Error : c:\Windows\System32\xlive.dll, Unable to play a game - Windows 10 Insider Preview

Hello Ahmed,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand how frustrating it could be when things do not work as expected. I will certainly help you with this issue.

This issue can be caused due to pending updates, system file corruption or corruption in the game itself. Let’s try to identify the actual cause and troubleshoot accordingly.

However, before we proceed I would require some more information to assist you better.

1. Which game are you trying to play?

2. Have you installed all the pending updates (including optional updates)? Check if there is any update left to install?

3. What is the build version of the installed Windows 10 Insider Preview?

4. Have you updated the Windows 10 Insider Preview to the latest build version "10130"?

Follow the steps to check the Windows build version:

a. Press Windows key + R key, Run window opens.

b. Type winver in the open box and click Ok.

c. Windows Version window opens and check which build version are you using.

If your system is up to date with all Windows Updates and the issue still persists, then I would suggest you to try the following methods:

Method 1:

Xlive.dll file comes in the 'Games for Live' package installer. Let’s try to download Xlive.dll from the following link and check if that helps.

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=128962

a) Download the package.

b) Right click the package and choose 'Run as Administrator'.

c) Install the application and restart the computer.

d) Try and run the game and check if the issue persists.

If the issue still persists, then try method 2.

Method 2:

Run System File Checker (SFC) scan and check if it helps.

SFC scan will scan for corrupt system files on the computer and repair them.

1. Press Windows key + X, click Command Prompt (Admin).
2. In the Command Prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
   sfc /scannow

If that does not help, then try method 3.

Method 3:

Try to uninstall the game and then reinstall it.

To do so, refer the link:

Uninstall, change or repair a program (Holds good for Windows 10 Insider Preview)

Hope this would help. If issue still persists post back with current status of your computer and result of the proposed suggestion, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you