What Is xlive.dll? | Plus 8 Fixes For Common Issues

In this post, we provide 8 fixes for common xlive.dll errors and problems.

Xlive.dll is a type of DLL file (Dynamic Link Library) that is developed for the Windows operating system. Xlive.dll errors can lower the performance of your PC and prevent the operation of certain applications.

In this article, we’re going to learn about what the xlive.dll is and how you can fix any errors related to this file.

What Is xlive.dll?

Xlive.dll, also called Games for Windows Live, is a module of Microsoft Games for the Windows Live program developed by Microsoft.

It is a dynamic-link library file that is found on your computer’s hard drive. In most cases, an xlive.dll error occurs when the associated DLL file is removed or corrupted.

In other cases, it could due to a virus or malware, registry problem, or hardware failure.

When this happens, the DLL file error will appear on your computer when you are playing certain games, while installing a certain Windows program, or even when Windows starts or shuts down. The error may be displayed in various error messages which include the following:

• Xlive.dll not found
• Xlive.dll is missing
• This application failed to start because xlive.dll is missing for your computer. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem
• Cannot find path xlive.dll
• Cannot register xlive.dll

As you can see below, the .dll does go missing frequently- there are currently 593 people reporting issues with this in the Microsoft support community as of October 2018:

How To Fix xlive.dll Errors

Xlive.dll is an important component that will enable you to run certain windows games. Below are some troubleshooting steps that will help you resolve your xlive.dll problems in no time.

1st Fix (Restore Your Deleted DLL File)

In the event that you have accidentally deleted your xlive.dll, you can still recover it from your recycle bin provided that you haven’t emptied it yet. This is the very first fix you have to consider as it doesn’t involve any technical steps.

2nd Fix (Download Games for Windows Live)

Another fix for this problem is given by Lifewire and it includes downloading the Microsoft Games for Windows.

This is because xlive.dll is included in the download, and by simply installing it to your system, you can replace the corrupted file and hopefully fix the problem. Make sure that you download Games for Windows Live from the Microsoft’s official website as other third-party websites may not be reliable and safe. Here’s how:

1. Download the Games for Windows Live file from Softonic. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available in Window’s database, so the next reliable source is Softonic.
2. Once you finished downloading, right click the installation file and select Run as administrator.
3. Follow the installation instructions.
4. After installation, it should be located in the C: Windows\SysWOW64\ folder. In some cases, you might have to copy it to another folder, depending on where the error message indicates the missing file is.

Video Guide: How To Install Games For Windows

3rd Fix (Check for any Virus or Malware)

The other fix is to check your computer for any malware or virus issues as suggested by Windows Report.

This is a common issue and may be a cause for a missing xlive.dll in your computer. Use an antivirus software to scan your PC and remove malware then check if this resolves the issue.

4th Fix (Run a System File Checker)

Running a system file checker is another method presented by Solvusoft that can help resolve your xlive.dll error.

A system file checker allows you to scan your Windows system for any corruption and automatically replace them with the missing files’ original version. The system file checker applies to Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button
2. Open the search box and type “Command”, then hold CTRL + Shift and hit Enter.
3. A permission dialog box will prompt up. Click Yes. This will open an elevated command prompt.
4. On your elevated command prompt, type sfc/ scannow and hit Enter.
5. The system file checker will then begin to scan your system for any missing files, including a missing xlive.dll. This may take a few minutes.
6. Follow the on-screen commands then restart your computer.
7. Check if the issue still persists.

Video Guide: How To Run System File Check (sfc scannow)

5th Fix (Update Your Drivers)

If you are experiencing xlive.dll errors, you might fix the problem by updating the drivers for your hardware as recommended by Windows Report.

Updating your drivers will solve incompatibility issues as well as reinstall the programs that had the xlive.dll error. You may want to update the drivers of your video card when you receive a xlive.dll error when playing a video game.

To do that, you need to download the drivers for your computer’s model from the manufacturer’s website. It is also wise to use a reliable driver updater to download the right drivers to your PC and protect you from downloading the wrong drivers.

6th Fix (Install Windows Updates)

Another way of fixing the xlive.dll errors on your computer is installing all the latest updates. If there are any available Windows updates, Windows 10 will download and install them automatically. You can also manually check for the latest updates by following the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings section.
2. Go to Update and Security.
3. Select Check for Updates to see if there are any updates available.
4. If there are any, allow your system to install them for you.

Video Guide: How to Download Windows Updates Manually

7th Fix (Do a System Restore)

In some cases, you’ll have to use Window’s System Restore function so your PC can “return” to the time when xlive.dll problems weren’t there yet.

This may help you troubleshoot the issue without having to spend hours and headaches just to fix it. Here’s a step-by-step guide from Solvusoft:

1. Click Start and type System Restore then hit Enter.
2. Enter your password when prompted.
3. Simply follow the Wizard and choose a restore point from one of the few available.
4. Afterward, restart your computer.

8th Fix (Install a Fresh Windows Copy)

You can also perform a clean Windows installation as the final option for fixing your xlive.dll problem.

Before you do this, you must take note that doing so will format your hard drive and delete any files you have. Therefore, you need to back up all your important documents including data and pictures before proceeding.

Forum Feedback

A forum poster said that he attempted to run a game on his machine, but he couldn’t because he got a xlive.dll error.

Logically, he uninstalled and reinstalled the game, but he still couldn’t start the game and the error continued to appear. He added that xlive.dll was part of the Games for live installing package and that it rarely caused problems, which was why he was surprised that his game didn’t load properly.

Another individual mentions that you can download the xlive.dll file from the official Microsoft page and that you shouldn’t trust other sites, because you’ll probably get infected with malware. He also says that if you have the xlive.dll file somewhere else in your system, you can copy and paste it in the right directory.

A person commented that his Fallout 3 game didn’t load when he installed it on his Windows 8 laptop and that it only got as far as the launcher menu. He also said that he contacted support, which were very helpful. They advised him to download the game again because he might not have downloaded it properly downloaded the game, which was causing the xlive.dll problem. They emphasized that he should download Fallout only from the official manufacturer website and that he should install additional updates if the issue persists.

Another gamer was also having problems with Fallout 3, which wasn’t running as it should. However, he downloaded Windows Market Place and installed it. After that, the xlive.dll issue disappeared and he could play the game smoothly.

A forum member shared that his game was running perfectly on his old laptop, but when he installed Windows 8, it wouldn’t start at all because xlive.dll was missing. He found the DLL file, downloaded it, and pasted it in the right system folder, which, unfortunately, didn’t work. The user even tried to scan the system for corrupted files, which found no issues with his system files.

A computer expert recommends that you go to the official Microsoft page and download the Games for Live package. Then you have to run it as Administrator and install the applications anew. After that you should restart your computer and attempt to start the game. If the issues persist, he says that you must uninstall and reinstall the game again.

Another individual states that he purchases games via Steam but all GFWL games will crash as soon as he started them. He adds that he finds it strange because the Game for Live package should have been installed with the game, but for some reason he continues to experience the xlive.dll error. He concludes that the GFWL doesn’t install the dll file. Unfortunately, he is still trying to find a solution to the problem and complains that Microsoft hasn’t been able to provide the fix.

Another person mentioned that the checked for the xlive.dll file after installing his game, but it wasn’t present in the system folder. He also warns that GFWL is not compatible with Windows 10 and that if you upgrade to the newest OS version, you won’t be able to play them.

On the other hand, another forum member mentions that you might be able to start Game for Live products on Windows 10 in compatibility mode, but he is not certain how well it will work. He also states that copying the xlive.dll file is probably not going to work because the GFLW DLL file is different.

A computer expert explains that you get the xlive.dll mistake most commonly when you try to run games on a new operating system. The game requires a specified xlive.dll file, which doesn’t match the xlive.dll file you have. He advises that you uninstall the game and reinstall it again to fix the mismatch.

Another poster warns that they are many fake sites that offer you the xlive.dll file and that you should be extra careful. He also says that you have to download the latest Windows Live update to make sure that your games run smoothly and that you don’t encounter the xlive.dll mistake.

We searched through several tech support forums to understand what problems users have with it.  In general, people were looking for a xlive.dll GTA V, xlive.dll download, xlive.dll missing, xlive.dll Fallout 3, and xlive.dll Windows 10.

Forum Resource URLs

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_perf-insiderplat_pc/error-cwindowssystem32xlivedll-unable-to-play-a/2a6a0b14-feb8-4efd-9a98-1662b2b9d86e

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-winapps/ordinal-42-xlivedll/1324c095-c56c-48ce-9bdf-699237c3d471?msgId=9ae43c91-5a8a-4486-bb14-a351f0e5a261&page=4&tab=question&status=AllReplies%2CAllReplies

Conclusion

The above fixes will come in handy when an xlive.dll error pops on your screen during a program startup or when you are trying to use a certain application. However, if none of the fixes were able to resolve your problem, then you may want to consider troubleshooting for a hardware problem.