-
Home
-
News
- Is Microsoft GameInput Crashing the PC? Here Are Some Fixes!
By Daisy | Follow |
Last Updated
Many Windows users report that they meet the “Microsoft GameInput is crashing the PC” issue when playing games. How to get rid of the issue? Don’t worry! This post from MiniTool provides some solutions for you.
Microsoft GameInput has been reported to crash their PCs – sometimes even causing a BSOD. GameInput Host Service is also known as the Gameinputsvc.exe, which is responsible for the proper functioning of certain games. This post provides solutions for the “Microsoft Gameinput keeps crashing the PC” issue.
Tips:
Tip: You had better back up your system in advance when your PC is normal since BOSD may cause your PC can’t boot normally and lose data. To do that, you can try MiniTool ShadowMaker, a professional backup tool, that supports Windows 11/10/8/7, and so on.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
What Is Microsoft GameInput
Microsoft GameInput as the name suggests is an input API, usually used in games. It is installed by default on your Windows computer and is used as support for game input devices. Since it’s a core component of Windows, you can’t remove it from your system. Even if you successfully uninstall the tool, Windows will re-download it immediately after restarting.
What causes the “gameinputsvc.exe crashing the PC” issue? The issue is related to corrupted system files and outdated software packages. Then, let’s see how to fix the issue.
How to Fix Microsoft GameInput Is Crashing the PC
Method 1: Change the GameInput Service to Manual
First, you should try to change the GameInput service to manual to fix the “Microsoft GameInput is crashing the PC” issue.
Step 1: Type Services in the Search box to open it.
Step 2: Find the GameInput service. Double-click it and change the startup type to Automatic.
Method 2: Rename GameInput
You can choose to rename the GameInput folder. Here is how to do that:
Step 1: Press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer. Go to the following path:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps
Step 2: Look for the following two folders.
- Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe
- Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
Step 3: Rename and just add the prefix X. Then, the name would be like XMicrosoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
Method 3: Run SFC
Another method you can use to fix the “Microsoft GameInput is crashing the PC” issue is the System File Checker (SFC) utility:
Step 1: Type cmd in the search box on the taskbar, and then right-click the Command Prompt app and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow command in the elevated command prompt. This process may take you much time to scan, please wait patiently.
Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot
Performing a Clean Boot can avoid software conflicts while installing Windows updates. To perform a clean boot, you need to do:
Step 1: Type msconfig in the Run box, and click OK.
Step 2: Then go to the Services tab. Check the Hide All Microsoft Services box.
Step 3: Now, click the Disable all button, and click Apply to save the change.
Step 4: Navigate to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Step 5: In the Task Manager tab, select the first enabled application and click Disable. Here you need to disable all enabled applications one by one. After disabling all programs, close Task Manager and click OK.
Afterward, you can restart the computer to update Windows again.
Method 5: Update Windows/BIOS/Drivers
The issue can be caused due to a bug or incompatibility. You should check for Windows updates and install them if available. Besides, you should update your BIOS and drives. Usually, the drivers are installed automatically as a part of Windows Updates, but if not, you can go to its official website.
Final Words
To sum up, this post has introduced how to fix the “Microsoft GameInput is crashing the PC” issue. If you want to fix the issue, you can take the above solutions. If you have any different ideas to fix the issue, you can share them in the comment zone.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Having been an editor at MiniTool since graduating college as an English major, Daisy specializes in writing about data backups, disk cloning, and file syncing as well as general computer knowledge and issues. In her free time, Daisy enjoys running and going with friends to the amusement park.
Gameinputsvc.exe is a process that runs in the background of Windows operating systems and is associated with gaming controllers. It is a legitimate system file that is responsible for handling input from various gaming devices such as gamepads, joysticks, and other peripherals. However, in some cases, gameinputsvc.exe can cause crashes or other issues that can disrupt the gaming experience. In this article, we will explore what gameinputsvc.exe is, why it may crash, and how to fix these crashes.
What is gameinputsvc.exe?
Gameinputsvc.exe is also known as GameInput Host Service and is a system file that is part of the Windows operating system. It is located in the System32 folder and is responsible for handling input from gaming controllers. When you connect a gamepad or joystick to your computer, gameinputsvc.exe is the process that allows your computer to recognize and interpret the input from these devices.
Gameinputsvc.exe is a necessary component for gaming on Windows systems. Without it, your computer would not be able to properly communicate with gaming controllers, making it impossible to play games that require these devices.
Why does gameinputsvc.exe crash?
While gameinputsvc.exe is an essential system file, it can sometimes crash or cause other issues. There are several reasons why this may happen:
- Outdated drivers: One common cause of gameinputsvc.exe crashes is outdated or incompatible drivers. If the drivers for your gaming controllers are not up to date, it can lead to conflicts with gameinputsvc.exe and result in crashes.
- Corrupted system files: Another possible cause of gameinputsvc.exe crashes is corrupted system files. If important system files related to gameinputsvc.exe become corrupted, it can cause the process to crash.
- Malware or viruses: Malware or viruses can also cause gameinputsvc.exe crashes. Some malicious programs may target system files like gameinputsvc.exe and disrupt their normal functioning.
How to fix gameinputsvc.exe crashes
If you are experiencing gameinputsvc.exe crashes, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue:
1. Run the DISM and SFC scans
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) are built-in Windows tools that can repair corrupted or missing system files and restore the health of your computer. Both DISM and SFC scans can be run from an elevated command prompt (with administrative privileges). Here are the steps to do so:
- To open the Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows, type “cmd” in the search bar and then right-click on the Command Prompt result and select “Run as administrator” as shown in the image below.
- To run a DISM scan, type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
This will check your Windows component store for corruption and automatically fix any problems it finds. This process may take several minutes or longer depending on your system
- To run an SFC scan, type in the Command Prompt the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
This will scan all protected system files and replace any corrupted or missing ones with a cached copy. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time depending on your system configuration.
- After both scans are completed, you should restart your computer to apply any changes. Check to see if the issue is solved.
2. Check for faulty software.
If there is a specific program that is causing this issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling it (eg. Microsoft DirectX, Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, NET Framework) to check if it will solve the problem.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
-
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
-
When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
-
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for the program you want to uninstall. When you find the program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
-
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
-
When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
-
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for the program you want to uninstall. When you find the program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
-
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
-
Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
-
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find the program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
- In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall program.
3. Scan for your computer for malware
Malware can damage your system files and registry entries and cause various errors. We will now, download and run a scan with Malwarebytes to check if you’re device is clean.
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It is able to destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
-
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
-
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the MBSetup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the Malwarebytes installation.
-
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes setup wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The Malwarebytes installer will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program on, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
On the next screen, click “Install” to install Malwarebytes on your computer.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
-
Malwarebytes is now installed on your computer, to start a scan click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malicious programs.
-
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
-
When the Malwarebytes scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays any malware, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that it has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
-
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
4. Check for updates
Make sure your operating system, drivers, and other software are up to date. If the errors started happening after an update, you can uninstall that specific update patch.
To check for Windows updates, follow the below steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings menu. Click the “Windows Update” tab on the left side of the screen.
For Windows 10 users, the Windows Update menu can be found in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. - Click the “Check for updates” button. This will initiate a scan for updates. If any updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- If you want to check for updates for other software, you can do so by opening the software and looking for a “Check for updates” option in the menu. You can also check the software’s website for updates.
5. Disable any unnecessary startup programs
Startup programs are applications that automatically launch when you start your computer. While some of these programs may be necessary for your system to function properly, others may be unnecessary and can cause errors.
- Open the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
- In the Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab and disable any programs that you do not need to start automatically when you turn on your computer.
Keep in mind that some startup programs may be essential to the functioning of your system, so be careful not to disable any important programs.
6. Run a memory test
A faulty RAM module can cause random crashes. Run a memory test to check for any issues with your RAM. To run a memory test, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type “mdsched.exe” into the Run dialog and press Enter. This will launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
- You will be asked whether you want to restart your PC and run the test immediately or schedule the test to run the next time you start your PC. Choose the option you prefer and click “OK”.
If you choose to run the test immediately, your PC will restart and the test will begin. The test will run automatically and may take several minutes to complete.
- If the test finds any errors, it will display a message indicating the type and location of the error. You may need to replace your RAM if the test finds any errors.
- If the test completes without finding any errors, it will display a message indicating that the test has completed successfully.
7.Check your hardware
Start by inspecting your computer’s hardware components for any signs of damage or failure. Ensure that all connections are secure and that there are no loose cables. If you suspect a faulty component, consider consulting a professional or replacing it if necessary.
Next, check your RAM, hard drive, graphics card, and any other hardware components using the Windows Device Manager.
-
To access the Device Manager, type “devmgmt.msc” into the search bar on the Start menu and select “Device Manager” from the list of results.
-
In the Device Manager, you can view a list of all the hardware devices connected to your computer and check for any errors or issues. If you see a yellow exclamation point next to a device, it may indicate a problem with that device. You can right-click on the device and select “Update driver” or “Troubleshoot” to try and fix any issues.
8. Try a system restore.
If you have a restore point saved, you can try using it to revert your system to a previous state. This may fix the issue if it was caused by a recent change. To do a system restore follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Search menu.
- Type “system restore” into the search bar and click the “Create a restore point” result.
- Click the “System Restore” button.
- In the System Restore window, click “Next.”
- Select a restore point from the list and click “Next.” A restore point is a saved state of your system that you can use to revert your system to a previous state. Make sure to select a restore point that was created before you started experiencing problems.
- Click “Finish” to begin the restore process. Your PC will restart and the restore process will begin. This may take several minutes to complete.
- When the restore is complete, your PC will restart again. You may need to adjust your settings and reinstall any software that was installed after the restore point was created.
9. Reset your PC
One of the most drastic solutions is to reset your PC to its default configuration. This can be considered the nuclear option for fixing errors because it will wipe out all the third-party software you installed on your computer. However, this option can also be effective if none of the other methods work for you.
Before you reset your PC, make sure you back up your important data and files. You can also choose to keep your personal files in the Reset this PC tool, but it is better to have a separate backup just in case something goes wrong.
To reset your PC, follow these steps:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I keys.
- Click on System and then on Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC section, click on Reset PC button.
- Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
After resetting your PC, you should be able to run your applications without getting any errors. However, keep in mind that this solution will also remove any custom settings and preferences you had on your computer. You will need to reinstall and configure your programs again after resetting.
Summary
Gameinputsvc.exe is a system file that handles input from gaming controllers on Windows operating systems. While it is an essential component for gaming, it can sometimes crash or cause other issues. Outdated drivers, corrupted system files, and malware or viruses can all contribute to gameinputsvc.exe crashes.
To fix gameinputsvc.exe crashes, it is recommended to update your drivers, run a malware scan with a reliable antivirus program like Malwarebytes Free, and use the System File Checker tool to repair corrupted system files. By following these steps, you can resolve gameinputsvc.exe crashes and ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it’s important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
GameInputSvc.exe file information
The process known as GameInput Host Service or libcrypto belongs to software Microsoft GameInput or GameInputHostService or Microsoft Windows Operating System by (www.microsoft.com).
Description: GameInputSvc.exe is not essential for the Windows OS and causes relatively few problems. GameInputSvc.exe is located in a subfolder of «C:\Program Files (x86)»—mainly C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft GameInput\x64\.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 91,600 bytes (48% of all occurrences), 91,648 bytes and 4 more variants.
It is a service, and the service name is GameInput: Host service for GameInput.
The program is not visible. GameInputSvc.exe is not a Windows core file. The file is certified by a trustworthy company. The process can be removed using the Control Panel’s Add\Remove programs applet.
Therefore the technical security rating is 2% dangerous.
Uninstalling this variant:
You might want to turn to the software developer, Microsoft, for advice or uninstall the software Microsoft GameInput or GameInput Redistributable using the Uninstall a Program function of Windows Control Panel (Windows: Start, Settings, Control Panel, Uninstall a Program).
Recommended: Identify GameInputSvc.exe related errors
Important: Some malware camouflages itself as GameInputSvc.exe, particularly when located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, for example ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (detected by Symantec), and HEUR:Trojan-Spy.MSIL.Stealer.gen (detected by Kaspersky). Therefore, you should check the GameInputSvc.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer’s security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving GameInputSvc issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with GameInputSvc. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows’ 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or, for Windows 8 and later versions, executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To help you analyze the GameInputSvc.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. BMalwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
psiphon-tunnel-core.exe lclock.exe rusb3mon.exe GameInputSvc.exe winstylemonitor.exe backgroundtransferhost.exe mdi064.dll fubtool.exe mscams32.exe plugin_base.m32 traybar.exe [all]
What does the gameinputsvc.exe file do?
The gameinputsvc.exe process is also known as GameInput Host Service and is a part of Microsoft GameInput or, as the case may be, Microsoft Windows Operating System. This software is produced by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com). An outdated or faulty version of gameinputsvc.exe can cause problems for your computer, ranging from slowness to error messages like these:
- GameInput Host service has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem… (Windows 11, 10, 7)
- GameInput Host service has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available. (Windows 11, 10, 7)
- gameinputsvc.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.
- Access violation at address FFFFFFFF in module gameinputsvc.exe. Read of address 00000000.
Special Offer
What you should know about gameinputsvc.exe GameInput Host service
gameinputsvc.exe is not part of Windows, but it is important nonetheless. Gameinputsvc.exe is found in a subdirectory of «C:\Program Files».
Frequently occurring are file sizes such as 91,600 bytes (77% of all these files), 38,328 bytes or, as the case may be, 48,776 bytes.
The program executes in the background, and can only be terminated using Windows Task Manager. The file was developed by a so-called third party provider — and not by Microsoft. The original file has a digital certificate (see its file properties). You can find the file or its related application in Control Panel under Programs. You can then rerun the setup or uninstall the program.
For this reason, 0% of all experts consider this file to be a possible threat. The probability that it can cause harm is high.
If you see this file on your hard drive or in Windows Task Manager, please make sure that it is not a malicious variant. It’s a fact that many trojans try to cloak their true identity by calling themselves gameinputsvc.exe. With the above information or by using tools like Security Task Manager you can determine if, in your case, the file is an undesirable variant.
What do other computer users say about gameinputsvc?
The file spreads very slowly and does not often make an appearance. Therefore, feedback from other users is not yet available.
Summary:
source: file.net
How to uninstall Microsoft GameInput or the program
To remove GameInput Host service from your computer, please follow the manual instructions below.
- Click the Windows Start Button. You can find it in the lower-left corner of the taskbar.
- Type ‘uninstall‘.
- Click Add or remove programs.
- Now locate Microsoft GameInput or the program in the list of displayed applications.
- Click the program, and then click Uninstall.
How to check if gameinputsvc.exe (GameInput Host service) was uninstalled completely
After uninstalling, restart your computer. Then open Windows Explorer and check if a folder with the software name still exists under C:\Program Files. Also, check the Registry for remnants of GameInput Host service. To do this, start Regedit, then look under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software for: GameInput Host service or the name of the producer. Keep in mind that only a computer professional should delete entries in the Windows Registry directly.
Gaming on Windows 11 can be a delightful experience, filled with epic quests and exhilarating multiplayer battles. However, if you’ve recently faced an unexpected crash due to the Microsoft GameInput Service, you’re not alone. This pesky service—responsible for ensuring that your gaming peripherals like keyboards, mice, and game controllers perform harmoniously—sometimes has a mind of its own, leading to frustrating gameplay interruptions. Let’s delve into troubleshooting tips that can help get this service back on track and keep your gaming sessions glitch-free!
Understanding the Microsoft GameInput Service
The Microsoft GameInput Service, also known as gameinputsvc.exe, functions behind the scenes to manage input from gaming devices connected to your PC. When the service falters, you might experience lagging inputs or complete application freezes—leading you to wonder if you’ve encountered a villain stronger than the game’s boss itself!
Symptoms of a Failing Service
- Game freezes and crashes
- System lag or hang-ups
- The mouse or game controller does not respond
Let’s explore several reliable methods to rectify the GameInput Service issues on Windows 11.
Top Ways to Fix Microsoft GameInput Service Errors
1. Stop and Restart the GameInput Service
A classic troubleshooting technique, restarting the service can often provide swift relief to crashes:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand hit Enter. - Scroll down to GameInput Service.
- Right-click on it and select Stop. Wait a moment, then right-click again and choose Start.
This brief pause often clears up issues!
2. Delete the Microsoft GameInput Folder
If some files within this folder have become corrupted, it could lead to persistent crashes:
- Open the Run dialog with Windows + R.
- Type
C:\Program Files (x86)and press Enter. - Navigate to the Microsoft GameInput folder and delete it using Shift + Delete—this will permanently remove the folder without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
3. Uninstall the Microsoft GameInput Service
Sometimes, a temporary uninstallation may reset the function:
- Press Windows + I to access Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Search for Microsoft GameInput and click the three-dot menu next to it.
- Select Uninstall and confirm.
Restart your PC; it will automatically reinstall the service upon reboot.
4. Restart the Computer
This one’s simple but effective! Many system issues can be resolved with a quick reboot. It can refresh background services and free up stuck resources.
5. Fix the Corrupt System Files
Corrupted system files can cause numerous issues, including failures in services. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM):
- Open the Run dialog with Windows + R.
- Type
cmdand hit Enter to launch the Command Prompt. - Collaboratively run the following commands:
Code:
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Reboot after running these commands; they often fix underlying issues that might be crippling performance.
6. Close the Game and Start Again
Sometimes, simply rebooting the game can do wonders.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Find the problematic game, right-click it, and select End Task.
- Restart the game afterward.
7. Install Windows Updates
Bugs in the current version of Windows could lead to issues with the GameInput Service.
- Navigate to Settings with Windows + I.
- Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- If updates are available, download and install them.
Installing the latest updates can resolve firmware bugs that affect system and service operations.
Bottom Line
Windows services are integral for smooth interaction between hardware and software. If the Microsoft GameInput Service is causing issues, the suggestions outlined above should guide you toward a solution. Remember, whether it’s a restart or a check for updates, keeping your system fresh and your services running is key to a happy gaming life.
If you have any thoughts or additional fixes for the GameInput Service, feel free to drop them in the comments below. And remember to share your gaming tales and triumphs—all interactions enrich our community!
Now hit the battlefield with confidence, knowing that you have the tools to tackle those pesky service issues that might stand in your way. Happy gaming!
Source: DigitBin [Fix] Microsoft GameInput Service Crashing on Windows 11