Apps not downloading from microsoft store windows 11 [Solved]

Instead of downloading or updating apps, Microsoft Store displays an endless spinning wheel and doesn’t complete the downloads or updates. Let's fix it

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Microsoft Store is an essential part of Windows 11, allow easily download and install apps, games and entertainment on your PC. Recently Microsoft updated the app store to support Android apps as well. However, there are times you may experience Microsoft Store not downloading anything and installing apps on Windows 11. Users report Microsoft Store won’t download anything on their Windows 11 PC or that Microsoft Store gets stuck during the download process. This article explores the reason why Apps not downloading from Microsoft Store and how to fix the problem on Windows 11.

Why Microsoft store not downloading anything?

There are several reasons why Microsoft Store refuses to download or update apps on Windows 11. It could be an issue with the app itself or a problem with your internet connection. Corrupt system files or cache data of Microsoft also could be the reason prevent downloading from Microsoft Store.

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Again it may be Certain third-party applications, Antivirus or Firewall triggering conflicts and prevent App or Game downloading from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11.

And you can run the dedicated troubleshooter, clear the store cache, or reset the Store app to fix such issue of Microsoft Store not downloading anything on Windows 11.

Microsoft Store Not Downloading Apps

First, check and ensure your device is connected to a stable and active internet connection to download apps on Microsoft Store. Also Disable VPN Client if configured on your Device to avoid such problems.

Some security software may interfere with the download process. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software and try downloading again.

For a few users Sign-out and sign-in to your Microsoft Account in MS Store help fix the issue of downloading from Microsoft Store. This will refresh the authentication and connection between your account and the Microsoft Store.

Again Restarting your system clears out app data that’s potentially conflicting and provides a fresh start. To restart your PC, right-click the Start button, select Shut down or sign out and then Restart.

If your device’s storage is full or nearly full, it can prevent new downloads. Free up some space by deleting unnecessary files or applications.

Clear Microsoft Store Cache

It may be Corrupted store cache that needs to be cleared to fix the Issue of downloading from the Microsoft store.

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Now type wsreset.ext and click ok or press enter key

wsreset

  • A blank command prompt will display during the reset process and the Microsoft Store will open automatically after the cache is cleared.
  • It may take a few seconds only, now try downloading your app or update again.

Check Your PC Time, Date, and Region

When you open Microsoft Store on your PC it tries to sync its time zone with your own.
If the time and date settings on your PC are incorrect, it could fail to sync with Microsoft server and result app update error Or Microsoft Store not downloading anything. Verify that your device’s date and time are set correctly.

  • Press the Windows key  + I to open the settings
  • Go to Time and Language then Date and time
  • Scroll down to the Additional Settings section and click the Sync now button.

Sync now Data and time

Run the Microsoft Store Troubleshooter

Using the Microsoft Store Troubleshooter is a convenient and straightforward way to address common issues with the store and can often help in resolving download problems on Windows 11. Let’s run the built-in troubleshooter and let Windows fix the problem automatically.

 

  • Press Windows key + X and select settings
  • Go to the system then Troubleshoot and click on the Other Troubleshoots option
  • Scroll down and click the Run button next to the Microsoft Store Apps option.

Microsoft Store troubleshooter scan for problems and try to fix the issue.

Windows store app troubleshooter

  • Wait for the troubleshooter to identify and fix issues related to the Microsoft store.
  • If prompted follow any additional on-screen instructions and let it complete.

In addition, if you are unable to update store apps it may cause due to a problem with Windows Update. Locate and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as well.

Update troubleshooter

Once done reboot your PC. Again open the Microsoft Store, and try to download any app or update again.

Update Windows 11 and Microsoft Store

An outdated version of the OS or the Microsoft Store is also the reason why Microsoft Store not installing apps. Or there could be a pending update from Microsoft that’s causing the Store to stuck.

  • Press Windows key + X and select settings from the quick menu
  • Click on Windows Update from the bottom of the list on the left, then hit check for updates button.
  • If new updates are available or pending there, allow them downlaod and install on your computer.

Updating your operating system ensures that your device has the latest bug fixes, security patches, and improvements.

windows 11 update

Also Updating the Microsoft Store app ensures that you have the latest version, which may include bug fixes or improvements that address download-related problems.

Open the Microsoft store, navigate to Library at the lower bottom, and click Get updates.

Update Microsoft store apps

Reset Microsoft Store App

Resetting the app essentially clears its data and settings, bringing it back to its default state. If you are still experiencing problems, Resetting Microsoft Store app can be an effective solution to resolve issues with downloads and other problems on Windows 11.

Resetting the Microsoft Store will clear the app data and log you out of the Store.

  • Right Click on the Start menu and select installed apps
  • Scroll down to locate  Microsoft Store in the App list
  • Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options

Scroll down to the right side, and under the Reset section, First try the repair option and check if this help fix the problem of downloading Microsoft Store apps.

Reset Microsoft store

If not click on the Reset option, Note this will delete the apps data including your preferences and sign-in details

Click Reset Again and reboot your PC, now open the Microsoft Store and try to download any app from there.

Re-Register the Microsoft Store App

If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem, you should try re-register the Microsoft Store by running PowerShell with elevated privileges.

  • Press Windows key + X and select Powershell (Admin)
  • Alternatively, Press the Windows key, search for PowerShell, and click the Run as Administrator option on the right
  • Now copy and paste the following command to PowerShell terminal and press enter key

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

“& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘\AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}”

Once the command has successfully executed, reboot your computer and try downloading from Microsoft Store.

Switch to Google DNS

Also, you should change your DNS settings on Windows 11 to fix the issue of Microsoft Store refuse to download apps on your computer.

  • Press windows key + r, type ncpa.cpl and click ok
  • Right-click on Active network adapter select properties,
  • Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button
  • Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option and set preferred DNS and alternate DNS following

OpenDNS – 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
Google Public – DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS – 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

add DNS address
Click OK to apply the changes Click OK again to exit the Wi-Fi properties menu.

Did the above solutions help fix the issue with downloading from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments below.

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Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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