If you are trying to playing Forza 6 on PC but keep getting this "Invalid Gaming Services Detected: Forza Horizon 6 must be run with a later version of Gaming Services”. Error message it means your PC is running an outdated version of Gaming Services. This happens from time to time and is an easy fix. Though a little time consuming so follow along as we guide you through the steps.
Takeaways:
- Whats causing "Invalid Gaming Services Detected: Forza Horizon 6 must be run with a later version of Gaming Services”.
- Can you fix "Invalid Gaming Services Detected: Forza Horizon 6 must be run with a later version of Gaming Services”? Or do I need to wait for a patch?
Table of Contents
How to Fix Invalid Gaming Services Detected for Forza Horizon 6
The quickest and easiest fix for this problem is to use the Microsoft Store to update the Gaming Services service. However this won't work for everyone. But it's worth a shot.
- Open Microsoft Store
- Go to Library
- Click Get updates
- Wait for all updates to complete
Note: If Gaming Services appears, install it. If it does not appear, continue to the next step.
Open Gaming Services Page Directly
Sometimes the component is hidden from search results so you will
- Open the Gaming Services page through the Microsoft system link
- Select Install or View in Store
- When the Store opens, confirm installation
If nothing happens or the page does not install correctly, you will need to install it via PowerShell.
Reinstall Gaming Services Using PowerShell
This is the most reliable fix when updates fail.
- Open Start Menu
- Search for Windows PowerShell
- Right-click and select Run as administrator
- Paste and run this command:
get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
- Press Enter
- Restart your PC
After reboot, Windows will automatically reinstall Gaming Services when needed.
Reset Microsoft Store Cache
If it still isn't working you will need to clear the Store cache manually.
- Press Win + R
- Search: wsreset.exe
- Press Enter
- Wait for Microsoft Store to reopen
Then retry the update or launch the game again.
Repair or Reset Xbox App
The issue might be linked to the Xbox App rather than Gaming Services. They are both closely integrated so this isn't uncommon.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Find Xbox app
- Select Advanced Options
- Click Repair
- If needed, click Reset
This restores default configuration without affecting your account.
Install Windows Updates
You can check to see if there are any Windows updates available but it's a long shot.
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install everything available
- Restart your PC
Reinstall Xbox Dependencies (If Still Broken)
We're running out of solutions at this point... But you can try this if you are deserate.
- Open PowerShell as administrator
- Remove Xbox-related packages:
get-appxpackage *xbox* | remove-appxpackage -allusers
- Restart your PC
- Reinstall the Xbox app from Microsoft Store
This rebuilds the full gaming service stack, including Gaming Services.
Wait for Game Updates
Annoyingly you might just have to wait for game updates to be rolled out that fix this issue. That said I have had similar issues with the Gaming Services service on Windows 11 and the only way to fix them was to clean install Windows 11 from a completely new installation media. This article is a good example of what I mean.
