Can’t Install Apps Windows Store? Fix It

If you can’t install apps from the Microsoft Store, the problem is usually a corrupted Store cache, a blocked or misconfigured network connection, or a system policy or account issue. This guide walks you through the most common fixes, starting with the quickest and safest ones, so you can get apps downloading again.

Why the Microsoft Store Fails to Install Apps

The Microsoft Store is a service built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. When you click “Install,” the Store has to do several things: check your Microsoft account, verify the app’s license, download the package, and register it with the operating system. A failure at any of these steps can produce a generic error message like “Something went wrong” or a specific code such as 0x80072EFD (network issue) or 0x803FB005 (account problem).

Most installation failures fall into one of these categories:

• Corrupted Store cache – temporary files that confuse the download service.
• Date/time or region mismatch – the Store uses your system clock and region to validate licenses.
• Network restrictions – firewalls, VPNs, or proxy settings can block the Store’s servers.
• Outdated Windows or Store app – older versions have known bugs that are already fixed in updates.
• Account or licensing issues – a signed-in Microsoft account that has sync problems.
• Group Policy or third-party antivirus interference – some security tools block the Store’s background processes.

First Fix: Reset the Store Cache

Microsoft includes a built-in tool called WSReset.exe that clears the Store’s cache without deleting your installed apps or account. This is the safest first step and fixes a surprisingly large number of issues.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute or two).
4. The Store will open automatically when the reset is done. Try installing your app again.

If the Store doesn’t open, or if the reset doesn’t help, move on to the next steps.

Check Your Date, Time, and Region

The Microsoft Store uses your system’s date, time, and region to verify app licenses. If your clock is off by even a few minutes, or your region doesn’t match your account’s region, installs can fail with error 0x80070424 or similar.

1. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. If they’re already on, turn them off, restart your PC, then turn them back on.
4. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & region.
5. Check that the Country or region matches the region of your Microsoft account.

After adjusting, restart the Store and try again.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Store problems. It’s worth running before you try more technical fixes.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10).
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask you to sign in or select an app.

This tool checks for corrupted files, misconfigured permissions, and service issues. It often resolves the problem without further action.

Check Network and Proxy Settings

The Store needs to reach Microsoft’s servers. If you’re using a VPN, a proxy, or a firewall with strict rules, the connection can be blocked. Symptoms include error 0x80072EFD (can’t reach server) or downloads that hang at 0%.

• Temporarily disable your VPN – if the Store works without it, configure the VPN to allow Microsoft domains.
• Turn off proxy – go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and turn off “Use a proxy server” if it’s on (unless you’re on a corporate network that requires it).
• Flush DNS – open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns.
• Reset the network stack – in the same Command Prompt, run netsh winsock reset and then netsh int ip reset, then restart your PC.

If you’re on a school or work network, the administrator may have blocked the Store. In that case, contact your IT department.

Update Windows and the Store App

Microsoft regularly fixes Store bugs through Windows updates and through updates to the Store app itself. If you haven’t updated in a while, an outdated version could be the culprit.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
2. After restarting, open the Store, click your profile icon, and select Downloads and updates.
3. Click Get updates to update the Store and any other apps.

If the Store itself won’t open or update, you can download the latest Store app from the official Microsoft website (search for “Microsoft Store download”).

Re-register the Store App with PowerShell

If the Store app’s installation is corrupted at the system level, you can re-register it using PowerShell. This is a safe command that reinstalls the app’s registration without deleting your data.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the command to finish. It may take a minute.
4. Restart your PC and try the Store again.

This command is safe and doesn’t affect other apps. If you get an error, make sure you’re running PowerShell as administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Store say “This app can’t open”?

This usually means the Store app itself is corrupted, not the app you’re trying to install. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, then try the PowerShell re-registration command above. If that fails, check for Windows updates.

Can I install Store apps without the Microsoft Store?

Yes, some apps are available as standalone installers from the developer’s website, but not all. You can also use the winget command-line tool (built into Windows 11 and available for Windows 10) to install many Store apps without opening the Store interface. For example, winget install "Spotify" will download and install the app from the official source.

Why is the Store stuck on “Pending”?

This usually means the download is queued but not starting. Check your network connection, restart the Store, and make sure you have enough free disk space. If it persists, reset the Store cache (wsreset.exe) and restart your PC.

Will resetting the Store cache delete my apps?

No. WSReset.exe only clears temporary cache files and sign-in tokens. Your installed apps, settings, and personal files are untouched. You may need to sign in to the Store again after the reset.

What if I get error 0x80073CF9?

This error often appears when the app package is damaged or the system can’t register it. Try the PowerShell re-registration command, then check for Windows updates. If it’s a specific app, uninstall it (if possible) and reinstall from the Store.

Can a third-party antivirus block the Store?

Yes, some security suites have aggressive firewall or app-control features that block the Store’s background services. Temporarily disable your antivirus (not Windows Defender) and try the install. If it works, add an exception for the Store or contact the antivirus vendor.

When All Else Fails

If you’ve tried all the above and still can’t install apps, consider these final options:

• Create a new local administrator account – sometimes the user profile is corrupted. Test the Store in the new account.
• Use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade repair (keeps your files and apps). Download it from Microsoft’s official site and run it.
• Check if the app is compatible – some apps require a specific Windows version or hardware feature. Look at the app’s requirements in the Store page.

In rare cases, the Store service itself may be disabled. Open Services (services.msc), find Microsoft Store Install Service, and ensure it’s set to Manual and Running. If it’s disabled, set it to Manual and start it.

Most Store installation failures are fixable with the steps above. Start with the cache reset, then work through the network and update checks. If you’re still stuck, the in-place upgrade repair is the most thorough solution that doesn’t wipe your data.

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