Why Microsoft Store Keeps Failing Downloads — Top Causes & How to Reset It the Right Way (Cache, Account, Services, etc.)

You’re trying to download an app from the Microsoft Store, and… nothing. The progress bar gets stuck. An error pops up. Frustration builds. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! The Microsoft Store is notorious for being a bit glitchy sometimes.

TL;DR – Why Won’t Microsoft Store Download?

The Microsoft Store can fail to download due to corrupt cache files, account sync issues, or service glitches. You can often fix it by resetting the cache, re-logging your Microsoft account, or restarting essential services. Checking system updates and network settings also helps. Don’t worry—this guide walks you through it all in plain English!

Common Causes of Microsoft Store Download Failures

Before we jump into fixes, let’s understand what might be going wrong. There isn’t just one problem—there are many possible culprits. Here’s a fun list of the usual suspects:

• Corrupted cache files – These make your Store confused or slow.
• Microsoft account sync issues – If there’s a problem with your login, things break.
• Background services not running – Certain Windows services are crucial for the Store to work.
• Outdated Windows version – Sometimes old software doesn’t play nice with new apps.
• Proxy or VPN interference – Your network setup may be blocking the Store.
• Corrupted system files – These can mess with the whole experience.

Let’s break down how to reset, refresh, and rescue your Microsoft Store step-by-step.

1. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache (The Easy Fix)

This is the first thing to try. Resetting the cache is like giving your Store app a refresh—no data lost, just old junk cleared out.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. You’ll see a Command Prompt window pop up briefly—just wait.
4. When it’s done, the Microsoft Store will reopen automatically.

Check if downloads work now. If not, keep reading!

2. Check Your Microsoft Account

The Store is tied to your Microsoft account. If your account isn’t synced properly, downloads may fail.

Try this:

1. Open Settings → Accounts.
2. Click Sync your settings.
3. Make sure sync is enabled and there are no errors listed.
4. If needed, sign out and back into your Microsoft account.

Sometimes, just a re-login is all it takes to fix things.

3. Restart Key Windows Services

The Microsoft Store relies on certain services running in the background. If they’re off or stuck, the Store won’t work right.

Check these services:

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

How to restart them:

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc.
2. Find each service listed above.
3. Right-click → Restart. If it’s not running, choose Start.

Now go back and test the Microsoft Store again.

4. Clear Microsoft Store App Data

If the cache reset didn’t help, try resetting the app completely. This clears app data, but don’t worry—it won’t delete your purchases.

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Scroll to Microsoft Store and click the three dots.
3. Choose Advanced options.
4. Click Reset. Confirm if prompted.

This can be magical when the app is acting up. Think of it as a deep-clean.

5. Update Your Windows OS

Always keep Windows updated. New app versions might not run on old Windows builds.

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your computer.

An update could contain crucial fixes specifically for the Store.

6. Turn Off Proxy or VPN (Just Temporarily)

If you use a proxy server or VPN, it could mess with the Store’s connection.

To disable proxy:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
2. Scroll to Manual proxy setup.
3. Turn off Use a proxy server if it’s enabled.

VPN user? Disconnect your VPN and test the Store downloads again.

7. Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter

Yes, Windows has a built-in tool just for this. Use it!

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot.
2. Click Other troubleshooters.
3. Scroll to Windows Store Apps and click Run.

The troubleshooter does a scan and may fix issues for you automatically.

8. Check Time & Date Settings

Believe it or not, incorrect time settings can break Store downloads!

1. Open Settings → Time & Language.
2. Turn on Set time automatically.
3. Do the same for time zone. Let Windows handle it.

Now restart the system and try again.

9. Repair System Files

If system files are corrupted, the Store app might suffer side effects. You can scan and repair files through Command Prompt.

1. Search Command Prompt, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type: sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. Wait for it to complete. It might take a few minutes.

This tool checks system integrity and fixes bad files automatically.

10. Reinstall the Microsoft Store (Advanced)

If all else fails, you can reinstall the Microsoft Store using PowerShell.

IMPORTANT: Only do this if you’re comfortable with PowerShell!

1. Right-click Start → Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Paste the command below:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Then, reinstall it with:

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

After this, restart your PC and try downloading apps again.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Store having issues is super frustrating—but fixable. Most problems come down to minor glitches with cache, settings, or services. Follow the steps above, and there’s a good chance you’ll be back to installing your favorite apps in no time.

Still stuck? You can also try using PowerShell scripts or even create a new Windows user profile and try again. But usually, one of the simpler methods above does the trick.

Happy downloading!