If you’re tired of having the Xbox Game Bar popping up on your Windows 11 system, uninstalling it is a straightforward task. It involves using the settings menu and PowerShell commands. Follow these steps to remove it completely from your system.
How to Uninstall Xbox Game Bar Windows 11
This guide will walk you through the entire process of uninstalling the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11. We’ll cover both the settings menu and PowerShell methods to ensure you can successfully get rid of it.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the “Settings” application on your Windows 11.
You can do this by clicking the Start button and then selecting the gear icon, or by pressing the Windows + I keys together. The Settings menu is your go-to place for managing your system.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
Scroll down and click on the “Apps” section within Settings.
The Apps section is where you can manage all of your installed applications. Here, you’ll find a list of everything installed on your computer.
Step 3: Click on Installed Apps
Within the Apps section, click on “Installed apps.”
This will show you a list of all the applications currently installed on your Windows 11 system. You can use the search bar to find specific apps.
Step 4: Find Xbox Game Bar
Type “Xbox Game Bar” into the search bar.
This makes locating the Xbox Game Bar much easier. It should appear as the first result.
Step 5: Uninstall Xbox Game Bar
Click the three-dot menu next to Xbox Game Bar and select “Uninstall.”
A pop-up will confirm your action. Click “Uninstall” again to remove the app from your system.
Step 6: Open PowerShell as Administrator
If Xbox Game Bar doesn’t fully uninstall, open PowerShell as an administrator.
You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin).” This provides additional system control.
Step 7: Enter the Uninstallation Command
Type the following command into PowerShell and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay | Remove-AppxPackage
This command forces the removal of the Xbox Game Bar app. Make sure you type it correctly to avoid errors.
After following these steps, the Xbox Game Bar will be removed from your system. You’ll no longer see it popping up or running in the background.
Tips for Uninstalling Xbox Game Bar Windows 11
- Backup Your Data: Always make sure to back up important files before making system changes.
- Check for Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Use PowerShell with Caution: PowerShell commands can affect your system deeply, so double-check your commands.
- Restart Your PC: After uninstalling, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
- Reinstall If Needed: You can always reinstall Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xbox Game Bar?
Xbox Game Bar is a customizable gaming overlay built into Windows 11, designed to help gamers capture screenshots, record videos, and stream their gameplay.
Can I reinstall Xbox Game Bar later?
Yes, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store anytime you want.
Why can’t I uninstall Xbox Game Bar?
Some system settings or updates may prevent you from uninstalling it through the standard method. In such cases, use PowerShell.
Will uninstalling Xbox Game Bar affect my games?
Uninstalling Xbox Game Bar will not affect the games installed on your system. It only removes the overlay features.
Is it safe to use PowerShell for uninstallation?
Yes, it’s safe if you follow the commands correctly. Always double-check the commands before executing them.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Apps
- Click on Installed Apps
- Find Xbox Game Bar
- Uninstall Xbox Game Bar
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Enter the Uninstallation Command
Conclusion
Uninstalling the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11 is a quick and effective way to free up system resources and reduce background activity, especially if you’re not an Xbox gamer. Following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure you can remove it completely. Got any other system tweaks in mind? Dive into the settings or explore PowerShell for more customization. As always, make sure to back up your data and proceed with caution when using administrative tools. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.