How Can You Quickly Resolve Xbox Error 0x87e00196 on Windows 10/11? Effective Fixes for Frustrated Gamers

Why Does Xbox Error 0x87e00196 Keep Popping Up? Proven Solutions for a Smooth Gaming Experience

Xbox error 0x87e00196 typically appears when installing or launching Game Pass or Microsoft Store games on Windows 10 or 11. This error often means that Gaming Services or the Microsoft Store Install Service failed to start crucial background tasks, such as handling downloads, license checks, or launching games. The issue is commonly triggered by recent Windows updates, damaged service files, registry corruption, or account sign-in mismatches.

Key Causes

• Damaged or missing Gaming Services files after major Windows updates
• Microsoft Store Install Service stopped or corrupted
• Registry key corruption affecting Gaming Services
• Mismatched sign-in between Xbox app and Microsoft Store
• Temporary Xbox network outages interrupting license checks

Initial Check

1. Open Settings › Gaming › Xbox Networking.
2. Select Check again to confirm Xbox services are online
3. If status is not “Connected,” wait for service restoration before proceeding

Solution 1: Reinstall Gaming Services Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run:

   get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers

3. After removal, run:

   start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN

4. Click Get on the Microsoft Store page to reinstall Gaming Services.

Solution 2: Reset Microsoft Store Cache and Re-register Apps

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter to clear the Store cache.
2. Open PowerShell as administrator and run:

   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Restart your PC.

Solution 3: Change the Default Installation Drive

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
3. Under New apps will save to, select a different drive.
4. Click Apply to confirm.

Solution 4: Reset Gaming Services and the Xbox App

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. For Gaming Services: Click the three dots, select Advanced options, then choose Reset.
3. For the Xbox app: Click the three dots, select Advanced options, then choose Reset.
4. Restart your PC after both resets.
5. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the Xbox app.

Additional Tips

• Sign out and back into both the Xbox app and Microsoft Store with the same Microsoft account. Ensure your Game Pass subscription is active.
• Monitor for Xbox network outages that may temporarily block license verification.

Addressing Xbox error 0x87e00196 requires a methodical approach: verify service status, repair or reinstall Gaming Services, clear and re-register Microsoft Store apps, adjust installation drives, and reset relevant apps. These steps restore essential background functions, resolve account mismatches, and clear corrupted data, significantly improving the chance of successful game installations and launches.