Can't run any PC Game Pass games at all anymore (Windows cannot access the specified device...

Hi, having also wondered this as I just got Game Pass for PC simply because its such a good deal, here is what I found:

Despite installing the game into my E: drive, the .exe file is still located in my OS C: drive.

The address for Metro Exodus for example was;

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\DeepSilver.ProjectWindfall_1.0.11.0_x64__hmv7qcest37me

The application file has no icon or anything and trying to launch the game using this exe will display the error:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriete permissions to access the item.

This is despite me having full access over the folder and its subcontents (otherwise microsoft doesnt allow you to even open them in the first place). It seems like regardless of being able to access the .exe, only the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app allows it to
be run.

Hi, having also wondered this as I just got Game Pass for PC simply because its such a good deal, here is what I found:

Despite installing the game into my E: drive, the .exe file is still located in my OS C: drive.

The address for Metro Exodus for example was;

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\DeepSilver.ProjectWindfall_1.0.11.0_x64__hmv7qcest37me

The application file has no icon or anything and trying to launch the game using this exe will display the error:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriete permissions to access the item.

This is despite me having full access over the folder and its subcontents (otherwise microsoft doesnt allow you to even open them in the first place). It seems like regardless of being able to access the .exe, only the Xbox Game Pass (Beta) app allows it to
be run.

I have the same problem with whatever game i install, you can not start or use the .exe of the game.

Yeah unfortunately my gaming rig is still powered by XP (don't do that much PC gaming anymore) so i'm not even sure i'll be able to partake in it tbh being as the email specified Windows 7

Thank you for contact us! I'm Anderson, an Independent Consultant and a Microsoft user like you.

good afternoon

It is possible that your profile does not have the necessary permissions, check if your account is an administrator account.

also check if your account is logged not only on the xbox app, but also on the microsoft store.

and finally if everything is correct, try this:

Microsoft has released an update to correct this issue. To install the update, follow these steps:

Select the Start button in the lower left corner of the main screen and select Settings.

Select Update and Security > Check for Updates.

Select View optional updates, then select update KB5004476 from the list.

KB5004476

Select Download and Install.

When the update is complete, restart the device.

You should now be able to install, update and launch games.

Are you still in trouble?

Create a notepad file with the following name:

"RepairGamingServices.ps1"

inside the file paste this text (if quotes):

"

Get-AppxPackage *gamingservices* -allusers | remove-appxpackage -allusers

Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServices" -recurse

Remove-Item -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\GamingServicesNet" -recurse

"

Then, to run, right-click on the file, and run as administrator. then restart windows. then you need to open the Xbox app from Windows 10 that will be warning you that you need to install an extra component for the app, accept and wait for the installation. After that, Microsoft guarantees that you will be able to reopen and download Xbox Game Pass games on Windows 10.

Hello, kro. Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft Community expert user. I'll be happy to assist you today.

Did you try to make a new user account and play your games there?

This should work for people having this issue.

The other option if you don't want to create a new user account is to do a full reset of the main account, which means losing all files/registry updates, programs, etc.