0x87e11838
Microsoft Xbox Console
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Xbox error 0x87e11838 means the console cannot launch a game due to a licence or account issue. This usually means you are offline and the game requires an online licence check, or the game is installed on a console that is not your Home Xbox.
Affected Models
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
- Xbox One X
- Xbox One S
- Xbox One
Common Causes
- Console is offline — digital games require licence verification
- Console is not set as your Home Xbox — games can only be played offline on the Home Xbox
- Game Pass subscription expired — game is no longer licenced
- Game purchased on a different Xbox account than the one currently signed in
- Game installation corrupted
- Xbox servers temporarily unavailable for licence check
How to Fix It
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Connect to Xbox Live and try again.
Digital games perform a licence check when launched. Ensure the Xbox is connected to the internet: Settings → General → Network Settings → Test network connection. Once connected, try launching the game again — the licence will be verified and the game should start.
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Set this console as your Home Xbox.
If you play on multiple consoles, designate the one you use most as your Home Xbox: Settings → General → Personalisation → My home Xbox → Make this my home Xbox. The Home Xbox can launch all your digital games offline. Other consoles require an internet connection and the purchasing account to be signed in.
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Verify your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
If the game was accessed through Xbox Game Pass, check your subscription is active: account.xbox.com/subscriptions. If the subscription lapsed, games from Game Pass can no longer be launched. Renewing the subscription immediately restores access to all Game Pass titles.
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Sign in with the account that purchased the game.
Digital games are licenced to the Microsoft account that bought them. Ensure you are signed in with the account that owns the game. If you shared the console with someone else, their purchased games require their account to be signed in (unless you are on their Home Xbox).
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Delete and reinstall the game.
If the game licence is valid but the error persists, the installation may be corrupted. Go to My games & apps → Games → press Menu on the game → Uninstall → Uninstall all. Redownload the game from the Microsoft Store. Your save data is stored in the cloud (if signed in) and will sync back automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I play my Xbox games when offline?
Digital Xbox games are licenced to a Microsoft account. On your designated Home Xbox, all your digital games can be played by anyone on the console, even offline. On any other Xbox, you must be signed in to your account AND have an internet connection to play your digital games. To play offline on a non-Home Xbox, the easiest fix is to designate that console as your new Home Xbox in settings.