Fix Apps Not Installing From Microsoft Store – Easy Solutions

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By Markus Winkelhock

Are you facing issues with installing apps from Microsoft Store? Don’t worry, I have got you covered. In this article, I will provide you with various solutions to fix the problem of apps not installing from Microsoft Store. Whether it’s a connectivity issue or a problem with the Store itself, I will guide you through step-by-step solutions to get your apps up and running.

1. Check Internet Connection

The first thing you need to do is check your internet connection. Make sure you are connected to a stable and reliable network. You can try accessing other websites or streaming platforms to ensure that your connection is working fine. If there is an issue with your internet, fix it before proceeding further.

2. Troubleshoot Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection

If you are facing internet connectivity issues, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Restart your router or modem, check the network cables, or reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, a simple connectivity issue can prevent apps from installing.

3. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

One common cause of apps not installing is a corrupted or outdated cache in the Microsoft Store. To fix this, you need to clear the cache. Follow the below steps:

  1. Open the “Run” dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
  2. Type “wsreset.exe” and hit Enter.
  3. This will open the Microsoft Store and clear its cache.

4. Reset Microsoft Store

If clearing the cache didn’t resolve the issue, you can try resetting the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:

  1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Go to “Apps” and then select “Apps & features” from the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down and find “Microsoft Store” from the list of apps.
  4. Click on it and select “Advanced options”.
  5. Scroll down and click on the “Reset” button.

5. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If the above solutions didn’t work, you can use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter to identify and fix the issue automatically. Here’s how:

  1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Go to “Update & Security” and then select “Troubleshoot” from the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down and click on “Additional troubleshooters”.
  4. Find “Windows Store Apps” and click on it.
  5. Click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button and follow the instructions.

6. Check Available Disk Space

Insufficient disk space can also prevent apps from installing. It is recommended to have enough free space on your device. Here’s how you can check the available disk space:

7. Delete Unnecessary Files and Apps

If your device is running low on disk space, consider deleting unnecessary files and apps to free up space. You can follow these steps to do so:

  1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Go to “System” and then select “Storage” from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on the drive where the apps are being installed.
  4. Click on “Temporary files” and select the files you want to delete.
  5. Click on the “Remove files” button.

8. Disable Third-Party Antivirus

In some cases, third-party antivirus software can interfere with the installation process. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and check if the apps can install from the Microsoft Store. Remember to enable it again after troubleshooting.

9. Update Windows Operating System

An outdated Windows operating system can cause compatibility issues and prevent apps from installing. Make sure your system is up to date with the latest updates. Here’s how:

  1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Go to “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Update” from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on the “Check for updates” button and let Windows download and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

10. Reset App Licenses

If you have previously installed apps from the Microsoft Store, resetting the app licenses can help resolve installation issues. Follow these steps to reset the app licenses:

  1. Open the “Microsoft Store” app from the Start menu.
  2. Click on your profile picture on the top right corner and select “Downloads and updates”.
  3. Click on the “Get updates” button and let the Store update any pending apps.
  4. After the updates are installed, click on your profile picture again and select “Settings”.
  5. Scroll down and click on “Reset” under the “App permissions” section.

11. Change Default Installation Drive

If you have multiple drives on your computer, changing the default installation drive for apps can help fix the issue. Follow these steps:

12. Move Apps to a Different Drive

If changing the default installation drive doesn’t work, you can try moving the apps to a different drive manually. Follow these steps:

13. Run SFC Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files that might be causing the issue. Here’s how to run an SFC scan:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.

14. Use PowerShell to Re-register Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store is still not functioning properly, you can try re-registering it using PowerShell. Here’s how:

  1. Search for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator”.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  3. Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer.

15. Create a New Windows User Account

If none of the above solutions work, creating a new Windows user account can help bypass any account-specific issues. Here’s how:

16. Transfer Purchased Apps to New Account

If you have purchased apps from the Microsoft Store, you can transfer them to your new Windows user account. Follow these steps:

17. Contact Microsoft Support

If you have tried all the above solutions and are still unable to install apps from the Microsoft Store, it’s advisable to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized solutions based on your specific issue.

Conclusion

Apps not installing from the Microsoft Store can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to check your internet connection, clear the Store cache, update your Windows operating system, and try other troubleshooting steps. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support for help. Enjoy installing your favorite apps hassle-free!

FAQs

1. Why are my apps not installing from the Microsoft Store?

There can be various reasons for apps not installing from the Microsoft Store, such as connectivity issues, corrupted cache, outdated operating system, or account-specific problems.

2. Do I need to be connected to the internet to install apps from the Microsoft Store?

Yes, a stable internet connection is required to download and install apps from the Microsoft Store.

3. Can I install apps from the Microsoft Store on multiple devices?

Yes, you can install apps from the Microsoft Store on multiple devices as long as you are signed in with the same Microsoft account.

4. What should I do if I encounter an error during app installation?

If you encounter an error during app installation, try the solutions mentioned in this article, such as clearing the Store cache, running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter, or resetting app licenses.

5. How can I reinstall the Microsoft Store app if it is not working?

You can try re-registering the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell. Follow the steps mentioned in this article under the “Use PowerShell to Re-register Microsoft Store” section.

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