SOLVED! Games for Windows – Live Error Retrieving Purchase History – Quick Fix

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A minor hitch in the Windows store could cause Games for Windows – Live error retrieving purchase history which can be solved by running Windows Store troubleshooter. You may also have to delete some temporary files, restart your device, reset Windows Store, ensure that the time and date are correct, switch your user account and perform a clean boot. To learn how to do all these like a pro, ensure to study the solutions listed below.

Actions To Take

Window Store Apps Troubleshooter

Overall, Windows incorporates various troubleshooters that prove handy whenever users run into computer issues. In the case that you suspect Windows Store to be behind the GFWL error, you should think about running the Window Store Apps Troubleshooter

  • Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type control then hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
  • Step 3: Select Troubleshooting and click Hardware and Sound.
  • Step 4: Select Windows Store Apps then click Next to start.
  • Step 5: Follow the instructions and wait for the troubleshooting to wrap up.

Delete Temporary Files

Since it may be challenging to identify temporary files used by Games for Windows – Live, you will have to delete all of the temporary files.

  • Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type temp then hit Enter to open the location for temporary files
  • Step 3: Press Ctrl + A to select all the files.
  • Step 4: Press the Delete button on your keyboard to get rid of all the files.
  • Step 5: Choose Skip if you’re presented with a File In Use warning during the deletion process.

Note: Depending on the settings, you need administrative privileges to access temporary files.

Restart

Generally speaking, restart is known to solve a multitude of errors. Thus, regarding Games for Windows – Live error retrieving purchase history, it’s a good idea to give restart a go.

  • Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type msconfig then hit Enter.
  • Step 3: On General tab, select Normal Startup and click OK.
  • Step 4: When prompted to restart the computer, click Restart.

Reset Windows Store

If corrupted/damaged system files impair the performance of  Games for Windows – Live, don’t hesitate to reset Windows Store.

  • Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type cmd then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Step 3: Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter to initiate the reset.
  • Step 4: Once the reset concludes, open Windows Store, check for updates and install them.

Time And Date

All in all, something as minor as incorrect time and date could lead to the Games for Windows – Live error retrieving purchase history. That means if you correct the time and date settings, you should be able to take care of the GFWL error.

Switch Account

Windows computers allow users to have more than one account. If the GFWL error keeps showing on a user account, you should consider switching to another account. You can also set up another account easily from settings if you do not have an additional one.

Clean Boot

If there is a driver or an application that comes into conflict with services, a clean boot will restore the service performance. Windows only uses basic drivers after clean boot and if the error is nowhere in sight, one of your third-party applications may be at fault.

  • Step 1: Press Windows + R to open Run.
  • Step 2: Type msconfig then hit Enter to open System Configuration.
  • Step 3: On the General tab, pick Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
  • Step 4: Navigate to Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
  • Step 5: Navigate to the Startup tab then select Open Task Manager.
  • Step 6: On Startup in Task Manager, select and pick Disable for each of the items.
  • Step 7: Close the Task Manager, go back to the Startup tab, click Apply then hit OK.
  • Step 8: Restart your computer then check if the error has been solved.

The Usual Suspects 

Windows Store

To put it plainly, Windows Store is connected to all sorts of Windows apps as well as Windows services. Needless to say, if Windows Store experiences an issue for some reason, other Windows processes may go haywire out of the blue. Since Games for Windows – Live is a Windows Service, it can act up if Windows Store develops a problem. Thus, once it comes, Games for Windows – Live error retrieving purchase history, you should give Windows Store some thought. 

Temporary Files

In case you don’t know, temporary files are files that Windows creates and uses temporarily. Games For Windows – Live is a part of Windows too so its operation also involves temporary files.  If temporary files of GFWL become corrupted, the service could run into an error while retrieving purchase history

Third-Party Apps

Windows computers have a lot of applications and drivers that enable them to run smoothly. However, on occasions, third-party applications may complicate the performance of features and result in various errors. One of such errors is Games for Windows – Live error retrieving purchase history.

Is Games For Windows – Live Still Operating?

This service was discontinued in July 2014 after Microsoft stated that they had nothing to do with this service in the future.

Did This Service Have Any Other Problems?

Yes, there were other problems that Games for Windows – Live had. Sometimes it forces you to log in manually, instead of saving your login credentials automatically and telling it to remember you. Downloading a game also was very slow, it would take either minutes or hours to install a game, and would sometimes even fail to install, forcing you to download it again.

A Guide For Beginners

  • For optimal gaming experience, ensure that your computer meets the requirements of the game. 
  • Clear temporary files from time to time. 
  • Prior to launching games, close other programs in the background.

 

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