When installing an Xbox Game Pass game on a PC, a prompt may appear requesting the installation of the Miniport virtual device. Xbox games utilize these virtual devices to simulate gameplay, which is essential for their operation. However, you may occasionally encounter issues such as:
Disk Usage: The Miniport process may exhibit high disk usage in the Task Manager.Freezing: Games, particularly non-Xbox games, may experience stuttering or freezing.Multiple Devices: In Device Manager, there might be numerous instances of the Miniport device, potentially in the hundreds.Connection and Disconnection Sounds: Frequently, you may hear sounds indicating that devices are connecting or disconnecting each time an XVDD drive is emulated.Restart Required: A repeated “Restart Required” message for completing the XVDD SCSI Miniport setup may persist despite multiple restarts, indicating unresolved issues.
1. Basic Troubleshooting
It is advisable to begin with some basic troubleshooting steps before proceeding to more complex solutions.
2. Disable Bluetooth Connection
If your PC uses a Bluetooth connection to pair with a device that employs the Miniport device, this could be the source of the SCSI pop-up issue. Disabling the system’s Bluetooth connection may resolve the problem.
3. Disconnect USB Devices and Remove Devices
The frequent connection and disconnection of USB devices using the XVDD SCSI Miniport can result in the erratic behavior of virtual drives and related problems. Disconnecting non-essential USB devices from the system might resolve the problem.
4. Disable SSDP Service
The Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) facilitates communication among networked devices. However, these devices’ activity could potentially cause the XVDD issues described. Thus, disabling the SSDP service may be a solution; nonetheless, this action might affect the network discovery features of some devices.
5. Disable or Remove the XVDD Device from Device Manager
Incorrect installation of the Miniport device driver could be the cause of certain issues. Disabling or removing the XVDD driver from the Device Manager could help remedy such problems. However, be aware that disabling or removing the device may lead to the non-functionality of certain Xbox Game Pass games. If the device is responsible for freezes in non-Xbox games, consider disabling it temporarily and re-enabling it only when playing an Xbox game.
5.1. Disable
5.2. Uninstall
5.3. Uninstall Hidden XVDD Devices
6. Disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator
The Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator is responsible for keeping an updated inventory of system devices. A continuous attempt to add a SCSI device can lead to problems. Disabling this enumerator may resolve the issue, but be aware that this could result in certain devices, applications, or games not functioning correctly.
7. Scan Your System for Malware
Malware, such as crypto miners that emulate virtual drives, can frequently cause “Restart Required” messages for the XVDD SCSI Miniport. A malware scan may resolve this issue.
8. Disable or Uninstall Xbox Gaming Services
Xbox Gaming Services are responsible for managing the virtual disks emulated by XVDD. Disabling or uninstalling these services may solve the issue if they are not in use, but be aware that doing so will render many Xbox games inoperative.
8.1. End Processes in Task Manager
8.2. Remove Gaming Services Through PowerShell
8.3. Disable Gaming Services Through System Registry
Warning: Exercise caution when modifying the system registry, as improper edits can jeopardize the stability of the system or operating system.
9. Uninstall the Xbox App, Xbox Games, and Daemon Tools
Applications such as the Xbox app and Daemon Tools might inadvertently create multiple virtual disk drives. Uninstalling these applications could resolve the issue. Please note that Xbox games will not function on your PC until you reinstall the Xbox app. If the aforementioned solutions fail to resolve the issue, you might have to perform a clean installation of Windows on your PC.
