Microsoft Store Stuck on Updating? Fix It

If the Microsoft Store is stuck on “Updating,” the fix is usually to force-stop the Store, clear its cache, or reset it from Windows Settings—most cases resolve in under five minutes without reinstalling Windows or resetting your PC. Below are the exact steps for current versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, plus what to do if the basic fixes don’t work.

Why the Microsoft Store Gets Stuck on Updating

The Microsoft Store app updates itself and its apps in the background. When it appears stuck on “Updating,” it usually means the download or installation process has stalled. Common causes include:

• A corrupted Store cache (the temporary files the Store uses to track downloads)
• A pending Windows update that conflicts with the Store’s update service
• Network issues, especially if you’re on a VPN, proxy, or metered connection
• Insufficient disk space or a drive that’s nearly full
• Background delivery optimization settings that pause downloads

Sometimes the Store appears stuck simply because a large update is downloading slowly, but if it’s been hours or days, the process has likely frozen.

First Fix: Force-Close and Restart the Store

Start with the simplest step. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for “Microsoft Store” under Apps. Select it and click “End task.” If you don’t see it, look for “WinStore.App.exe” under Background processes. Then reopen the Store from the Start menu. This clears a temporary freeze without deleting any data.

If the Store reopens and still shows “Updating,” move on to clearing the cache.

Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Windows includes a built-in tool to reset the Store cache. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute).
4. The Store will open automatically when the reset completes.

This clears the Store’s cache but does not remove your installed apps or sign you out. If the window seems stuck, wait a few minutes before closing it manually.

Reset the Store from Windows Settings

If wsreset.exe doesn’t help, reset the Store app through Settings:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
2. Search for “Microsoft Store.”
3. Click the three-dot menu (Windows 11) or “Advanced options” (Windows 10).
4. Click Reset. Confirm if prompted.

This reinstalls the Store app itself and clears all its data. You’ll need to sign in again, but your installed apps and their data remain untouched.

Check for Windows Updates and Restart

Sometimes the Store gets stuck because Windows itself has a pending update that affects the Store’s components. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates, then restart your PC. After the restart, open the Store and see if the update completes.

If you’re on a metered connection (like mobile hotspot), the Store may pause updates automatically. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization and ensure downloads are allowed on metered networks if you want updates to proceed.

What to Do If the Store Still Won’t Update

If the basic fixes fail, try these in order:

• Check disk space: Open File Explorer and see if your system drive has at least 10 GB free. The Store needs room to download and install updates.
• Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Update & Security > Troubleshoot (Windows 10), then run “Windows Store Apps.”
• Re-register the Store with PowerShell: Right-click the Start button and choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin).” Run this command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. This re-registers the Store without deleting data.
• Check the date and time: Incorrect system time can break the Store’s connection to Microsoft servers. Go to Settings > Time & Language and enable “Set time automatically.”

If none of these work, you may need to create a new local user account and test the Store there. That helps determine if the issue is tied to your user profile.

Common Misconception: “Updating” Means the Store Is Broken

Seeing “Updating” for a long time doesn’t mean your PC is infected or that you need to reinstall Windows. The Store’s update process can hang for benign reasons like a slow network or a corrupted cache. Also, the Store updates apps one at a time; if you have many apps queued, it can look stuck while it’s actually working through the list. You can check the download progress by clicking the “Library” icon in the Store’s sidebar.

Another misconception is that resetting the Store will delete your apps. It won’t. It only clears the Store’s own data, similar to clearing a browser’s cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my apps?

No. Resetting the Store clears its cache and settings, but it does not uninstall any apps you’ve downloaded. You may need to sign in again, but your apps and their data remain.

Why is the Microsoft Store stuck on “Updating” after a Windows update?

A Windows update can sometimes leave the Store in a state where its update service is waiting for a component that hasn’t finished installing. Restarting your PC usually resolves this. If not, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or reset the Store as described above.

How long should a Microsoft Store update take?

Most app updates should finish within a few minutes on a normal broadband connection. Large apps (like games) can take longer. If it’s been more than an hour with no progress, something is likely wrong.

Can I use the Microsoft Store while it’s updating?

Yes, you can browse and use the Store, but you may not be able to download new apps until the pending update completes. If the update is stuck, try the fixes above before attempting new downloads.

Does the Microsoft Store update automatically?

Yes, by default the Store updates apps automatically in the background. You can change this in the Store’s settings, but automatic updates are generally recommended for security and stability.

What if the Store still says “Updating” after I reset it?

If the problem persists after a reset and a restart, check your network connection, disable any VPN, and ensure your system date and time are correct. If it still fails, you may need to repair Windows using the “Startup Repair” or “Reset this PC” option in Recovery, but that should be a last resort.

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