How to Fix “An Error Occurred” on Google Play Games on PC

If you are trying to install or launch Google Play Games on Windows but keep getting the: “An error occurred during installation.” error message. This usually means that the installer failed to initialize its required virtualization environment or cannot download all the components from Google’s servers. Most of the time it's a virtualization or networking issue so follow along as we guide you through a few steps that will fix this problem for you.

How to Fix “An Error Occurred” on Google Play Games on PC

First up! If your computer doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for Google Play Games you can quit this guide right here. Below are the requirements you need to meet for everything to work. If you fall short in any area you can expect problems.

System Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64 bit and fully updated.
• CPU with hardware virtualization support enabled.
• 8GB RAM recommended.
• SSD with sufficient free space.
• Compatible GPU with updated drivers.
• Administrator access.
• Avoid stripped down Windows builds that remove virtualization components.

Enable Windows Virtualization Features

Even if BIOS virtualization is enabled, Google Play Games needs specific Windows features enabled as well.

• Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
• In the Windows Features window:
  • Check Virtual Machine Platform.
  • Check Windows Hypervisor Platform (if available).
• Click OK and allow Windows to install these components.
• Restart your PC.
• Launch Google Play Games and check if the issue is resolved.

Note: If these options are missing, greyed out, or uncheck themselves after rebooting, it could mean you lack administrative rights, the PC is managed by an organization, or Windows is corrupted. A lot of school PCs will block these features as well.

Note: Check out this guide for more information.

Enable CPU Virtualization (VT-x or SVM) in BIOS/UEFI

If Windows features are enabled but the error persists, CPU virtualization might be disabled in your BIOS/UEFI.

• Shut down your PC completely.
• Turn it on and immediately press the BIOS/UEFI access key. This is often Del, F2, F10, or Esc check your motherboard manual if unsure.
• Go to the Advanced or CPU Configuration section.
• Find and enable Intel VT-x (for Intel CPUs) or SVM (for AMD CPUs).
• Save your changes and exit (usually by pressing F10).
• Boot into Windows and try Google Play Games again.

Note: Check out this guide for more information.

Switch DNS to Cloudflare

If your ISP DNS is slow or filtering Google services, you might need to change DNS. Some countries will block things and a DNS swap will sometimes bypass things without needing to use a VPN or proxy.

• Press Windows + R.
• Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
• Right click your active network and select Properties.
• Open Internet Protocol Version 4.
• Select Use the following DNS.
• Enter:
  • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
  • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
• Click OK
• Restart Google Play Games and retry installation.

Note: You can revert to automatic DNS later if you want.

Change Network or Use a VPN

Some ISPs have unstable routing to Google services, which can interrupt installation downloads.

• Close Google Play Games from Task Manager.
• Switch to a different WiFi network or mobile hotspot.
• Alternatively, temporarily enable a VPN.
• Restart installation.

Note: A VPN is typically only required during setup. After successful installation, you can disable it.

Reinstall Google Play Games

If previous attempts failed due to disabled virtualization or network interruption, some components may be corrupted.

• Open Settings.
• Go to Apps and Installed apps.
• Locate Google Play Games.
• Click Uninstall.
• Restart your PC.
• Download the latest installer from the official website.
• Run the installer as administrator.