Games for Windows - LIVE
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Microsoft |
Windows |
May 29, 2007 |
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Key points
- Requires installation of the latest version to function on Windows 8 and later.
- The Marketplace was closed on August 25, 2013 for new purchases; existing purchases are supposed to still available to download,[1] although the service has been non-functional since 2018.[2][3][4][5]
- DRM varies; see the DRM section for details, or the list of games using GFWL. Some games have had it removed from certain versions, see the list of games formerly using GFWL. For a list of Steam games that use Games for Windows - LIVE, see The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam.
- Not to be confused with the simpler Games for Windows (no LIVE) certification[6]
- Uses the same Microsoft account and gamertag across other Xbox services.
- Only available in Xbox Live Countries and Regions; players outside these areas must use a local profile. Local profile support is listed beside the game when known.
- Most games are region-locked on Steam, Latin America users cannot view or purchase these games.
Download link
- Remove any existing versions of the GFWL Marketplace and LIVE Redistributable.
- Download and install the Games for Windows - LIVE software.
Games for Windows - LIVE
Creating a local profile
- Local profiles don't need internet access.
- Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable (many games can be patched manually; refer to the individual game pages for details).
- Local profiles can't be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. Age of Empires Online).
Create local profile[7]
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- While in any game sign out of your existing profile (if you are signed in), then choose Create New Profile.
- Choose Create New Profile again.
- At the Create Gamer Profile screen, scroll down and click the "create a local profile" blue link.
- Name your profile and click Submit.
- Customize the profile now if you want to, then click Done to save your profile.
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Backing up saves
Back up XLive folder[citation needed]
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- Back up the game's normal save folder.
- Back up the XLive folder:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive
- Restore everything to the same locations.
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Moving saves between gamertags
- If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.[8]
Move saves to new gamertag
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- Log into the game with your new gamertag and save the game to make the new folder, then exit the game.
- Go to the game's save folder, e.g. for Fallout 3 this is
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\Saves\ .
- Move everything from the old gamertag's folder to the new one, replacing all existing files.
- If it worked your saves will now show up in-game under the new gamertag.
- Some games specifically block saves being moved between profiles so this may not work for all games.
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Backing up installers
- Installation files are normally deleted after installation is complete; you can back them up to avoid having to download them again.
- Games reinstalled from backups will not show up as installed in the Marketplace client but will otherwise work normally.
- You may also want to keep a copy of your game keys, accessible from the Marketplace client by going to the item and then choosing View Game Keys.
Backing up installers for games purchased through the Marketplace[citation needed]
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- Download the game through the Marketplace client but do not install it yet.
- Go to the downloads folder, found in the following location by default:
- Vista and later:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads
- Windows XP:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\GFWLive\Downloads
- Copy the installation files somewhere else then install the game normally if you wish.
- To reinstall the game from your backup extract the CAB file(s) and run the MSI inside.
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Backing up patch update installers[citation needed]
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- Allow the game to download the update in-game when prompted.
- Cancel the UAC prompt or installer window when it appears.
- Go to the updates folder, found in the following location by default:
- Vista and later:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive\Updates
- Windows XP:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\XLive\Updates
- Copy the installation files somewhere else then allow the game to retry the update installation if you wish.
- To reinstall the update from your backup extract the CAB file(s) and run the EXE (or MSI if there is no EXE).
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DRM
- List of games using Games for Windows - LIVE.
There are two types of GFWL activation, Server-Side Activation (SSA) and Legacy (Per-Title 5x5). Both can also utilize Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) to prevent access to games before the release date. ZDPP protected titles are marked as such.
Server-Side Activation (SSA)
- Server-Side Activation (SSA) include a unique product key with the game. The key is permanently bound to the Microsoft account, similar to Steam. These games have no activation limits.
- If an SSA product key is bound to an account that is not in a supported region the key will be lost (and, consequently, access to the game).
- Any game with Module Authentication (MA) disables the possibility of creating a local profile to play.
Legacy (Per-Title 5x5)
- Simple product key check; requires internet access for online profile but does not attach the key to the Microsoft account.
- Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles. Then, the game must be purchased again.
Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP)
Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP) is an additional DRM check used to prevent access to the game in retail copies before the release date. It relies on an online service to decrypt encrypted critical game files stored on the retail disc, and when the user tries to launch the game the Zero Day Piracy Protection Tool is launched instead. This tool connects and transmits the ID of the protected game to Microsoft's online ZDP service hosted at https://zdp.gamesforwindows.com/Zdp/Zdp.svc/. The online service looks up the release date for the requested game ID and validates if the date have passed. If so the service will respond with the decryption codes for the protected files which the local tool will use to decrypt the encrypted files, allowing the game to be played.
Issues unresolved
- If you still have any issues with GFWL, use XLiveLess
Issues fixed
Crashes, errors, impossible to log-in
Reinstall updated client[citation needed]
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- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
- Reinstall latest version.
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Corrupted file error during ZDPP check
- ""Games for Windows – LIVE has encountered a corrupted file"
Run Zdp.exe[9]
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- Go to the game's installation folder.
- Go into the
Zdp folder.
- Run
Zdp.exe .
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Games not saving under Windows 8/8.1/10
Uninstall & reinstall client with Windows 7 compatibility and as Admin[10]
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- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows – LIVE Redistributable.
- Uninstall Microsoft Games for Windows Marketplace.
- Reboot Windows.
- Download the latest version of the Games for Windows Marketplace Client installer.
- Right-click the above installer, go to Properties and click the Compatibility tab. Tick the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" box and select “Windows 7”. Also tick the "Run this program as an administrator" box. Click Apply and then OK.
- Now run the installer.
- Once installed run your GFWL game and retrieve your Gamertag profile if necessary.
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Sign-in problems
In-game interface does not open
Make sure you logged in the desktop client at least once[citation needed]
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- Open start menu/screen
- Search for Games for Windows
- Open the client and log in there
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Install the Sign-in Assistant[citation needed]
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- These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
- Install the Sign-in Assistant:
- Launch the game again and the interface should now open normally.
Notes
- Fails to install if Windows Update service is disabled[citation needed]
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Ensure Sign-in Assistant service is running[citation needed]
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- If the Sign-in Assistant is installed but not working the service might not be running.
- These steps do not apply to Windows 8 and later.
- Go to Services:
- Vista and 7: open the Start screen/Start menu, type
services.msc and press ↵ Enter.
- Windows XP: press ⊞ Win+R, type
services.msc and press ↵ Enter.
- Open the Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant entry on the list.
- Ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.
- If the service is Stopped, click Start and wait until the Service status says Started.
- Close the Services windows and try again.
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Code: 8015403A error
Try to log in website[citation needed]
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Code: 80048821 error
Try "Sign in with a different gamertag" in the Windows Live ID dropdown menu[citation needed]
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Password contains special characters
- Passwords need to be under 16 ASCII characters[12][13]
Change incompatible password[citation needed]
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- Go to https://account.live.com/Password/Change
- Set a new password that is 16 characters or less and has only ASCII characters.
- Try signing in with your new password.
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Cannot connect in-game
Your Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.
Attempt workarounds[citation needed]
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- "Sign in as a different user", then re-enter the same account credentials.
- Open an administrator-level command prompt.
- Enter
netsh.exe interface ipv4 show interfaces and note the number it returns.
- Identify your Local Area Connection, then type in
netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface 10 mtu=1492 store=persistent Replace "10" with the value for your Local Area Connection from the first command's results. This may need to be run every time you want to play the game.
- This problem arises because GFWL tries to alter your network connection's MTU before using it.
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DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers
- "Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers."
- These instructions are written with Windows 10 in mind but are probably largely the same for Win 7/8/8.1
Flush all DNS entries in cache & change default DNS servers to OpenDNS servers[14]
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Flush the DNS entries from your DNS cache
- Press Windows key + X. Select 'Command Prompt (Admin)'.
- Type the following:- ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter.
- Type:- exit then press Enter to close the command prompt window.
Change your DNS servers to OpenDNS servers
- Open the Control Panel (press Start key and type control panel to find it).
- Under the 'Network and Internet' header click 'View network status and tasks'.
- Select the current network used for your internet connection (eg 'Ethernet' or 'Wifi 1'), right-click and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
- Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' from the 'This connection uses the following items' box. Click 'Properties' button.
- Click the checkbox labelled 'Use the following DNS server addresses:'
- In the 'Preferred DNS server:' box type or copy-paste in 208.67.222.222.
- In the 'Alternative DNS server:' box type or copy-paste in 208.67.220.220.
- Click 'OK' and then click 'Close' for internet connection's Properties window.
- Sign out of your Windows log-in or restart your PC for changes to take affect.
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List of games using Games for Windows - LIVE
Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
Game |
Developer |
Publisher |
First release |
Local profile |
ZDPP |
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition |
Project Aces |
Bandai Namco Entertainment |
2013-01-25 |
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Age of Empires Online |
Robot Entertainment, Gas Powered Games |
Microsoft Studios |
2011-08-16 |
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Batman: Arkham City |
Rocksteady Studios |
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Feral Interactive, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-11-22 |
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Battle vs. Chess |
Targem Games |
TopWare Interactive |
2011-05-17 |
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Blacklight: Tango Down |
Zombie Studios |
Ignition Entertainment |
2010-07-14 |
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Bulletstorm |
People Can Fly, Epic Games |
Electronic Arts |
2011-02-22 |
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CarneyVale: Showtime |
Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab |
Microsoft Game Studios |
2010-11-11 |
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Colin McRae: DiRT 2 |
Codemasters |
Codemasters, Feral Interactive |
2009-12-04 |
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Crash Time 4: The Syndicate |
Synetic |
DTP Entertainment, city Interactive, Ubisoft |
2010-12-23 |
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Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition |
FromSoftware |
Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware |
2012-08-23 |
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Dark Void |
Airtight Games |
Capcom |
2010-01-19 |
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Dead Rising 2 |
Blue Castle Games |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2010-09-28 |
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Dead Rising 2: Off the Record |
Capcom Vancouver |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-10-11 |
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DiRT 3 |
Codemasters |
Codemasters, Feral Interactive |
2011-05-24 |
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F1 2010 |
Codemasters Birmingham |
Codemasters |
2010-09-22 |
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F1 2011 |
Codemasters Birmingham |
Codemasters |
2011-09-20 |
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Fable III |
Lionhead Studios |
Microsoft Studios |
2011-05-17 |
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Game Room |
Krome Studios |
Microsoft Game Studios |
2010-03-24 |
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Gotham City Impostors |
Monolith Productions |
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
2012-02-07 |
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Iron Brigade |
Double Fine Productions |
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2012-08-13 |
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Lost Planet 2 |
Capcom |
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2010-10-12 |
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Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom |
Creat Studios |
TikGames, Big Fish Games |
2007-03-07 |
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Microsoft Flight |
Microsoft Studios Vancouver |
Microsoft Studios |
2012-02-29 |
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Ms. Splosion Man |
Twisted Pixel Games |
Microsoft Studios |
2013-04-03 |
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Operation Flashpoint: Red River |
Codemasters |
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2011-04-21 |
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Section 8 |
TimeGate Studios |
SouthPeak Interactive |
2009-09-04 |
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Section 8: Prejudice |
TimeGate Studios |
Atari |
2011-05-04 |
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Street Fighter X Tekken |
Dimps, Capcom |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2012-05-11 |
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Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
Capcom, Dimps |
Capcom, 1C-SoftClub |
2011-07-05 |
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Toy Soldiers |
Signal Studios |
Microsoft Studios |
2012-04-27 |
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Virtua Tennis 4 |
Sega AM2 |
Sega |
2011-06-24 |
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Where's Waldo? The Fantastic Journey |
Ludia |
Microsoft Game Studios, Ubisoft |
2009-09-22 |
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Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles
- This section is automated; refer to the individual game pages to add or update entries.
No results
Games for Windows Marketplace releases
- These games only had Games for Windows - LIVE when purchased from the Games for Windows Marketplace.
- These versions are no longer available for sale following the Marketplace's closure on August 25, 2013 for new purchases.[1]
Server-Side Activation (SSA) titles
Legacy (Per-Title 5x5) titles
List of games formerly using Games for Windows - LIVE
- These games have had Games for Windows - LIVE removed from certain versions in favour of Steam or other services.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wayback Machine: PC Marketplace closing | PC Marketplace - Xbox.com
- ↑ NeoGAF - Games for Windows Live purchases no longer downloadable from client [Edit: Fixed] - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Microsoft Community - GFWL keeps saying there was an error retrieving your purchase history. please sign out and try again later. - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ Steam Community - There was an error retrieving your purchase history - last accessed on 2018-02-26
- ↑ https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/i-will-continue-insisting-for-the-games-for/ae8a7b21-9243-4672-9c2b-8c8509c79b04?page=1
- ↑ For Publishers | Games for Windows
- ↑ Verified by User:SojerManLan on 2021-09-20
- Tested with a retail installation of Fable III. Once the GFWL overlay pop-up appeared, I was able to follow the instructions and create a local profile.
- ↑ PSA: If you change your Windows Live gamer tag name, all of your GFWL save games will disappear.
- ↑ Fix: Dark Souls Prepare to Die Games for Windows Live Zero Day Protection not unlocking | Screened by Slimm
- ↑ How to fix Games for Windows Live on Windows 8 Pro x64 (And Windows 10 too!)
- ↑ Games For Windows live marketplace Code: 80048821 - Microsoft Community
- ↑ Microsoft No Longer Accepts Long Passwords, Shortens Them For You | The Next Web
- ↑ security - Is it true that Microsoft doesn't allow more than 16 characters in their Hotmail password? - Web Applications Stack Exchange
- ↑ DNS lookup failed? I have no idea what this is or how to fix it. What do I do?
- ↑ Ace Combat Assault Horizon enhanced Edition title Update - Game for Windows Live functionalities replaced by Steamworks funtionalities. - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: ACE COMBAT™ ASSAULT HORIZON Enhanced Edition
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Important Batman Arkham Announcement - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Batman: Arkham City GOTY
- ↑ News - BioShock 2 Updated
- ↑ HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record now on Steam, on sale - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Dead Rising 2
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Steamworks Migration / Troubleshooting FAQ (Updated!) :: Dead Rising 2 General Discussions
- ↑ DiRT 3 Complete Edition - Now Available With 100% Less GFWL
- ↑ Fallout 3: Game of the Year - Update 1.7.0.4
- ↑ Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City updates to remove Games for Windows Live - Rockstar Games Customer Support - last accessed on 2020-03-25
- "As a result of this update the following services will no longer be available in Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition - Games for Windows Live, Multiplayer mode, Leaderboards"
- ↑ Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Goes GFWL-Free with New Indie Bundle
- ↑ Update: GFWL Gone, progress wiped :: Iron Brigade General Discussions
- ↑ Steamworks update! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Ms. Splosion Man
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/app/105420/discussions/0/522729358512938354/#c45350244936638030
- ↑ Red Faction Guerrilla Steam Edition LIVE - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Red Faction: Guerrilla Steam Edition
- ↑ "Gold Edition" Content Now Available! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Resident Evil 5 / Biohazard 5
- ↑ Just Updated with Steamworks - Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition, 75% off!
- ↑ News - Toy Soldiers Product Update
- ↑ Dawn of War II Patch Notes and Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II General Discussions
- ↑ Dawn of War II - Chaos Rising Patch Notes/Updates :: Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II - Chaos Rising™ General Discussions