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Games for Windows - LIVE
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Digital Distribution
Key points
- Use the same Microsoft account and gamertag across other Xbox services.
- Cross-system chat with Xbox Live users.
- Only available in Xbox LIVE Countries.
Issues fixed
Backing up saves
Moving saves between gamertags
- If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.[1]
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.
Sign-in problems
Error 80048821 when using two-factor authentication
- If you have enabled two-factor authentication for your Microsoft account you must sign in with an app password.[2]
Password contains special characters
- Passwords need to be under 16 characters; using non-Unicode characters such as $%&%^>< may cause sign-in problems.
Cannot connect in-game
Your Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.
Crashes
Many people have problems with GFWL crashing in-game or when launching. See Games For Windows - Live Crashing SOLUTION for a fix.
Creating a local profile
- Local profiles don't need internet access.
- Multiplayer, achievements, DLC downloading and in-game patching are unavailable.
- Local profiles can't be used for games that are multiplayer-only or always-online (e.g. Age of Empires Online).
References