If you’ve recently fired up Forza Horizon 6 (FH6) on Steam and been hit with the frustrating message “Invalid Gaming Services Detected”, you’re not alone. This error occurs because FH6 relies on Microsoft Gaming Services, and it requires a minimum version (36.113.2002.0 or higher) to validate and launch the game— even when using Steam .

The good news? Fixing it is straightforward if you follow a few careful steps. Here’s a complete guide to get your game running smoothly again.

Step 1: Check Your Gaming Services Version

Before attempting any fixes, it’s important to see if your Gaming Services app is outdated.

Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
Go to Apps and select Installed Apps (or Apps & Features).
Type Gaming Services in the search bar.
Click the three dots next to it and choose Advanced Options.
Scroll down to check the version number. If it’s lower than 36.113.2002.0, you’ll need to update it.
Step 2: Update Through Microsoft Store

The fastest fix is updating the app directly via the Microsoft Store.

Open the Microsoft Store app from your taskbar or Start menu.
Click Library (or Downloads) at the bottom-left corner.
Click Get Updates or Check for updates at the top-right.
If Gaming Services appears in the list, click Update.
If the app isn’t listed at all, visit the official Microsoft Store Gaming Services page and install it from there.
Step 3: Use the Xbox Repair Tool

If updating via the Store doesn’t work, the issue may be deeper in the system registry. The Xbox app includes a repair tool that can help.

Open the Xbox app on your PC.
Click your profile picture in the top corner and select Support.
Choose the Gaming Services Repair Tool.
Click Start Troubleshooting and let the tool scan, repair, and refresh the necessary files.
Step 4: Reinstall Gaming Services via PowerShell

When updates and repairs fail, the service files may be corrupted. You can completely reinstall them using PowerShell.

Right-click the Start Menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Enter the following command and press Enter:

get-appxpackage *gamingservices* -allusers | remove-appxpackage -allusers
Restart your PC.
Open the Microsoft Store, navigate to your Library, or use the direct Gaming Services link to install a fresh copy.

After completing these steps, Forza Horizon 6 should launch without the invalid gaming services error. Most players find that the Microsoft Store update alone solves the problem, but having the repair and reinstall options ensures you’re covered in case of deeper issues.

By following this guide, you’ll be back on the roads of FH6 in no time, enjoying the open-world racing without interruptions. Remember, keeping Gaming Services up to date is the key to avoiding future launch errors.