Microsoft Store Not Downloading Apps? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• Windows updates installed but the PC not restarted
• A PC that isn’t authorized to use Microsoft Store apps
• An app that isn’t compatible with your device
• Microsoft family settings that hide or block the app

Step-by-Step Solutions

Work through these steps in order and try the download again after each one, starting with the quickest checks.

1. 1

   Step 1: Restart your PC

   If Windows updates were installed recently, you need to restart before Microsoft Store can install apps.

   Microsoft says that if updates for Windows were recently installed, you’ll need to restart your PC before you can install apps from Microsoft Store. Restart it, then open Microsoft Store and try the download again.

2. 2

   Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft account

   Your PC needs to be authorized to use Microsoft Store apps, which means signing in to the Store with your Microsoft account.

   Sign in to the Microsoft Store app with your Microsoft account. If your PC isn’t authorized to use Microsoft Store apps, signing in is what Microsoft says you need to do.

   Check that you’re signed in with the correct account. To check whether your PC is authorized, Microsoft points to its page Add a device to your Microsoft account.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check that the app is available to you

   Some apps can’t be installed on every PC or account, so check these before you change anything.

   Microsoft lists these reasons an app may not show up or may not install:

   • The app isn’t compatible with your device. Microsoft Store automatically hides or blocks the purchase button on apps that are incompatible with it.
   • Microsoft family settings are hiding it. Parents can use family settings so a child can’t view or install apps that are inappropriate for their age.
4. 4

   Step 4: Reset the Microsoft Store app

   The wsreset.exe command resets the Microsoft Store app, which then opens by itself.

   Press the Windows key + R to open a Run dialog box. Enter wsreset.exe, then select OK.

   A blank command prompt window opens. After about ten seconds it closes and Microsoft Store opens automatically. Search for your app or game and try to install it again.

5. 5

   Step 5: Install Windows updates

   Microsoft’s fixes for problems with Store apps include making sure Windows is up to date.

   In Windows 11, select Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, then Check for updates. If there is an available update, select Install now.

   When the updates finish, restart your PC before you try to install apps from Microsoft Store again.

6. 6

   Step 6: Update Microsoft Store

   You can update the Microsoft Store app itself from its Library page.

   Select Start, then select Microsoft Store from the apps list. In Microsoft Store, select Library, then Get updates.

   If an update for Microsoft Store is available, it starts installing automatically. When it’s done, try your download again.

   Good to know

   Microsoft is making app updates automatic, but you still have the option to pause updates if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions