Xbox users are all too familiar with the frustration of being stuck on a black loading screen that says Preparing. This issue can sometimes be troublesome as it appears randomly and affects apps associated with your account, games, or console setup process.
In this article, we will provide multiple ways to resolve issues related to resolution problems when using the Xbox App, so you can get your device back up and running quickly. We will start by outlining what causes these setbacks, followed by providing solutions for getting out of them.
Additionally, we’ll offer advice on how to better prevent this experience in the future, ensuring that you enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
What do I do if I encounter Xbox app stuck on preparing?
Before trying the troubleshooting techniques in this article, we recommend restarting your system. Restarting your system can resolve many minor errors and even eliminate Xbox errors. You can also try restarting your router because many Xbox errors are associated with an unstable or weak connection.
However, try the solutions below if the above steps don’t work.
1. Update your Windows operating system
- Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Settings app.
- Select Windows Update on the left pane and choose Check for updates on the right side.
- If any update is available, download and install them on your device.
2. Repair and Reset the Xbox app
- Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to launch the Settings app and choose the Apps option on the left side of the screen.
- Now click the Apps & features option on the right side of your screen.
- Look for the Xbox app, click on the three small dots on the right side, and choose Advanced options.
- Click the Repair button.
- Wait for the Repair process to be completed and check to see if the problem has been fixed.
- If the problem persists, click the Reset button.
- Select Reset again on the next prompt that comes up.
3. End all EA process
- Hold the Ctrl + Shift + End keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
- Look for any EA-related processes, right-click on them, and choose End task from the menu.
- After this process, check whether the Xbox error has been resolved.
4. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
- Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to launch the Settings app; in the System tab, choose Troubleshoot on the right side.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Select the Run button on the right side of the Windows Store Apps option.
- Allow the troubleshooter to look for and resolve the problem.
- Check to see if the problem has been resolved.
5. Uninstall conflicting apps
- Hold the Windows + I keys simultaneously to launch the Settings app and choose the Apps option on the left side of the screen.
- Now click the Apps & features option on the right side of your screen.
- Look for the faulty or conflicting app, click the three small dots on the right side, and choose Uninstall.
- Hit the Uninstall button again in the confirmation prompt.
- Check to see if the problem persists.
6. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache
- Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously to open the search bar, type Windows Terminal in the text field, right-click on the related search result, and choose Run as administrator.
- On the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click Yes.
- Click the downward-facing arrow at the top of your screen, and choose Command Prompt from the list of options.
- Input the following command in your Command Prompt and hit Enter to reset your Microsoft store cache.
wsreset
- Finally, see if this process has fixed the problem.
7. Reset your device time/date
- Hold the Windows + S keys simultaneously to open the search bar, type Control Panel in the text field, and choose the relevant result.
- Select the Clock and Region option.
- Choose the Date and Time option.
- Select the Change date and time button.
- Modify the date and time according to your time zone.
- Hit the OK button once you finish adjusting the time and date.
- Check to see if the problem persists.
Why am I stuck on preparing download Xbox app?
You are stuck on the preparing download page in your Xbox app for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of this problem include:
- Pending Windows updates – You can anticipate this problem if your Windows setup lacks infrastructure updates that the Xbox App component needs to connect to the download server.
- Delivery optimization is disabled – If the delivery optimization feature for your Xbox App is disabled, you should also expect to encounter this problem.
- Xbox App installation issue – Other users who have experienced this issue have reported that it may also be related to a problem with the temporary files connected to the Xbox App or the installation’s file integrity.
- Corrupted system files – In some cases, this specific problem may also be caused by a system file corruption that affects your Windows file rather than the Xbox App installation.
- Windows Update service is improperly configured – Incorrect configuration of the Windows update service can also be a factor behind the Xbox error.
- Conflict with EA Play services – If you’re using Windows 11 and installed any supporting tools from EA Play, there’s a good chance that the underlying EA services are in conflict with the GamePass download.
The Xbox app stuck on the preparing page should not be a reason for you to stop enjoying your games. By following the steps in this article, you can immediately fix this error and return to enjoying your games in no time.
Ensure to try as many solutions as possible to get the best result. Tell us in the comment section below which solution worked best for you.