Windows 10: Microsoft Game Input Host Service

Dear Microsoft community,In my privacy dashboard I saw the Game Input Host Service ran and I took a look in my task manager and it was running as well. When I looked at the file location it was under Local Disk C:/Program Files 86x/Microsoft Game Input and was last updated on 3/17/23 probably from an update that occurred that day. I don't use an Xbox controller, but I do use a Keyboard and mouse, so I don't lnow if that affects the program or not. Still though, can someone explain to me what this service is and if it is necessary for me to have it on my device or not? I've probably had i

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Microsoft Game Input Host Service

Hello Lunar, how are you doing?

Welcome to the Microsoft community!

I'm glad to be able to assist you at this time.

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I understand your concern about the Microsoft Game Input Host Service.

The Microsoft Game Input Host Service is a system service used by Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games and Xbox games to provide input support. It's a critical component for these games to function correctly. Even if you don't use an Xbox controller, this service is still essential because it handles input devices, including your keyboard and mouse.

Moreover, various Microsoft applications, such as the Xbox app and Game Bar, rely on this service to manage input devices. It's a background process that ensures smooth interaction with games and apps.

Importantly, you don't need to worry about privacy or security issues related to this service. It's a legitimate and necessary part of the Windows ecosystem.

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However, if you decide to disable it, proceed with caution. Disabling the Microsoft Game Input Host Service might impact the functionality of certain games and applications that rely on it. Before making any changes, it's advisable to weigh the potential consequences against your privacy concerns.

To disable the service, follow these steps:

1. Press "Windows" + "R" to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "services.msc" and press "Enter".

3. Scroll down to the "Microsoft Game Input Host Service" and double-click on it.

4. In the Startup type drop-down menu, select "Disabled".

5. Click "OK" to save your changes.

*Please note that disabling the Microsoft Game Input Host Service may prevent some games and applications from working properly.

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I hope this helps you.

Please let me know if this response has been helpful for your question by selecting the "Yes" or "No" button below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will also assist other users who may encounter similar challenges.

 

Microsoft Game Input Host Service

Dear Microsoft community,

In my privacy dashboard I saw the Game Input Host Service ran and I took a look in my task manager and it was running as well. When I looked at the file location it was under Local Disk (C/Program Files (86x)/Microsoft Game Input and was last updated on 3/17/23 (probably from an update that occurred that day). I don't use an Xbox controller, but I do use a Keyboard and mouse, so I don't lnow if that affects the program or not.

Still though, can someone explain to me what this service is and if it is necessary for me to have it on my device or not? I've probably had it running in the background, but never noticed until it came on my Privacy dashboard.

 

Microsoft Service Blocking Games

What I meant by disabling Microsoft services was the following:

• Leaving "Hide Microsoft Services" unchecked, disable all services
  
• Check "Hide Microsoft Services", enable all services
  
• Un-check "Hide Microsoft Services", ensure most are still disabled (the ones that cannot be disabled were left enabled).
  

This solved the issue for both the games, and the display settings pane.

I have also tried a proper clean boot, disabling all non-MS services, and also disabling any MS services related to "Display", "Graphics", "XBox", and "Gaming" - this did not solve the issue.

Re-registering the settings app did not solve the issue.

Uninstalling the display driver with DDU and reinstalling with the latest AMD driver did not solve the issues.

Turning off non-MS services does not solve the issues (troubleshooting step 4).

Malwarebytes and Bitdefender premium both report no infections (step 7).

SFC and DISM report no issues (step 10).

New Local Admin account does not solve the issues (Step 17).

I am in the process of preparing the Repair Install, and will report back once complete.