Why can't I download apps from the Microsoft Store?
Complete and simple troubleshooting guide for every Windows user
💡 Important to know:
If you've ever found yourself in the unfortunate position of trying to download an app from the Microsoft Store and the download won't start or gets stuck, know that you're not alone. This is one of the most common problems in Windows and fortunately, in most cases, it's easy to fix. In this article, we'll take a look at the most common causes and what you can do to fix them step by step.
The most common causes of problems in the Microsoft Store
1
Internet problems
The most common cause is a slow or unstable internet connection. Microsoft Store needs a stable connection to verify your account and download apps properly. If your internet connection is down or too slow, downloads may fail.
Solution:
- Check if the internet works normally on other applications or pages (e.g. YouTube, Google)
- Restart your router (unplug it for about 30 seconds and plug it back in)
- If you have the option, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or via mobile data.
2
Problem with Microsoft Account
To download apps from the Microsoft Store, you must be signed in to your Microsoft account. Sometimes the connection disconnects or fails without you realizing it, causing downloads to fail.
Solution:
- Open the Microsoft Store and check if you see your name in the top right
- If it doesn't appear, click on the icon and log in to your account.
- If you are already logged in, try logging out and logging in again to refresh the connection.
3
Old or Out-of-Date Version of Microsoft Store
Like any app, the Microsoft Store needs updates. If you're using an old version, there may be bugs that block downloads or cause crashes.
Solution:
- Open the Microsoft Store
- Click on the three dots (...) in the top right
- Select "Downloads and updates"
- Click "Get updates" and wait for the process to complete.
4
Pending or Old Windows Updates
The Microsoft Store only works properly when Windows is up to date. If it's been a while since you updated, there may be incompatibilities that affect app downloads.
Solution:
- Open Windows Settings (Start > gear)
- Select "Update and Security"
- Click on "Check for updates"
- If updates are found, let them install and restart the computer.
5
Microsoft Store Memory Full
Microsoft Store caches temporary files to make it open faster. However, sometimes these files can get stuck or corrupted, causing problems with app downloads. This is completely normal and often happens after multiple updates.
Solution:
- Press the buttons simultaneously Windows + R
- A small window will open – type: wsreset.exe
- Press Enter and wait a few seconds without doing anything else.
- Microsoft Store will open automatically, with memory cleared and no apps lost
6
There is no free space on the computer.
If your computer's disk is almost full, the Microsoft Store can't download new apps or updates. It's like trying to fill an already full glass - there's just no room!
Solution:
- Open "This PC"
- Check how much space is left on drive C:
- If the disk appears in red, it means it is almost full.
- Delete old files, photos, videos or programs that you no longer use.
7
Antivirus or Windows Protection is Blocking the Store
In some cases, your computer's security program (antivirus or firewall) may mistakenly consider the Microsoft Store to be dangerous and block its operation. This happens most often after updates.
Solution:
- Check if your antivirus has displayed a blocking notification for the Microsoft Store
- Add the Microsoft Store to your antivirus's "exceptions" list
- If necessary, temporarily disable your antivirus to see if the download starts (and then enable it again)
8
Problem with Important Windows Files
Sometimes, core Windows files can become corrupted or malfunction. This directly affects system apps, such as the Microsoft Store, and can block downloads.
Solution:
- Press the Start button and type "cmd"
- Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator"
- Type: sfc / scannow and press Enter
- Wait for the check to complete (this may take several minutes)
9
The Application Is Not Available in Your Country
Not all apps are available in all countries. Some Microsoft Store apps may not be supported in Greece or may have region-specific restrictions.
Solution:
- Search for similar apps that offer the same features
- Check if the application has an official website for direct download
- Try searching for it with a different name or alternative spelling.
Microsoft Store FAQ
🔴 What do I do if the Microsoft Store doesn't open at all?
If the Microsoft Store won't open at all, start with the simplest step: restart your computer. Very often, a temporary Windows "stuck" is solved this way.
If the problem persists, go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store and chose Advanced optionsThere you will find the option Reset, which clears the application's data without affecting your computer or your files.
If the problem persists, go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store and chose Advanced optionsThere you will find the option Reset, which clears the application's data without affecting your computer or your files.
🔧 How do I reinstall Microsoft Store?
If you have tried all the solutions and the problem persists, then you can reinstall the Microsoft Store. This process is safe and restores the app to its original state.
Press the button Start and write PowerShell. Right click on it and select Run as administratorIn the window that opens, copy and paste the following command:
Press the button Start and write PowerShell. Right click on it and select Run as administratorIn the window that opens, copy and paste the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Once the process is complete, restart your computer and try the Microsoft Store again.
⏳ Why do apps show "Pending"?
"Pending" usually appears when your internet connection is slow or unstable. It can also happen if Microsoft services are experiencing a temporary problem.
Try canceling the download, waiting a few minutes, and starting it again. If you have multiple apps waiting, let them download one by one for best results.
Try canceling the download, waiting a few minutes, and starting it again. If you have multiple apps waiting, let them download one by one for best results.
Conclusion: Problems with the Microsoft Store can be frustrating, especially when you need an app or update urgently. However, in most cases, they are easily resolved without any technical knowledge.
Always start with the simplest solutions, such as checking your internet connection and restarting your computer. If necessary, gradually move on to more advanced options. In 90% of cases, one of the above solutions is enough to get the Microsoft Store working properly again.
Always start with the simplest solutions, such as checking your internet connection and restarting your computer. If necessary, gradually move on to more advanced options. In 90% of cases, one of the above solutions is enough to get the Microsoft Store working properly again.
(I.e. Last updated: December 2025
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