Fix Issues Downloading from the Microsoft Store on Windows
When the Microsoft Store cannot download apps on Windows, do not immediately assume that something is seriously wrong with your PC. Start with simple checks such as testing your internet connection, restarting Microsoft Store, restarting Windows, and checking available storage.
If those solutions do not work, verify your date and time, sign back into your Microsoft account, and use Windows’ Repair and Reset options for Microsoft Store. You can also use WSReset.exe to clear the Store cache and install pending Windows updates.
In this guide, we will go through the solutions from the simplest checks to more advanced repairs.
Fix Issues Downloading From Microsoft Store on Windows
If the Microsoft Store is not downloading apps or games, start by checking your internet connection and available storage. Then restart the Store, verify Windows settings, repair or reset the Microsoft Store, clear its cache, and make sure Windows and related services are working correctly.
Let’s explore the steps in detail!
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
The first thing you should check is your internet connection. Microsoft Store downloads require a stable connection, and even a temporary connection problem can prevent an app from downloading.
Open your web browser and visit a few websites. If websites are also loading slowly or not opening, the problem may be with your internet connection rather than the Microsoft Store.
If you are using Wi-Fi, check whether your computer is still connected. Select the network icon on the Windows taskbar and confirm that your Wi-Fi network shows as connected.
If possible, restart your router. Turn it off, wait for around 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Wait until the internet connection becomes available again and then try downloading the app from the Microsoft Store.
If other websites work normally but Microsoft Store still cannot download anything, continue to the next step.
Step 2: Restart Microsoft Store
A temporary Microsoft Store problem can sometimes be fixed simply by closing and reopening the app.
First, close the Microsoft Store window. Wait a few seconds and open it again from the Start menu.
Select Start and type Microsoft Store. When it appears in the search results, select it.
Now try downloading the same app again.
If the download starts normally, the issue was probably caused by a temporary Store process or connection problem. If nothing happens, continue with the next solution.
Step 3: Restart Your Windows PC
Restarting Windows can resolve temporary problems with background services that Microsoft Store depends on.
Select Start, select the Power button, and then choose Restart.
Wait for Windows to shut down and start again. Once you reach the desktop, open Microsoft Store and try the download again.
This simple step is particularly useful if the Store was working earlier but suddenly stopped downloading apps.
Step 4: Check Your Available Storage
Microsoft Store cannot install an application if there is not enough free space on your computer.
To check your storage, open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Select System and then select Storage. Windows will show how much space is available on your drives.
If your Windows drive is almost full, remove unnecessary files before trying the download again. You can also use Storage Sense to help Windows clean up temporary files.
After creating some free space, restart Microsoft Store and try downloading the application again.
Step 5: Check the Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date, time, or time zone settings can interfere with connections to Microsoft’s online services.
Open Settings and select Time & language. Then select Date & time.
Make sure Set time automatically is turned on. Also check that the correct time zone is selected.
If the time is incorrect, allow Windows to synchronize it automatically. After making the correction, close Microsoft Store and open it again.
Then try the download once more.
Step 6: Sign Out and Sign In to Microsoft Store
Your Microsoft account session can occasionally experience a temporary synchronization problem.
Open Microsoft Store and select your profile icon near the top of the window.
Look for the option to Sign out and select it. After signing out, close Microsoft Store.
Open the Store again and select the profile icon. Choose Sign in and enter your Microsoft account details.
Once you are signed in, locate the application you want and select Get or Install.
This can refresh the connection between the Microsoft Store app and your Microsoft account.
Step 7: Repair the Microsoft Store
Windows provides a Repair option that can fix problems with an application without deleting its app data.
Open Settings and select Apps. Then select Installed apps.
Find Microsoft Store in the list. You can use the search box to locate it more quickly.
Select the three-dot menu next to Microsoft Store and choose Advanced options.
Scroll down until you find the Reset section. Before using Reset, select Repair.
Windows will repair the Microsoft Store. This may take a short moment, and you might not see a large confirmation message.
Once the repair finishes, open Microsoft Store again and try downloading an app.
Step 8: Reset the Microsoft Store
If repairing Microsoft Store did not solve the problem, you can try the Reset option.
Return to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options.
Under the Reset section, select Reset.
Windows will warn you that resetting the app will delete its data, including preferences and sign-in information associated with the application. Confirm the reset when prompted.
After the process finishes, open Microsoft Store again. You may need to sign in to your Microsoft account again.
Search for the application and try downloading it.
Step 9: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
A damaged or outdated Microsoft Store cache can sometimes cause downloading and installation problems.
Windows includes a tool called WSReset specifically for resetting the Microsoft Store cache.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
A Command Prompt window may appear briefly. Do not close it manually. Wait for Windows to complete the process.
When the process finishes, Microsoft Store should open automatically.
Try downloading the application again. Clearing the cache does not remove your installed applications.
Step 10: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Depending on your Windows version, Microsoft may provide troubleshooting tools that can identify common problems with Store apps.
Open Settings and select System. Then select Troubleshoot and choose Other troubleshooters.
Look for a troubleshooter related to Windows Store Apps, if it is available on your version of Windows.
Select Run and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Windows may automatically detect certain configuration problems and recommend a fix. Apply any appropriate recommendation and then test the Microsoft Store again.
Step 11: Install Pending Windows Updates
Microsoft Store problems can sometimes be related to an outdated Windows installation.
Open Settings and select Windows Update.
Select Check for updates. If Windows finds available updates, allow them to download and install.
Some updates may require you to restart your computer. If Windows asks you to restart, save your work and select Restart now.
After Windows finishes updating, open Microsoft Store and try your download again.
Step 12: Check the Microsoft Store Install Location
Windows needs access to the location where applications are installed. If the selected storage drive has a problem, downloads may fail.
Open Settings, select System, and then select Storage.
Look for Advanced storage settings and check your storage configuration. Make sure the drive where Windows or Microsoft Store applications are being installed is available and has sufficient free space.
If you recently disconnected an external drive that was being used for applications, reconnect it and try again.
Step 13: Restart Related Windows Services
Microsoft Store relies on several Windows background services. If an important service is stopped or experiencing a problem, downloads may not work correctly.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
The Services window will open. Look for services related to Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Microsoft Store installation services.
Do not randomly change service settings. If you find that an important service is stopped, check its status and restart it only when appropriate.
Because Windows services affect the operating system, very new users should avoid changing Startup type or other advanced settings unless they know what the setting does.
Step 14: Try Downloading Another Microsoft Store App
At this point, check whether the problem affects one particular application or the entire Microsoft Store.
Search for another small, trusted application in Microsoft Store and try installing it.
If the second application downloads successfully, the original app may have an issue with its availability, compatibility, account requirements, or current Store listing.
If every application fails to download, the problem is more likely related to Microsoft Store, Windows services, your account, network connection, or Windows itself.
Step 15: Restart Your PC and Test the Store Again
After completing the repairs above, restart your computer one more time.
This gives Windows an opportunity to reload the Microsoft Store components and related services.
Once Windows starts, open Microsoft Store, sign in if necessary, search for the application, and select Get or Install.
If the download begins and progresses normally, the issue has been resolved.
FAQs
Why is Microsoft Store not downloading apps on Windows?
The problem can be caused by an unstable internet connection, insufficient storage, incorrect date and time, Microsoft Store cache problems, damaged Store data, Windows Update issues, or Microsoft account synchronization problems.
Why is my Microsoft Store download stuck?
A download can become stuck because of a temporary Store process, network problem, insufficient storage, or a problem with Windows background services. Restarting the Store, restarting Windows, clearing the Store cache, and repairing the Store can help.
Will resetting Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?
Resetting Microsoft Store resets the Store application’s data and settings. It does not normally uninstall the other applications installed on your computer. You may need to sign in again afterward.
Is WSReset safe to use?
Yes. WSReset.exe is a Windows tool designed to reset the Microsoft Store cache. It does not normally delete your installed Store applications.
What should I do if only one app will not download?
Try downloading another application. If other apps download successfully, the problem may be specific to that application rather than Microsoft Store itself. Check whether the app is compatible with your Windows version and whether it is currently available in your region.
Can Windows Update fix Microsoft Store download problems?
Yes. Microsoft Store and Windows components work together, so installing available Windows updates can resolve compatibility or component problems that prevent downloads.