Is the .Gamingroot File a Virus? Here’s the Truth

.GamingRoot is a hidden system file created by Microsoft’s Xbox and Game Bar apps on Windows 10 or 11. You can see this file by enabling theShow hidden itemsoption under theView tabin your primary storage drive or where you have chosen to install your Xbox game app.

What .GamingRoot File Is Used for?

The Xbox Games app, preinstalled on Windows, automatically creates the Xbox Games folder and saves the .GamingRoot file on your primary storage drive and any additional drives where games are installed. The .GamingRoot file helps the Xbox app to identify the drives where it will install the games.

These files are very small, typically less than a kilobyte in size. If you use Xbox Game Pass, you may notice more than one .GamingRoot files on your system. This is normal.

Should You Delete This File?

No. There is no need to delete this file. You may delete it if you are not a gamer and have nothing to do with the Xbox app. Note that you will need admin permissions or rights to delete the file. The file is hidden and takes up almost no space so it doesn’t make any sense to delete it anyway.

If you do delete it, you won’t be able to play games until you restore the file. To do so, simply relaunch the Xbox app which will recreate the file automatically. If relaunching the app doesn’t resolve the issue, you have two options;

Note that a virus may be hiding by the same name as .GamingRoot file so it is better to scan with an antivirus or aMalware-removing tool.

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Anchit Srivastava

Working as a Tech Writer at Tech Wiser, I’m passionate about technology since childhood. I enjoy discussing it with friends, exploring new techs, and analyzing features in Android, iOS, and other technologies. My goal is to simplify complex information about current and emerging technologies, making them more accessible and understandable to people interested in learning more.

Is the .Gamingroot File a Virus? Here’s the Truth