Can’t sign in to a Games for Windows LIVE game?

Go to Windows Live and make sure you can sign in using your Windows Live ID. If you can’t sign in to Windows Live, click Help Center at the bottom of the Windows Live sign-in page for help.

Make sure the Xbox LIVE service is up and running.

• Check the status of the Xbox LIVE service.

Make sure the Xbox LIVE service is supported in your region or country; see Xbox LIVE Countries and Regions.

Go to Game for Windows Marketplace and click Download.

You may be prompted to provide a product key for a game that you have purchased. To find your product key, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Games for Windows Marketplace client.
2. Click Downloads.
3. Under All Downloads, click the game for which you need the product key.
4. Click View Game Keys.

   Your product key is listed under Game Activation Key or LIVE Access Code.

Routers, gateways, and bridges marked with Compatible with Windows 7, Works with Windows Vista, or Certified for Windows Vista logos are compatible with Xbox LIVE.

To see if your hardware and its internal software (referred to as "firmware") are compatible with Xbox LIVE, see our Xbox LIVE compatible hardware list

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a standard that helps routers communicate effectively. If your router or gateway supports UPnP, make sure this setting is turned on.

1. Log on to your router's web-based configuration page and make sure UPnP is turned on. Refer to your router's documentation or support website for help turning on UPnP.
2. If you change the UPnP setting, restart all network hardware (your modem and router) before using the Games for Windows software.

Note If you're connected to a network through your workplace or school, ask your network administrator for help with UPnP.

If you have a firewall or network hardware, such as a router, you might need to make a configuration change in order for your computer to communicate with Xbox LIVE. This configuration change is sometimes called “opening ports” or "port forwarding".

• The following ports need to be opened to play Games for Windows LIVE games:
  • TCP 88 (UDP)
  • Port 3074 (UDP and TCP)
  • Port 53 (UDP and TCP)
  • Port 80 (TCP)
• See Network ports used by Xbox LIVE for information and help with opening ports.

Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround, but we are providing this information so that you can implement the workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

You may have to configure an exception in your firewall, proxy, or Internet Security software to allow Games for Windows LIVE (GFWLClient.exe) to work. If you are using the Windows Firewall, the latest Games for Windows LIVE software gives you the option of adding the software to your exceptions list. Otherwise, refer to your firewall’s documentation, or contact the network administrator or technical support for help.

Use Windows Update to make sure you have the latest Windows software updates and drivers installed.

Learn how to update Windows

If the solutions on this page have not helped you resolve the problem, please contact your Internet service provider for help.