

If you’re using firewall software, ensure the GFWLClient.exe program found at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games for Windows Live\Client is allowed to communicate with both inbound and outbound connections.

UPnP is a security concern, but you can always disable it when you’re done with the game. Enable UPnP on your router. This allows GFWL to automatically forward the ports it requires to connect to other players.You may need a file extraction program like 7-Zip to extract these downloads. Follow the instructions in the download’s readme file to learn how to install whichever modification you downloaded and ensure it works properly.

The latest versions of this game available on Steam no longer have GFWL, but old product keys for this game can’t be activated on Steam. Red Faction: Guerilla: XLiveLess will also remove GFWL from the original version of this game.Halo 2: XLiveLess for Halo 2 promises to remove GFWL from from Microsoft’s second Halo game, which Microsoft no longer supports or even sells.Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City: XLiveLess functions for Episodes from Liberty City, too.It also disables access to multiplayer features. Grand Theft Auto IV: The XLiveLess modification will remove GFWL from the game and ensure save games function properly.FOSE, the Fallout Script Extender modding tool, also disables GFWL. Fallout 3: The Games for Windows Live Disabler from Nexus Mods will disable GFWL.Such modifications aren’t available for every game–just particularly popular ones. They’re just intended for removing the hassle of GFWL. These tools aren’t intended for piracy or cheating in multiplayer–in fact, they disable access to multiplayer if a game does contain multiplayer. Some of the bigger, more popular games have third-party tools that can effectively crack Games for Windows LIVE out of the game.
