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What’s xgamecontrol.exe (Microsoft Gaming Services)? Is it safe or a virus?

xgamecontrol.exe is an executable file associated with Microsoft Gaming Services, a component designed to enhance and manage gaming functionality within the Windows operating system. It facilitates integration between various gaming-related features, such as launching games via the Xbox app, handling game installations, updates, and account synchronization. The process ensures compatibility and connectivity for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass titles on PC. While essential for smooth gaming operations, it runs primarily in the background, enabling features like cloud saves, achievements, and in-game purchases.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

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More about xgamecontrol.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes xgamecontrol.exe (Microsoft Gaming Services)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of xgamecontrol.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: March 19, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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