Fix Microsoft Store Stuck on Updating in Windows 11

If your Microsoft Store is stuck on “Updating” in Windows 11, the fix usually involves clearing the Store cache, resetting the app, or checking your system date/time and internet connection. Below are the step-by-step solutions that resolve this issue for most users.

Why the Microsoft Store Gets Stuck on Updating

The Microsoft Store app updates itself and its content automatically. When it shows “Updating” for a long time, it usually means a background process is hung or a required service isn’t responding. Common causes include:

• Corrupted cache files from previous downloads or updates.
• Windows Update or the Store’s own update service (WSService) is disabled or stalled.
• System date/time is incorrect, which breaks the security certificates used for downloads.
• Network issues, including VPNs, proxy settings, or a metered connection that blocks large downloads.
• Outdated Windows 11 version or pending system updates that conflict with the Store.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Try these simple checks first—they often resolve the issue without any advanced steps:

1. Restart your PC. A temporary glitch in the Store’s process is often cleared by a reboot.
2. Check your internet connection. Open a browser and load a page to confirm you’re online.
3. Make sure your system date and time are set to “Set time automatically” in Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
4. If you’re on a metered connection (like mobile hotspot), go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet, select your network, and turn off “Metered connection” temporarily.

Method 1: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The most common fix is to clear the Store’s cache using the built-in wsreset.exe tool. This doesn’t delete your apps or account, just the temporary files that can get stuck.

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—it may take a minute.
4. When it closes, the Store should open automatically. Check if the “Updating” message is gone.

If the Store doesn’t open, launch it manually from the Start menu. If the issue persists, try the next method.

Method 2: Reset or Repair the Store App via Settings

Windows 11 includes a built-in repair tool for apps. This is more thorough than clearing cache and resets the app’s data.

1. Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps.
2. Scroll to find Microsoft Store. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
3. Scroll down to the Reset section.
4. First, click Repair. This attempts to fix the app without deleting your data.
5. If that doesn’t work, click Reset. This will delete the Store’s local data (you’ll need to sign in again, but your installed apps remain).

Method 3: Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If repair and reset don’t work, you can re-register the Store app using PowerShell. This reinstalls the app’s registration without removing it.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:

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

3. Wait for the command to finish. It may take a few seconds.
4. Restart your PC and open the Store.

Method 4: Check Windows Update and Store Services

Sometimes the Store gets stuck because Windows Update itself is pending or a required service is disabled.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates, then restart.
2. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
3. Find Windows Update and Microsoft Store Install Service (if present). Make sure they are set to “Automatic” and are “Running”. If not, right-click each, select Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then OK.

Method 5: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a dedicated troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Store problems.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask you to select the app (choose Microsoft Store) and then apply fixes.

When Nothing Else Works: Advanced Options

If the Store is still stuck, you can try these last-resort steps:

• Run System File Checker: Open Terminal (Admin) and run sfc /scannow. This checks for corrupt system files. Restart after it finishes.
• Use DISM: In the same admin terminal, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs the Windows image.
• Create a new local user account: Sometimes a corrupted user profile causes the issue. Create a new account in Settings > Accounts > Other users, and test the Store there.
• Reinstall the Store via PowerShell: You can remove and reinstall the Store app entirely using PowerShell commands, but this is more advanced and may require a system restore if it fails. Only do this if you’re comfortable with command-line tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store only clears its local data (like your sign-in and preferences). Your installed apps and games remain untouched. You may need to sign in again to the Store.

Why does the Store say “Updating” but never finishes?

This usually means a background download or update is hung. Causes include corrupted cache, network issues, or a stuck Windows Update service. The methods above—especially wsreset and the repair option—address this directly.

Can I use the Store while it’s updating?

You can try, but if the update is stuck, the Store may be unresponsive or slow. It’s best to fix the update issue first, as a hung update can interfere with new downloads.

Does wsreset.exe affect my downloads or purchases?

No. wsreset only clears the cache. Your purchased apps and games are tied to your Microsoft account, so they remain available for download.

What if the Store still doesn’t work after all these steps?

If you’ve tried all methods and the Store is still stuck, you may need to perform a Windows 11 repair install using the Media Creation Tool (which keeps your files) or contact Microsoft Support. In rare cases, a corrupted Windows installation is the root cause.

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