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Games for Windows - LIVE

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Revision as of 23:29, 12 August 2017 by EvaUnit02 (talk | contribs) (Added fix for error message: 'Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers.')
Games for Windows - LIVE
Games for Windows - LIVE cover
Developers
Microsoft
Release dates
Windows May 29, 2007
Games for Windows - LIVE at Wikipedia

Digital Distribution

Key points

Use 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.
Most games are region-locked on Steam, Latin America Users cannot view or purchase these games.
DRM: varies; see List of Games for Windows - LIVE games.
The Marketplace was closed on August 25, 2013 for new purchases; existing purchases can still be downloaded.[1]

Download

Latest version (3.5.95.0) can be downloaded here

Issues unresolved

If you still have any issues with GFWL, use XLiveLess

Issues fixed

Crashes, errors, impossible to log-in

Instructions

Backing up saves

Instructions

Moving saves between gamertags

If you rename your gamertag or switch to a different one your existing saves won't be shown in-game.[2]
Instructions

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.
Instructions
Instructions

Sign-in problems

In-game interface does not open

Instructions
Instructions
Instructions
Instructions

Code: 8015403A error

Instructions

Code: 80048821 error

Instructions
Instructions

Password contains special characters

Passwords need to be under 16 ASCII characters[3][4]
Instructions

Cannot connect in-game

Your Microsoft account might be able to log into other Microsoft services but not GfWL.

Instructions

'Can't connect to LIVE. A DNS lookup failed to locate the LIVE servers.' error message

These instructions are written with Windows 10 in mind but are probably largely the same for Win 7/8/8.1
Instructions

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).
Instructions

"Games for Windows – LIVE has encountered a corrupted file" error during ZDPP check

Instructions

Games not saving under Windows 8/8.1/10

Instructions


References