Microsoft GameInput Application Reconfiguration Crashes Win 11 PC

I was struggling with this for about a month, with GameInput crashing my Windows and rebooting, though with me it wasn't just during games but several times a day at random, when I came across this post. I followed all the steps from Mosken other than the last one to repair corrupted files, but the Windows Update brought it back on me as well and I had to re-remove the folders. So I'm pausing Windows updating to a specific day, and once a month setting a calendar event to do all these steps again the day after each time.

UPDATE

On 6/24 Microsoft Gaming Services updated which re-installed the commented out folders which is what I was afraid of. Like clockwork now that the folders are back in place the "successful application reconfiguration" of Microsoft GameInput crashed my PC during a game session. I'm going to apply the changes Mosen recommended.....but really really wish Microsoft would just fix this known issue already as it appears to have been impacting users for several years now. I'm assuming there are people who do want to use Microsoft Gaming Services and don't want their PC to crash.

Just curious, does doing this prevent you from using the Xbox app? At the moment I've resigned myself to just straight up uninstalling Gaming Service from my Windows even though it means I can't use the Xbox app because I'd rather give up game pass than have to deal with the constant freezing.

Here's how it is for Windows 11, assuming it's probably the same for Windows 10:

You'll find Microsoft Gaming Service folders under C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. The WindowsApps folder is hidden so if you don't see it you'll need to enable hidden items (in file explorer click View>Show>Hidden Items). The 2 folders are:

Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe

Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

I'm assuming portions of the folder name have to do with versioning so it may not be the exact same name but the key is to find the Microsoft.GamingServices folders.

I then just placed an "x." in front of the name to have the system stop referencing the folders:

x.Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe

x.Microsoft.GamingServices_4.66.2001.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

What I don't know yet is if these folders will be re-installed after a Windows update.

Here's how you give yourself ownership of the folders if you get an error about not having onwnership:

Right-click>Properties>Security>Advanced

At the top of the Advanced window you'll see an owner listed (likely System), click change and make yourself the owner. In Windows 11 that doesn't appear to be enough to give you ownership and you'll get the error again that you need to give yourself permission to the folder. Go back to Properties>Security>Advanced and check the "Replace all child object permission........" box at the bottom of the window. You should now have full ownership to rename the folder.