How to fix and reset the Microsoft Store when apps won't download or update on Windows 10/11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix and reset the Microsoft Store when apps won't download or update on Windows 10/11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When the Microsoft Store refuses to download, install, or update apps on Windows 10 or 11, the cause is usually a corrupted cache, a misregistered Store component, or a temporary service glitch. The good news is that most of these issues can be resolved without reinstalling Windows. This guide walks you through the fixes in order, starting with the quickest and least invasive options.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, make sure your computer meets these basic requirements:

• You are signed in to Windows with an account that has administrator privileges.
• Your device is connected to the internet and network connectivity is working.
• Your copy of Windows is up to date. See How to update Windows if you need help checking.
• The date and time on your device are set correctly, as an incorrect clock can prevent Store authentication.

Quick Fix Steps

If you are in a hurry, try these steps first. They resolve the majority of Microsoft Store issues.

1. Restart your computer and try the download again.
2. Sign out of the Microsoft Store and sign back in.
3. Run the built-in Store Apps troubleshooter.
4. Reset the Microsoft Store cache using wsreset.
5. Repair or reset the Microsoft Store app from Windows Settings.

Detailed Instructions

Sign Out and Sign Back In to the Microsoft Store

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Sign out.
4. Close the Store, wait 30 seconds, then reopen it.
5. Click your profile icon again and select Sign in.
6. Enter your Microsoft account credentials and try downloading the app again.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Locate Windows Store Apps in the list.
4. Click Run and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Restart your computer when finished.

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache with WSReset

The wsreset command clears the local cache that the Store uses to display apps and manage downloads. This is the single most effective fix for stuck downloads and update errors.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear briefly. Do not close it.
4. When the process finishes, the Microsoft Store will open automatically.
5. Try downloading or updating your app again.

Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App

Windows includes built-in repair options for Store-related apps. Use repair first, as it preserves your data; reset only if repair does not work.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps > Apps & features (Windows 10).
3. Scroll down and click the three dots next to Microsoft Store.
4. Select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Reset section.
6. Click Repair and wait for the process to complete.
7. Try the Store again. If the issue persists, return here and click Reset.

Re-register the Microsoft Store Using PowerShell

If the Store app is missing or unresponsive, re-registering it can restore functionality.

1. Click Start, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
2. Confirm the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   Get-AppXPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

4. Wait for the command to finish. You may see some red text appear briefly; this is normal during re-registration.
5. Restart your computer and test the Store.

Check That Required Services Are Running

Several Windows services must be running for the Microsoft Store to function correctly.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate each of the following services and confirm the Status column shows Running:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
   • Application Identity
3. If any service is stopped, right-click it and select Start.
4. To set a service to start automatically, right-click it, choose Properties, and set Startup type to Automatic.
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting Persistent Issues

Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

If Windows Update is interfering with Store downloads, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder can help.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

3. Restart your computer and try the Store again.

Switch to a Different Network or DNS

Some internet service providers block or throttle Microsoft Store traffic. To rule this out:

• Try connecting from a different network, such as a mobile hotspot.
• Change your DNS settings to a public provider such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8.
• If you use a VPN, disconnect from it and try again.

Check for Conflicting Software

Third-party antivirus products, firewall tools, and proxy utilities can interfere with Store connections. Temporarily disable any non-Microsoft security software and test the Store. If the issue resolves, contact the software vendor for an updated version or whitelist.

Create a New Windows User Profile

A corrupted user profile can prevent the Store from working even when everything else is configured correctly.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account next to Other user.
3. Follow the prompts to create a local or Microsoft account.
4. Sign in to the new account and test the Microsoft Store.

If the Store works in the new profile, your original profile is likely corrupted. See Managing User Accounts in Windows 11 for guidance on repairing or migrating to a new profile.

Perform an In-Place Repair Install

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, an in-place repair install reinstalls Windows system files while keeping your apps, files, and settings intact. This is more thorough than a reset and is often the last resort before a full reinstall.

1. Download the official Windows 10 or Windows 11 media creation tool from Microsoft.
2. Use the tool to create a bootable USB or ISO file.
3. Run the setup from within Windows and choose to keep personal files and apps.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the repair install.

Still Having Issues?