Fix Microsoft Store Apps Not Updating

If your Microsoft Store apps are stuck on “Pending” or fail to update, the fix usually involves clearing the Store cache, checking the date and time, or running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter. This guide walks through the most effective solutions in order, from quick resets to deeper system checks, so you can get your apps updating again.

Why Microsoft Store Apps Fail to Update

Updates from the Microsoft Store can stall for several reasons. The most common are a corrupted Store cache, incorrect system date or time (which breaks security certificates), a stalled Windows Update service, or network restrictions that block the Store’s servers. Less often, the problem is a damaged app package or a system file issue. Understanding the likely cause helps you pick the right fix without wasting time on irrelevant steps.

Quick Fix: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store cache stores temporary files to speed up browsing, but when it gets corrupted, updates can hang. Microsoft provides a built-in tool to reset it without affecting your installed apps or settings.

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 and close automatically.
4. The Microsoft Store will open. Try updating your apps again.

If the Store doesn’t open automatically, launch it manually. This command clears the cache but does not sign you out or remove apps. It’s the single most effective first step for update failures.

Check Date, Time, and Region Settings

Windows uses your system clock to validate security certificates when connecting to Microsoft servers. If the date, time, or time zone is wrong, updates will fail with error codes like 0x800705B4 or simply hang.

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, toggle them off, restart your PC, then turn them back on.
4. Click Sync now under the time display.

Also verify your region under Settings > Time & Language > Region matches where you actually are. A mismatched region can cause the Store to offer the wrong update packages.

Run the Windows Update and Store Troubleshooters

Windows includes automated troubleshooters that detect and fix common update problems. They don’t require technical knowledge and are safe to run.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (on Windows 11) or Update & Security > Troubleshoot (on Windows 10).
2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
3. After it finishes, do the same for Microsoft Store Apps.
4. Restart your PC and try updating again.

The troubleshooters will attempt to reset Windows Update components and clear corrupted Store files. They may take several minutes but require no input from you.

Reset or Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If the Store itself is broken, resetting it can help without affecting other apps. In Windows Settings, you can reset the Store app directly.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Store.
3. Click the three-dot menu (or the app name) and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Reset. This clears the app’s data and cache.

If that doesn’t work, you can re-register the Store with a PowerShell command. Right-click the Start button, select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin), and run:

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

This command re-registers the Store without deleting it. It’s a safe operation that often fixes deeper corruption.

Ensure Windows Update Service Is Running

The Microsoft Store relies on the Windows Update service (wuauserv) to download and install updates. If this service is disabled or stuck, updates will fail.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll to Windows Update.
3. Right-click it and select Restart (if it’s running) or Start (if it’s not).
4. Set its Startup type to Automatic (right-click > Properties).
5. Also check Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and set it to Automatic and start it.

If the service fails to start, you may need to run the Windows Update troubleshooter again or check for system file corruption (next section).

Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can break the Store’s ability to update. Windows has two built-in tools to repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt or Terminal as Administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
3. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Restart your PC after both complete.

SFC checks and replaces corrupted system files. DISM repairs the system image itself. Run them in that order; if SFC finds issues, DISM can often fix the underlying cause.

Check Network and Proxy Settings

Corporate networks, VPNs, or aggressive firewalls can block Microsoft’s update servers. The Store needs access to specific Microsoft endpoints.

• Temporarily disable your VPN or proxy and try updating.
• If you’re on a work or school network, ask the admin if the Store is allowed.
• Reset your network stack by opening Command Prompt as Admin and running netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, then restart.
• Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking *.microsoft.com domains.

A quick test is to try downloading a free app from the Store on a mobile hotspot. If it works, your regular network is the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft Store app say “Pending” forever?

A “Pending” status usually means the download is stuck due to a cache issue or a stalled service. Clearing the Store cache with wsreset.exe is the first thing to try. If that doesn’t work, restart the Windows Update service and check your date/time settings.

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my apps?

No. Resetting the Store (via Settings or wsreset.exe) only clears its cache and temporary files. It does not uninstall any apps you’ve installed. Your downloads and purchases remain tied to your Microsoft account.

What do error codes like 0x80072EFD mean?

This specific code indicates a network connectivity problem—the Store can’t reach Microsoft’s servers. Check your internet connection, disable any proxy or VPN, and ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the Store. Running the Windows Update troubleshooter can also help.

Can I update Store apps from the command line?

Yes, but not with a built-in command. You can use PowerShell with the Get-AppxPackage cmdlet to manually update all apps, but it’s complex. A simpler method is to use the Store’s built-in “Get updates” button after fixing the underlying issue.

Why do some apps update while others don’t?

This often happens when a specific app’s package is corrupted or incompatible. Try uninstalling and reinstalling just that app. If it’s a system app, you can reset it via Settings > Apps > Advanced options. Also check if the app is listed in your Store library under “Downloads”—sometimes updates require you to manually click “Update.”

Does freeing up disk space help with Store updates?

Yes, but it’s rarely the sole cause. The Store needs enough free space to download and install updates. If you’re below a few gigabytes, clear temporary files via Storage Sense or manually delete large files. However, if you have plenty of space and updates still fail, focus on cache and service fixes.

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