How to Fix Issues for Downloading from Microsoft Store on Windows

The Microsoft Store won’t download apps, games, or updates. You see error codes, spinning wheels, or downloads that freeze at 0%. This guide shows you exactly how to fix these problems, step by step.

Most Microsoft Store download issues stem from cache corruption, outdated Windows components, or network problems. You can fix 90% of these issues in under 10 minutes using built-in Windows tools.

Why Microsoft Store Downloads Fail

The Microsoft Store relies on several Windows services and files working together. When one piece breaks, downloads stop working.

Common causes include:

• Corrupted store cache files that confuse the download system
• Windows Update service stopped or disabled
• Date and time settings that don’t match your actual location
• Network restrictions blocking Microsoft servers
• Damaged Windows system files
• Outdated Windows version missing critical patches

Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix faster.

Quick Fixes That Work First

Try these simple solutions before diving into advanced troubleshooting. One of these fixes resolves most download problems.

Reset Your Internet Connection

Network hiccups cause many store failures. Restart your connection completely.

Steps:

1. Disconnect from WiFi or unplug ethernet cable
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Reconnect to your network
4. Open Microsoft Store and try downloading again

This clears temporary network issues that block store servers.

Check Your Date and Time

Wrong date and time settings prevent secure connections to Microsoft servers.

How to fix:

1. Right-click the clock in your taskbar
2. Select “Adjust date and time”
3. Turn on “Set time automatically”
4. Turn on “Set time zone automatically”
5. Click “Sync now” under “Additional settings”

The store needs accurate time to verify download security. This simple fix solves many connection errors.

Restart Your Computer

A basic restart clears memory issues and restarts essential services.

After restarting, open the Microsoft Store immediately and test a download before opening other programs. This isolates whether background processes were causing conflicts.

Reset Microsoft Store Cache

The store cache stores temporary files that speed up browsing. When these files corrupt, downloads break completely.

Complete reset process:

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run dialog
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter
3. Wait while a blank command window appears (do not close it)
4. After 10 to 15 seconds, the window closes automatically
5. Microsoft Store opens fresh with cleared cache

You won’t see progress indicators during this process. The blank window is normal. When it closes by itself, your cache is clean.

Try downloading an app immediately after the reset completes. If downloads still fail, continue to the next fix.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes an automated diagnostic tool that finds and fixes common store problems.

Running the troubleshooter:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
2. Click “System” then “Troubleshoot”
3. Select “Other troubleshooters”
4. Find “Windows Store Apps” in the list
5. Click “Run” next to it
6. Follow the on-screen instructions
7. Apply any recommended fixes

The troubleshooter checks download permissions, service status, and file integrity. It fixes what it can automatically and reports what needs manual attention.

Let the troubleshooter complete fully before testing downloads. Some fixes require a restart to take effect.

Check and Start Required Services

The Microsoft Store needs specific Windows services running. If these services stop, downloads fail silently.

Services You Need Running

Three critical services must be active:

• Windows Update
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Cryptographic Services

How to check and start services:

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
3. Find “Windows Update” in the list
4. Right-click it and select “Properties”
5. Set Startup type to “Automatic”
6. Click “Start” if the service is stopped
7. Click “Apply” then “OK”
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for “Background Intelligent Transfer Service”
9. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for “Cryptographic Services”

All three services should show “Running” status after you start them. If a service won’t start, note any error messages for further troubleshooting.

Sign Out and Sign In to Microsoft Account

Account authentication problems stop downloads even when everything else works correctly.

Refresh your account connection:

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Click your profile picture (top right corner)
3. Select “Sign out”
4. Close Microsoft Store completely
5. Reopen Microsoft Store
6. Click “Sign in” (top right corner)
7. Enter your Microsoft account credentials
8. Try downloading again

This recreates your authentication tokens and refreshes permissions. Simple but effective for many users.

Reset Microsoft Store Completely

When cache clearing doesn’t work, a full reset removes all store data and settings while keeping your installed apps.

Performing a complete reset:

1. Press Windows key + I for Settings
2. Click “Apps” then “Installed apps”
3. Search for “Microsoft Store” in the search box
4. Click the three dots next to Microsoft Store
5. Select “Advanced options”
6. Scroll down to the Reset section
7. Click “Repair” first (try downloading after this)
8. If repair fails, click “Reset”
9. Confirm by clicking “Reset” again

The repair option fixes corrupted files without removing data. The reset option wipes everything and reinstalls the store fresh. You won’t lose purchased apps, they stay in your account.

After resetting, sign in to your Microsoft account again and test downloads.

Update Windows to Latest Version

Outdated Windows versions contain bugs that Microsoft fixed in newer updates. The store needs these fixes to work properly.

Checking for updates:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “Windows Update”
3. Click “Check for updates”
4. Download and install all available updates
5. Restart your computer when prompted

Critical updates often include store component fixes. According to Microsoft’s official documentation, keeping Windows updated prevents most store problems.

Check for updates monthly to avoid future issues.

Fix Corrupted System Files

Windows system files can corrupt over time. Two built-in tools scan and repair these files.

Using DISM Tool

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs the Windows image that other tools use as reference.

Running DISM:

1. Right-click Start button
2. Select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”
3. Type this command exactly: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Press Enter
5. Wait 10 to 20 minutes for completion
6. Do not close the window until it finishes

The scan shows progress percentages. At 100%, it reports whether it fixed anything.

Using System File Checker

After DISM completes, run SFC (System File Checker) to fix damaged system files.

Running SFC:

1. In the same admin command window
2. Type: sfc /scannow
3. Press Enter
4. Wait 15 to 30 minutes
5. Review results when complete

SFC finds and replaces corrupted Windows files automatically. Both tools work together for thorough system repair.

Restart your computer after both scans complete, then test Microsoft Store downloads.

Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus

Security software sometimes blocks Microsoft Store connections thinking they’re threats.

Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Select “Privacy & security”
3. Click “Windows Security”
4. Click “Firewall & network protection”
5. Click your active network (Domain, Private, or Public)
6. Turn off “Microsoft Defender Firewall”
7. Try downloading from store
8. Turn firewall back on immediately after testing

If downloads work with the firewall off, you need to add store exceptions rather than leaving your firewall disabled.

Third-party antivirus:

If you use Norton, McAfee, Avast, or other security software, temporarily disable it for testing. Check your antivirus documentation for safe disabling procedures.

Never leave your computer unprotected. Only disable security temporarily for testing, then restore protection immediately.

Re-register Microsoft Store

Re-registering reinstalls the store using PowerShell commands. This fixes deep registration problems that reset options miss.

Using PowerShell to re-register:

1. Right-click Start button
2. Select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
3. Copy this command exactly:

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

4. Paste into PowerShell window
5. Press Enter
6. Wait for command to complete (takes 1 to 2 minutes)
7. Close PowerShell
8. Restart your computer

The command reinstalls the store framework completely. You might see red error text during the process, this is often normal and doesn’t mean the command failed.

After restarting, open Microsoft Store and test downloads.

Change DNS Server Settings

Your internet provider’s DNS servers might block or slow Microsoft Store connections. Switching to public DNS often fixes this.

Using Google DNS:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “Network & internet”
3. Click your connection type (WiFi or Ethernet)
4. Click “Properties” next to your network
5. Scroll to “DNS server assignment”
6. Click “Edit”
7. Change from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Manual”
8. Turn on “IPv4”
9. Enter 8.8.8.8 for Preferred DNS
10. Enter 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS
11. Click “Save”

Google’s DNS servers are reliable and fast. Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) works equally well as an alternative.

Test downloads after changing DNS. This fix particularly helps if downloads start but never complete.

Create a New User Account

Sometimes user profile corruption causes store problems that no other fix resolves. A fresh account provides a clean environment.

Creating a new local account:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “Accounts”
3. Select “Family & other users”
4. Click “Add account” under “Other users”
5. Click “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”
6. Click “Add a user without a Microsoft account”
7. Enter a username and password
8. Click “Next”
9. Sign out of your current account
10. Sign in to the new account
11. Open Microsoft Store and test downloads

If downloads work in the new account, your original profile has corruption. You can either continue using the new account or attempt profile repair using advanced Windows tools.

Advanced Network Reset

When simple network fixes fail, a complete network reset clears all connection settings and reinstalls network adapters.

Performing network reset:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “Network & internet”
3. Scroll down and click “Advanced network settings”
4. Click “Network reset”
5. Click “Reset now”
6. Confirm by clicking “Yes”
7. Wait for your computer to restart automatically

This removes and reinstalls all network adapters. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and re-enter passwords after the restart.

Network reset fixes stubborn connection problems that block store servers. Your computer restarts automatically when complete.

Check Storage Space

The Microsoft Store needs free disk space to download and install apps. Insufficient space causes silent download failures.

Checking available space:

1. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer
2. Click “This PC”
3. Check free space on your C: drive

You need at least 20 GB free for comfortable operation. Games and large apps need even more space during installation.

Freeing up space quickly:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “System” then “Storage”
3. Click “Temporary files”
4. Check boxes for files you want to remove
5. Click “Remove files”

Windows creates many temporary files you don’t need. Clearing these often frees several gigabytes immediately.

For more information on managing storage, Microsoft provides detailed guidance on freeing up drive space.

Common Error Codes and Specific Fixes

Microsoft Store shows error codes when downloads fail. Each code indicates a specific problem.

Error Code	Problem	Quick Fix
0x80073CF9	App already partially installed	Uninstall the app completely, restart, reinstall
0x80070005	Permission denied	Run store as administrator, check antivirus
0x80073D0D	Installation conflict	Uninstall pending Windows updates, restart
0x80131500	Corrupted cache	Run wsreset.exe, clear temporary files
0x80072EE7	Network connection lost	Reset network adapter, change DNS
0x80073CFB	App conflicts with another	Uninstall similar apps, check for duplicates

Search your specific error code if it’s not listed here. Many codes have targeted solutions beyond general troubleshooting.

When Nothing Else Works

If you’ve tried everything and downloads still fail, you have two remaining options.

Reinstall Microsoft Store

Completely remove and reinstall the Microsoft Store app:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator
2. Run this command to remove the store:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Restart your computer
4. Open PowerShell as administrator again
5. Run this command to reinstall:

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

6. Restart your computer

This nuclear option removes and reinstalls everything. Use it only after exhausting other fixes.

Reset Windows

A complete Windows reset reinstalls your operating system while optionally keeping your files.

Before resetting:

• Back up all important files to external drive or cloud storage
• List all installed programs you need to reinstall
• Save browser bookmarks and passwords

Performing the reset:

1. Press Windows key + I
2. Click “System” then “Recovery”
3. Click “Reset PC” under Recovery options
4. Choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Windows reset takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. Your computer restarts several times during the process. The Microsoft Store reinstalls fresh as part of Windows.

This extreme measure fixes any store problem but requires significant time investment.

Prevention Tips

After fixing your download issues, prevent future problems with these practices:

Keep Windows updated automatically. Updates include store fixes and security patches that prevent corruption.

Clear Microsoft Store cache monthly using wsreset.exe. Regular maintenance prevents cache buildup that causes problems.

Maintain at least 20% free space on your system drive. Full drives cause installation failures and system slowdowns.

Restart your computer weekly. Regular restarts clear memory issues and restart essential services properly.

Avoid force-closing Microsoft Store during downloads. Let downloads complete or cancel them properly through the store interface.

Update your graphics drivers. Many apps require current drivers to install and run correctly.

Summary

Microsoft Store download problems frustrate users but typically have straightforward solutions. Start with simple fixes like resetting the cache (wsreset.exe) and checking date/time settings. These resolve most common issues in minutes.

If basic fixes fail, work through intermediate solutions like running the troubleshooter, checking services, and resetting the store completely. Most users find their solution at this level.

Advanced fixes including system file repair, network reset, and profile creation handle stubborn problems that resist simpler solutions. Only attempt Windows reset as a last resort when everything else fails.

Regular maintenance prevents future issues. Keep Windows updated, clear cache monthly, and maintain adequate free storage space. These habits keep the Microsoft Store functioning smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Store keep saying “Starting download” but nothing happens?

This indicates a stuck download queue or corrupted cache. Press Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. Wait for the blank window to close automatically. This clears the stuck downloads and cache corruption. Also check that Windows Update service is running in services.msc. If the problem persists after cache reset, sign out of your Microsoft account in the store, restart your computer, then sign back in.

Can I use Microsoft Store without a Microsoft account?

No, you need a Microsoft account to download apps from the Microsoft Store. Free apps and paid apps both require account sign-in for licensing and security. Create a free Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com if you don’t have one. You can use any email address to create a Microsoft account, it doesn’t need to be an Outlook or Hotmail address.

Why do downloads work on one account but not another on the same computer?

This points to user profile corruption or permission issues specific to the problematic account. The working account proves your system and internet connection function correctly. Try signing out and back in to the problematic account first. If that fails, run the Microsoft Store troubleshooter while signed in to the broken account. Check that the account has administrator privileges in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. As a last resort, transfer your files to the working account and delete the corrupted profile.

How much storage space does Microsoft Store need to download apps?

The Microsoft Store needs the app’s full size plus approximately 1 to 2 GB of working space on your system drive (usually C:). For example, a 5 GB game requires about 7 GB free space during installation. After installation completes, the temporary space releases. Always maintain at least 20 GB free on your system drive for smooth operation. Check available space by pressing Windows key + E and looking at This PC.

Why do Microsoft Store downloads stop at a certain percentage?

Downloads that freeze at specific percentages usually indicate network interruptions, insufficient storage space, or antivirus interference. First, check your free disk space in This PC. You need more free space than the app’s size. Second, temporarily disable your antivirus and try again. Third, reset your network adapter in Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. If downloads consistently stop at the same percentage across different apps, run DISM and SFC scans to repair system files.