The Xbox Game Pass offers gamers a vast library of games to enjoy, but encountering issues can disrupt the experience. One such problem is being stuck on the “Syncing data” screen when trying to launch a game. This persistent issue has been reported by users regardless of the specific game they are trying to play. In this article, we will explain the potential causes behind the syncing data problem in Xbox Game Pass for Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC and provide various solutions to resolve it.
Also see: Play PC Game with PS5, PS4 or Xbox Controller in Windows 11
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What is the problem?
To put it plainly, the problem appears as a screen that keeps on saying “Syncing data” whenever you try to launch a game from the Xbox Game Pass. As a result, the game refuses to move beyond this point and will not start. This issue has been reported by users irrespective of the game they’re trying to launch.
What does “Syncing data” mean in Xbox Game Pass?
Before we jump into how to solve this problem, let’s first understand what “syncing data” actually means within the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem. Simply put, data syncing is an integral part of how Xbox Game Pass ensures a seamless gaming experience across multiple devices.
When you play a game, your game’s progress is saved as data on your local device. Simultaneously, to ensure that you can pick up where you left off if you switch devices, this data is also saved on Xbox’s cloud servers.
Syncing data, therefore, refers to the act of keeping your local game data and cloud game data in perfect harmony. When this process is interrupted or gets stuck, the game can’t verify and match your local data with the cloud data, leaving you stuck on the “syncing data” screen.
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What could cause the issue?
The root cause of the issue can be tricky to pinpoint as it could stem from various factors. One possibility could be a problem with the Gaming Services process on your computer. The Gaming Services is a Windows component necessary for your games to run properly. If it encounters any problems, it could halt data syncing.
Another potential issue could be an unstable or slow internet connection, as the syncing process requires a reliable connection to Xbox’s servers. Problems with the Xbox App or Gaming Services themselves could also cause the syncing issue. If these applications run into any problems, it could disrupt the proper functioning of your games.
Additionally, a hitch with other Xbox-related services on your system could result in the problem. Services in Windows are programs that run in the background to ensure smooth software operation. Any issue with Xbox-related services might lead to the syncing data issue. Lastly, the problem could be game-specific, where an issue with the particular game you are trying to play is causing the problem.
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How to fix Xbox Game Pass stuck on syncing data on PC
Knowing the potential causes helps us in formulating possible solutions. It’s important to note that not every solution will work for every individual, as the root of the problem could vary.
Kill the gamingservices.exe process
The first solution involves interacting with the Task Manager to stop and then restart the “gamingservices.exe” process. This program is part of the Gaming Services component we talked about earlier. Occasionally, this program might experience an issue and become unresponsive or not work correctly. Here’s how you can refresh it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the “Task Manager”.
- Within the Task Manager, you’ll find several tabs. Look for the one named “Details” and click on it.
- A list of processes will appear. Scroll through them until you find one named “gamingservices.exe”.
- Click on this process to select it and then click on the “End Task” button.
After you do this, the process should start up again on its own within a few seconds. Once it restarts, try launching your game again to see if the problem has been resolved.
Linked issue: How to Fix Game Stuttering on Windows 11
Make sure your Internet connection is stable
Since the data syncing process is essentially a data exchange between your local device and Xbox’s servers, it requires a reliable internet connection. An unstable or slow internet connection can interrupt this exchange, causing the syncing process to get stuck. Make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable. If you’re on a wireless connection, consider switching to a wired one and see if the issue can be resolved.
Repair and reset the Xbox App and Gaming Services
Another potential solution involves giving the Xbox App and Gaming Services a fresh start. This is achieved by using the repair and reset options in the Settings app of your computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Windows 11 (the steps are similar in Windows 10):
- Open the “Settings” app on your computer.
- Within the Settings app, you’ll find a section named “Apps”. Click on it and within it, find another section named “Apps & features”.
- You’ll now see a list of all the apps installed on your computer. Scroll through it until you find “Xbox” and “Gaming Services”.
- Click on each of these apps to reveal more options, and then click on “Advanced options”.
- You’ll now see some more options. Click on the “Repair” button first. This will attempt to fix any problems the app might be facing. After the repair is complete, click on the “Reset” button. This will give the app a fresh start.
By repairing and resetting these apps, you might be able to resolve any problems they were facing that were causing the syncing data issue.
Restart Xbox related services
Restarting all Xbox-related services is another possible solution. This process involves using the Services app on your computer. Here’s how:
- Press the Win + R on your keyboard. This will open a small dialog box.
- In this box, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- The Services app will open, showing you a list of all the services running on your computer. Look for services that start with the word “Xbox” such as “Xbox Live Game Save”.
- Once you find them, right-click on each service and select “Restart”.
This process will give all Xbox-related services a fresh start, which might resolve any issues causing the syncing data problem.
Uninstall and reinstall the game causing the problem
If all else fails, you might have to consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the game that’s causing the problem. This is a more time-consuming process, but it’s also a very effective one. Uninstalling and reinstalling the game can solve any game-specific problems that might be causing the syncing data issue.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, it can be really frustrating for a gamer to be stuck on the “syncing data” screen. It means the game won’t start no matter how long you wait. Dealing with this problem might seem difficult, but the first thing you should try is ending and restarting the “gamingservices.exe” process. If the issue is caused by a glitch or temporary freeze of this service, this simple step could fix the problem quickly.
However, it’s also possible that the “syncing data” problem is a sign of a different issue. If the first solution doesn’t work, you can proceed to try other solutions, which include repairing and resetting the Xbox App and Gaming Services, restarting Xbox services in Windows, and reinstalling the problematic game. If all else fails, you may want to try reaching out to Xbox Support for additional help.
