by one:
Get-AppxPackage *XboxGamingServices* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *WindowsGaming* | Remove-AppxPackage
- Restart your computer.
- Visit the Microsoft Store and reinstall Xbox Gaming Services and Windows Gaming.
Step 4: Repair or Reset Windows Store
- Open the Run dialog box (Windows Key + R) and type “wsreset”. This will reset the Microsoft Store cache.
- If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Microsoft Store, and click “Repair”.
Step 5: Create a New User Account
- If other methods fail, create a new user account with administrator privileges.
- Check if the error persists in the new account. Are you encountering the dreaded “No hard drives found” error while trying to install Windows 7? Fret not! Follow this guide to resolve this issue effortlessly.
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Reinstall Xbox Gaming Services
Are you encountering the “You’ll Need a New App to Open This” error while trying to use the MS Gaming Overlay on Windows 10? Don’t worry, this is a common issue with a simple solution. Follow these steps:
- Check for Software Updates: Make sure your Windows 10 system is fully updated.
- Reset Gaming Overlay: Reset the Gaming Overlay in the Windows Settings app.
- Reinstall Xbox Gaming Services: Uninstall Xbox Gaming Services and Windows Gaming through PowerShell. Then, reinstall them from the Microsoft Store.
- Repair or Reset Windows Store: Reset the Microsoft Store cache by running “wsreset” in the Run dialog box. If that doesn’t work, try repairing the Windows Store in the Settings app.
- Create a New User Account: As a last resort, create a new Windows user account.
Key Takeaways:
- Keep your Windows 10 system updated.
- Reinstalling Xbox Gaming Services can resolve many issues with the Gaming Overlay.
- Repairing or resetting the Microsoft Store can sometimes fix the problem.
Citation:
Repair or reset Windows Store
Have you ever tried to open the Xbox Game Bar on your Windows 10 computer and received an error that says, “You’ll need a new app to open this ms gaming overlay”? If so, you’re not alone. Many users have reported experiencing this issue. But don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to fix it.
Key Takeaways:
- Try resetting the Gaming Overlay first.
- If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling the Xbox Gaming Services.
- As a last resort, you can try repairing or resetting the Windows Store.
Here are the steps on how to do each of these things:
Reset the Gaming Overlay
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the “Reset Gaming Overlay Now” button.
- Restart your computer.
Reinstall the Xbox Gaming Services
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
powershelland press Enter. - In the PowerShell window, run the following commands:
Get-AppxPackage *XboxGamingServices* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *WindowsGaming* | Remove-AppxPackage
- Restart your computer.
- Visit the Microsoft Store and reinstall both Xbox Gaming Services and Windows Gaming.
Repair or reset the Windows Store
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
wsresetand press Enter. - This will reset the Microsoft Store cache.
- If the problem persists, try repairing the Windows Store:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find Microsoft Store in the list of apps.
- Click on the “Advanced options” link.
- Click on the “Repair” button.
Create a New User Account
If all of the above steps fail, creating a new Windows user account may resolve the issue.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click on the “Add someone else to this PC” button.
- Create a new user account with administrator privileges.
- Log in to the new account and check if the Gaming Overlay error persists.
If you’ve tried all of these steps and you’re still having problems, you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
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Create a new user account
This is the final step to take if all else fails to resolve the MS Gaming Overlay error. While it’s not the most convenient, it can be an effective solution.
To create a new user account, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
- Click on Add someone else to this PC.
- Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Enter a username and password for the new account.
Once you’ve created a new user account, log out of your current account and log into the new one. Check if the Gaming Overlay error persists.
Key Takeaways:
- Creating a new user account can resolve the MS Gaming Overlay error when other solutions fail.
- It’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure success.
- If the problem persists, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
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FAQ
Q1: How do I resolve the “You’ll need a new app to open this MS-Gaming Overlay” error on Windows 10?
A1: The error occurs when the Windows Game Bar is turned off or closed in Task Manager. Restart the Game Bar or check if Discord’s overlay feature is enabled.
Q2: What causes the “You’ll need a new app to open this MS-Gaming Overlay” error?
A2: It can be caused by a disabled Windows Game Bar, Discord’s overlay feature, missing Windows apps related to Game Bar, or corrupted Microsoft Store cache.
Q3: Why am I getting the “You’ll need a new app to open this MS-Gaming Overlay” error when I try to open the Game Bar?
A3: Ensure that the Windows Game Bar is not disabled or closed in Task Manager. Also, check if the Discord overlay feature is enabled, as it can interfere with the Game Bar.
Q4: How do I fix the “You’ll need a new app to open this MS-Gaming Overlay” error if I have already tried the basic troubleshooting steps?
A4: If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, try using the Xbox Gaming Services Repair Tool, reset the Microsoft Store cache, or reinstall the Xbox app.
Q5: Where is the Xbox Gaming Services Repair Tool located and how do I use it?
A5: The Xbox Gaming Services Repair Tool is located in the Xbox app under Profile > Support > Gaming Services Repair Tool. Click “Start Troubleshooting” to run the tool.
