Why Does Xbox Series X Won’t Load Games? How To Fix It

It can be frustrating when your Xbox Series X won’t load games. Over the years, there have been multiple complaints from Xbox Series X users experiencing this issue.

Don’t get all worked up over this, though. We’ll check out the causes of this nuisance and a couple of solutions too.

The Xbox Series X could fail to load games due to improper disk placement, network interruptions or software bugs. You can quickly fix this issue by restarting your console, clearing the local saved data or signing into the correct Xbox account.

Now that you have a clue about what could cause the issue, let’s get into the details of how to fix it and ensure it never happens again.

Why the Xbox Series X Won’t Load Games?

Possible reasons why the Xbox Series X won’t load games  include:

• Improper disk placement.
• Network interruptions.
• Game data could be corrupt.
• Internal system bugs within the console.
• Bugs within the game code.
• Using the wrong account to load a downloaded game.

How To Fix A Xbox Series X That Won’t Load Games?

Before we delve in, it is crucial to understand that the Xbox Series X allows both disk and downloaded games.

To load a game that is not on disk:

1. Tap the Xbox key on the controller to open the guide.
2.  Select My Games and Apps.
3. Tap See all.
4. Here, pick Full library followed by All owned games.
5. Select any of the downloaded and installed games.

If the game is on a disk:

You should ensure that you insert it into the tray correctly. Ensure that the disk is clean and is not damaged. You can clean it by wiping it using a clean, soft, damp cloth.

Here’s how to correctly insert the disk into the console:

1. Place it with the artwork facing the top of your console if it stands horizontally.
2. If it sits vertically, place the disk with the artwork facing left.

Note: Do not touch the disk surface.

Solution #1: Restart Your System

Sometimes a sudden crash or a failure to load games can be caused by a temporary issue that can be corrected by simply restarting the system. A restart should be the first thing you do.

To do this from the guide

1. Tap the Xbox button on your console or controller to open the Guide.
2. On the guide, click on Profile & system.
3. select Settings > General > Power mode & startup.
4. Click Restart now. Your console will restart.

To force the power cycle

A complete power cycle fully reboots your entire system and does not affect any saved game data.

To perform one:

1. Hold the Xbox button on the console for a minimum of  10 seconds.
2. To turn it back on, press the Xbox button on your controller or the one on the console.
3. Try reloading the game.

Solution #2: Check Your Network Connection

A network connection issue can prevent your game from loading. Some games require online resources and will not be loaded.

Here’s how to check your network status:

1. Tap the Xbox key on the controller to open Guide.
2. Click on Profile & system and open Settings.
3. In settings, select  General > Network settings.
4. On  Network settings, pick Test network connection.
5. Try reloading the game.

Solution #3: Confirm The Account Profile You Are Using

Gameplay can be affected by a faulty user profile. Your data, as well as game data for your account, could be corrupted. This prevents the game from loading properly.

Try loading the same game using a different user profile on the same console to confirm whether this is the case. You can also try to delete your account and create a new one.

Here’s how to add an account or switch to another account:

1. Open the Guide by pressing the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Click on Profile & system, and then tap on Add or switch.
3. Pick a different profile from the one with the errors.
4. Now restart the game to see if it works correctly under a different profile.

Note: If you don't have an additional account to log into, create a test account by following the instructions on the log-in page. 

If the game is now playable, we confirm that the problem is with your profile. Removing the old one and reading it or adding a new one will solve the problem.

To Remove Your Account

1. Open Guide by clicking the Xbox button.
2. Click on Profile & system, then Settings.
3. In settings, select Account followed by Remove accounts.
4. Select the account you want to remove and click Remove.

To Re-Download Your Profile

1. Click the Xbox button and open the guide.
2. Go to Profile & system > Add or switch.
3. Select Add new.
4. Input your Microsoft credentials.
5. Follow the prompts to completion and try loading the game again.

The problem should be fixed. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Solution #4: Clear The Local Save And Resync With The Cloud

A corrupted local save could prevent the game from loading. If that is the case, then removing the local save and syncing with the cloud will resolve the issue.

You can delete the local save with the following procedure:

1. Open Guide by pressing the huge round button on the top part of  your controller.
2. Go to the My Games and Apps tab, select See all, then go to Games.
3. Highlight the specific game and press Menu on your controller.
4. Go to  Manage game and add-ons, then Saved data.
5. Click on Delete all and follow the prompts to completion.
6. Restart your console using any of the methods we have looked into.

If the issue was a corrupt local save, the game should now play.

Solution #5: Confirm The Account That Purchased The Game

To play downloaded games, you are required to log in to the Xbox service with the same account that paid for the game.

Otherwise, the game will not load. To confirm the account used to buy the game, check your Xbox purchase history.

Note: You will be required to provide your Microsoft credentials.

This is how to do it:

1. Sign in to your account. You may be asked for a security code sent to you via email.
2. Go to Payment & billing > Order history, at the top.
3. Click on Details to view all your transactions.

Load the account with the required licenses for that game and try again.

Solution #6: Uninstall The Game And Reinstall It

It’s possible that the failure to load could imply that the game data is compromised. You can try uninstalling the game and then reinstalling it.

To uninstall

1. Open Guide and go to the My Games and Apps tab.
2. Select See all, then go to Games.
3. Select the game you want to be uninstalled.
4. Press Menu on the controller.
5. Select uninstall > Uninstall all.
6. Once it’s done, restart your console.

To reinstall

1. Sign into your Xbox account.
2. Open Guide by pressing the Xbox button.
3. Go to My games & apps > See all > Full library.
4. In the Full library, select All owned games.
5. Select a game and click on Install all.
6. Try loading the game again.

Solution #7: Reset Your Console’s Operating System

A fault in the console operating system could prevent games from loading. You can reset it without losing your downloaded games.

Here are the steps for performing a reset:

1. Click the Xbox button. This opens the Guide.
2. Go to Profile & system > Settings > System.
3. In System, pick Console info > Reset console.
4. On the Reset console screen, click on Reset and keep my games & apps.

Note: To factory reset the entire console, select Reset and remove everything. 

This will erase all your user data and cannot be undone. It would be best to use this option as a last resort.

Read Next: Why Is DVD Not Working on Xbox One?

Final Thoughts

I hope that now you know why your Xbox Series X won’t load games. It’s good to note that new bugs will always be present, as the platform is in constant development.

Always keep your console updated to receive new bug fixes from Microsoft. If the issue persists, contact Microsoft’s Xbox customer support team.

The dedicated team of experts could repair your console or replace it if you still have a valid warranty card.