Administrator Updated on December 23, 2022 Are you missing some hardcore games in Windows 10 and want the same gaming experience as you had on your old machine? Don't worry, you could easily make those games playable in Windows 10 for free.
Most PC games work effectively on Windows 10. However, most games using Microsoft’s failed Games for Windows LIVE (GFWL) platform are likely to give you an error on windows 10. If that’s the case, you can just remove GFWL from most games to make them playable on windows 10.
Most games are no longer using GFWL, thus giving you a chance to install a patch that removes GFWL or redeem a non-GFWL copy. However, this does not apply to games such as Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV.
In this guide, we’ll help you fix that issue so you can play Windows Live Games on your Windows 10 PC without any problems.
Get a non-GFWL copy of the game
Most games have moved from Microsoft’s PC platform to Steam. If you purchased a game in the past whether as a digital download or a retail copy, you can convert the GFWL copy to its modern copy.
Games such as Dead Rising 2, Resident Evil 5, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition, and Bioshock 2 can be redeemed on Steam if you have a retail key or one provided by GFWL. After installing Steam and launching it, select the Games menu, and click “Activate a product on steam”. After that, enter a game’s product key to redeem it.
Crack GFWL out of the game
Bigger and popular games have third-party tools that can crack GFWL out of the game. However, these tools are not meant for piracy or cheating but to remove the hassle of GFWL. These modifications are available for specific and popular games, not all of them.
For example, games such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City may need XLiveLess modification to extract GFWL from the game.
Take note that you need to first install a file extraction program such as 7-Zip the file. Check the instructions given on the file to know how to install the modification you downloaded and to make sure that it works effectively.
Update your GFWL client software
Most games that require GFWL have their GFWL installers. When installing one of these games on modern versions of Windows, it establishes an understanding of GFWL that does not work effectively.
This makes the GFWL stop working properly without indicating the problem or giving an error message. To fix this issue, you need to download the latest version of Games for Windows Live. After installing the latest version, all GWFL enabled games should function properly.
Create a local profile
The best way to avoid syncing problems and online connectivity that affect your gameplay is by coming up with a local profile rather than having your profile on GFWL. This is highly effective for some specific games, although you will be required to have an online profile to use multiplayer features.
To do this, go to your GFWL Interface by clicking the “Home” button on your keyboard. Go to “GFWL enable games” and click ‘Create new profile” and proceed to “Create a profile screen”. Enter your details.
Note that creating a profile when playing a game can cause you to lose all your save file associated with your online profile.
Fix online connectivity problems
If you can’t connect with other players on GFWL, you may be having connectivity issues. Microsoft does not maintain this full time, and you are never likely to have a good experience. You can make your online connectivity work by making adjustments to your firewall settings
By allowing UPnp on your router, you can enable GFWL to forward your ports automatically so you can connect with other players.
If you are using a firewall software, allow GFWL client.
Microsoft will also guide you on how to troubleshoot GFWL connection problems.
Summary: Make Windows Live games playable in Windows 10
- Download Windows Live Essentials.
- Click the installer's "Install Windows Live Essentials" button.
- Uncheck other services to make sure you don't install any extras you don't need.
- Restart your computer.
- Re-install your games.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the steps provided above will help you resolve any issues associated with Windows Live Games.
