Failed to Load xgameruntime.dll Error Code 126 in Windows 10/11

Quick Steps:

8 Fixes for the "Failed to Load xgameruntime.dll Error Code 126"

What Does xgameruntime.dll Error Code 126 Mean?

When you open your Windows 10 and 11 and try to launch your games like Among US, No Man's Sky, Flight Simulator, or Dungeons, instead of loading into the game, you get the message "Failed to load xgameruntime.dll. Error code: 126." What does it mean?

The error code 126 often occurs when Windows fails to find or load the xgameruntime.dll file, an essential file for games using Microsoft Gaming Runtime. This is due to issues related to DLLs, such as a missing DLL file, corrupted game files, outdated drivers, antivirus software, or even a system failure.

Fix 1: Repair or Rest Gaming Service

The xgameruntime.dll is part of Microsoft's Gaming Services/Xbox infrastructure. If that service is corrupted, the DLL won't load. You can also repair or reset the damaged files with the tool.

Step 1. Go to Settings (Hotkey: Windows+I) > Apps > Installed Apps > Gaming Services (On Windows 11: Apps & features > Gaming Services.)

Step 2. Tap three dots on the side, and click "Advanced Options."

Step 3. Scroll down and tap "Repair."

Step 4. If it doesn't work, reset it.

Fix 2: Reinstall Game Service via PowerShell

This completely refreshes the Gaming Services app and its dependencies (including the DLL), eliminating corruption issues.

Step 1. Type PowerShell in the search window and open PowerShell as an administrator.

Step 2. Enter the following commands one by one and hit Enter.

get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices

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

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

Step 3. The Gaming Services will open in the Microsoft Store, log in to the store, and download it.

Step 4. Install the latest Microsoft DirectX.

Step 5. Then, restart the system and open the game.

Fix 3: Use System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that scans and repairs missing or damaged system files—including DLLs in C:\Windows\System32—restoring xgameruntime.dll if it's corrupted.

Step 1. Open your command prompt as an admin.

Step 2. Run sfc /scannow.

Fix 4: Download the DLL File

The xgameruntime.dll file might be missing or corrupted and cannot be repaired. In such a case, you can download and install the latest version of the DLL file from a trusted source to fix the issue.

Step 1. Visit https://www.dll-files.com/xgameruntime.dll.html on Google, and you'll see the file on dll-files.com.

Step 2. Download the file, extract it, and copy the file to your C drive > Windows > System32.

Step 3. Restart the system.

Fix 5: Update Graphics Drivers & Windows

Error 126 can occur due to dependencies missing from out-of-date runtime components or driver issues. Updating outdated graphics drivers from the manufacturer's website might be helpful.

Step 1. Check which graphics driver you are using on your PC:

Right-click the Windows start button and choose "Device Manager."

Expand "Display adapters" and right-click it to select "Properties."

Under the Driver tab, check the details.

Step 2. Visit the GPU manufacturer's site and download the latest drivers.

Step 3. Go to Settings > Windows Update and ensure you are using the latest Windows version.

Fix 6: Reinstall or Repair the Affected App/Game

Some apps bundle critical files like xgameruntime.dll locally within their installation folder—not in Windows system directories. Uninstalling and reinstalling ensures that all original files are restored.

Step 1. Restart your PC and open Steam.

Step 2. Right-click the affected game and select "Properties."

Step 3. Go to Local Files and click Verify integrity of game files....

Step 4. Relaunch the game if the error is solved.

Then, you can reinstall the game manually.

Step 1. Open Control Panel > Programs & Features, or use the platform's uninstall feature.

Step 2. Uninstall the affected game or app.

Step 3. Optionally delete the installation folder to ensure a clean start.

Step 4. Reinstall via installer, CD, download, or the app store.

Step 5. Launch the app/game and confirm the error is fixed.

Fix 7: Manually Register the DLL

Registers it in the system registry. However, xgameruntime.dll isn't a classic COM object, so this often doesn't apply—but Windows might need the correct registry mapping.

Use the command:

regsvr32 xgameruntime.dll

Fix 8: Whitelist Antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus tools mistakenly quarantine DLLs during installation or launch processes. This can be a hidden cause behind missing files. If reinstalling doesn't help, try:

Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection

Step 1. Open Start and search Windows Security.

Step 2. Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.

Step 3. Toggle off the real-time protection.

Restore Quarantined Files

If Defender quarantined xgameruntime.dll:

Step 1. Open the command prompt as an admin.

Step 2. Go to Defender's folder:

cd "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender"

Step 3. List quarantined items:

MpCmdRun.exe -restore -listall

Step 4. Restore the DLL using its threat name or filename.

MpCmdRun.exe -restore -name "ThreatName"

Or specify path:

MpCmdRun.exe -restore -name "ThreatName" -Path C:\RestoreFolder

Add Game Folder to Antivirus Exclusions

Step 1. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings> scroll to Exclusions and click Add or remove exclusions.

Step 2. Click Add an exclusion > choose Folder > select your game/app installation folder.

Step 3. Confirm, so Defender will ignore that folder in future scans.

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Wrapping up

This article lists possible causes and solutions for the "Failed to load xgameruntime.dll. Error code 126" issue. To fix it, you can try reinstalling Gaming Services or the affected game, downloading the required xgameruntime.dll file, updating your graphics drivers, or whitelisting the game in your antivirus settings.

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