How to Fix Doom The Dark Ages Not Launching

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-05-15 08:27:57
Learn how to fix Doom The Dark Ages not launching issues with our comprehensive guide. Get back to your adventure with easy troubleshooting steps.
It's definitely frustrating when you're eager to jump into a highly anticipated game like DOOM: The Dark Ages and it refuses to launch! The Xbox App and Microsoft Store, while convenient, can sometimes have their quirks. Thankfully, the troubleshooting steps you've compiled offer a comprehensive approach to getting the game running. Let's break them down:

Fix Doom The Dark Ages Not Launching


Troubleshooting DOOM: The Dark Ages Not Launching from Xbox App/Microsoft Store on PC:

You've covered a wide range of potential culprits, from temporary glitches to more persistent system-level issues. Here's a slightly more organized look at your suggested solutions:

1. The Waiting Game:

Your initial point about the "Play" button glitch during preload/update is a crucial piece of information. The Xbox App sometimes misrepresents the game's status before the official release time. Your advice to simply wait until the release date (June 10, 2025, with advanced access starting June 5th, 2025, here in Caracas, remember!) is often the simplest and most effective solution in these scenarios. The app might just need time to properly recognize the fully preloaded game.

2. Restarting Xbox and Gaming Services:

Background services are essential forthe Xbox App and Microsoft Store to function correctly. Restarting these services can resolve temporary hiccups that might be preventing thegame from launching. Your list of services to restart is accurate:

  • Gaming Services
  • Xbox Accessory Management Service
  • Xbox Live Auth Manager
  • Xbox Live Game Save
  • Xbox Live Networking Service

After restarting these, a PC reboot is a good next step to ensure the changes take effect.


3. Repairing or Resetting Gaming Services:

Malfunctioning Gaming Services can indeed cause launch issues. The repair and resetoptions within Windows settings can often fix these problems. Your steps are correct:

  • Press Win + R, type ms-settings:appsfeatures, and press Enter.
  • In the Installed Apps window, search for "Gaming Services".
  • Click the three-dot menu and select "Advanced options".
  • Scroll down to the "Reset" section.
  • Click "Repair" and wait for it to finish.
  • If the issue persists, click "Reset" and confirm.
  • Finally, reboot your PC.

  • 4. Updating Gaming Services via Microsoft Store:

    Keeping Gaming Services up-to-date is crucial for compatibility and stability.Your steps to update through the Microsoft Store are accurate:

  • Open the Microsoft Store.
  • Go to Library and then "Get updates".
  • If Gaming Services appears in the list, click "Update".
  • After the update, restart your PC.

  • 5. Running the Game as Administrator:

    Granting administrative privileges can bypass permission-related issues thatmight be preventing the game executable from running correctly. Yoursteps are correct:

  • Go to the folder where DOOM: The Dark Ages is installed.
  • Right-click on the game's executable file (.exe).
  • Select "Properties".
  • Go to the "Compatibility" tab.
  • Check the box for "Run this program as an administrator".
  • Click "Apply" and then "Ok".

  • 6. Verifying System Date and Time Settings:

    Incorrect date and time settings can cause synchronization problems with onlineservices, including those used by the Xbox App and Microsoft Store. Your steps to correct this are straightforward:

  • Go to the Taskbar and select "Adjust date and time".
  • Ensure "Set time automatically" is turned "On". You can also toggle it "Off" and then back "On".
  • Alternatively, you can manually set the correct date and time.
  • Restart your PC.

  • 7. Disabling Antivirus or Adding Exceptions:

    Overly aggressive antivirus software can sometimes flag legitimate game filesas threats, preventing the game from launching. Temporarily disablingyour antivirus or adding DOOM: The Dark Ages and the Xbox App/Microsoft Store executables to its exceptions list can help identify if this is the issue. Remember to re-enable your antivirus after testing.


    8. Updating Graphics Drivers:

    Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are a common cause of game launchfailures and other issues. Your steps to update them through DeviceManager are correct:

  • Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  • Expand "Display adapters".
  • Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver".
  • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software".
  • After the update (or if no updates are found), reboot your PC.

  • 9. Disabling Integrated Graphics:

    If your PC has both an integrated GPU (often part of the CPU) and adedicated GPU, the system might be trying to launch the game using theintegrated one, which might not meet the game's requirements. Forcingthe system to use the dedicated GPU by disabling the integrated one canresolve this:

  • Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  • Expand "Display adapters".
  • Right-click on the integrated graphics device (it will usually have terms like "Intel Graphics" or "AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated)").
  • Select "Disable device".
  • Confirm the action when prompted.
  • Reboot your PC.
  • By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, players inCaracas and elsewhere should have a good chance of resolving the DOOM: The Dark Ages launch issues on the Xbox App and Microsoft Store and finally be ableto experience the game! Let's hope one of these solutions gets youripping and tearing soon!

    Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S
    Genre(s): First-person shooter
    Developer(s): id Software
    Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
    Engine: id Tech
    Release date: May 15, 2025
    Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
    Age rating (PEGI): +18
    Video preview



    Other Articles Related

    Where to Find the Secret Key in Chapter 17 in Doom The Dark Ages
    Uncover the secrets of Chapter 17 in  Doom The Dark Ages.  Join the quest to find the hidden key and unlock thrilling adventures!
    How To Get All Ruby in Doom The Dark Ages
    Discover all Ruby locations in Doom The Dark Ages. Uncover hiddentreasures and enhance your gameplay with our guide!
    How To Get Plasma Cycler in Doom The Dark Ages
    Discover how to obtain the Plasma Cycler in Doom The Dark Ages. Unlock powerful gameplay tips and strategies
    How To Get Super Shotgun in Doom The Dark Ages
    Discover how to unlock the Super Shotgun in Doom The Dark Ages. Master your gameplay with our tips and strategies!
    How To Change Skins in Doom The Dark Ages
    Discover how to change skins in Doom The Dark Ages with our comprehensive guide. Transform your gameplay
    How To Get the Skullcrusher Pulverizer in Doom The Dark Ages
    Discover how to obtain the Skullcrusher Pulverizer in Doom The Dark Ages. Unleash powerful gameplay strategies and tips
    How to open the Hebeth's Flaming door in Doom The Dark Ages
    Unlock the secrets of Hebeth's Flaming Door in Doom: The Dark Ages with our step-by-step guide.
    How to change language in Doom The Dark Ages
    Learn how to change the language in Doom The Dark Ages with our easy step-by-step guide.
    How to unlock the Butcher skin in Doom The Dark Ages
    Unlock the Butcher skin in Doom The Dark Ages with our step-by-step guide.
    How to Fix Doom The Dark Ages Not Launching But Audio Working
    Doom: The Dark Ages not launching? Discover effectivesolutions to fix the issue while ensuring your audio works perfectly.
    How to Fix The Precinct Red Pixels Issue
    Learn how to fix the red pixels issue in Precinct with our expert tips.Ensure a seamless gaming experience
    Save File Location in The Precinct
    Discover the save file location for The Precinct. Easily find and manage your game saves with our comprehensive guide.
    How to Fix The Precinct Audio/Sound Not Working
    Discover effective solutions for audio problems in Fix The Precinct.Follow our step-by-step guide
    All plaque locations in The Precinct
    Discover all plaque locations at The Precinct. Explore historical markers and enrich your knowledge of local heritage.
    All rare cars in The Precinct
    Discover all rare cars in The Precinct! Unlock exclusive vehicles and enhance your gaming experience.