Fix Microsoft Store Get Install Nothing Happens

If tapping “Get” or “Install” in the Microsoft Store does nothing, the fix usually involves resetting the Store cache or repairing the Store app itself. Start by running the built-in wsreset.exe tool, then check for Windows updates and re-register the Store app if the problem persists.

Why the Install Button Appears Unresponsive

The Microsoft Store is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app that relies on several background services, a cache, and a licensing system. When you click “Get” or “Install,” the Store sends a request to the Windows Update service and the AppX deployment service. If any of those components are stuck, corrupted, or disabled, the button may appear to do nothing—no download, no error message, just silence.

Common triggers include a corrupted Store cache, outdated Windows components, a misconfigured proxy or VPN, or a system clock that is out of sync. Less often, the problem comes from a damaged user profile or a third-party antivirus blocking the Store’s network requests.

Quick Fix: Reset the Store Cache

The first and most effective step is to clear the Store’s cache. This does not remove your installed apps or your Microsoft account—it only deletes temporary files that may be causing the hang.

1. Press Windows + 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 and close automatically—this may take a minute.
4. The Store will open by itself. Try installing the app again.

If the Store does not open automatically, launch it manually from the Start menu. In many cases, this single step resolves the issue.

Repair and Reset the Store App

Windows 10 and 11 include a built-in repair tool for Store apps. This is a more thorough fix than clearing the cache.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older builds).
2. Scroll to Microsoft Store and click the three-dot menu (or click the app name).
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Click Repair first. Windows will attempt to fix the app without deleting its data.
5. If that does not work, click Reset. This clears the Store’s data and signs you out of the app (but not out of Windows).

After a reset, you will need to sign in to the Store again with your Microsoft account. Your installed apps remain untouched.

Re-register the Store App with PowerShell

If the Store app itself is corrupted at the system level, re-registering it can restore its functionality. This method uses PowerShell and does not require downloading anything.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run this command:

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

3. Wait for the command to finish. It may take a few minutes.
4. Restart your PC and try the Store again.

This command re-registers the Store for all user accounts on the machine. If you get an error, make sure you are running PowerShell as administrator.

Check Windows Update and Time Settings

The Store depends on the Windows Update service to download and install apps. If that service is broken, the install button will do nothing.

• Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates, then restart.
• Verify your date, time, and time zone are correct: Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. Turn on “Set time automatically” if it is off.
• Ensure the Windows Update service is running: press Windows + R, type services.msc, find “Windows Update,” and confirm its status is “Running.” If not, right-click and start it.

Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder is where Windows stores temporary update files. A corrupted file here can block both Windows Update and the Microsoft Store.

1. Stop the Windows Update service: in an admin Command Prompt, run net stop wuauserv.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
3. Delete everything inside that folder. You may need admin permission—click “Continue” if prompted.
4. Restart the service with net start wuauserv.
5. Restart your PC and try the Store again.

Other Causes and Their Fixes

If the above steps fail, consider these less common culprits:

• Proxy or VPN interference: Temporarily disable any VPN or proxy. In Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, turn off “Use a proxy server.”
• Third-party antivirus: Some security suites block the Store’s network activity. Add the Store to the antivirus whitelist or temporarily disable the real-time shield to test.
• Corrupted user profile: Create a new local user account and see if the Store works there. If it does, migrate your files to the new profile.
• Outdated GPU drivers: In rare cases, the Store’s UI can freeze due to graphics driver issues. Update your GPU driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store app only removes its cache and local data, like your sign-in state and preferences. Apps you have already installed remain on your system. You will just need to sign in again to the Store.

Why does the Store work on another user account but not mine?

That usually points to a corrupted user profile. The quickest test is to create a new local administrator account and try the Store there. If it works, you can either use that account or migrate your personal files and settings to it.

Can I install apps without the Microsoft Store?

Yes, but only for apps that offer direct downloads or sideloading. Many developers provide .exe or .msi installers on their websites. For UWP apps, you can try third-party tools, but they are not officially supported and may violate Microsoft’s terms. The safest path is to fix the Store.

Why does the Store show an error code after the button does nothing?

If you eventually see an error like 0x80072EFD or 0x80070005, it usually means a network or permission problem. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot) and check that your firewall allows the Store. The steps above often resolve these codes as well.

Is there a way to force the Store to update?

You can check for Store updates by clicking your profile icon in the Store and selecting “Downloads and updates,” then “Get updates.” If the Store itself is outdated, it may not respond to install clicks. Updating Windows usually brings the Store to the latest version automatically.

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