If you can’t install an app from Microsoft Store, first check that you’re signed in and that the app is available for your region and device. Then close and reopen Store, restart Windows if it was recently updated, and install pending updates. If that doesn’t work, reset the Store cache, repair or reset the affected app, and reinstall it. The steps below cover Windows 10 and Windows 11; the labels differ slightly between them.
First identify what is failing
The right fix depends on whether Microsoft Store is missing, Store itself will not open, one app is unavailable, or an app appears in Store but will not download or install.
- Store is missing: Check whether you are using a Microsoft account. Store may be unavailable when you are signed in with a local account, and an administrator may disable it on a work device. See Microsoft’s guidance for a missing Microsoft Store app.
- Only one app is missing: It may not be offered in your region, may have been removed by its publisher, or may not support your device. Family settings or device authorization can also affect availability. Review Microsoft’s app availability guidance.
- Store opens, but installation fails: Continue with the checks and fixes below.
- A desktop program fails to install: That is different from installing a Store app. Use Microsoft’s separate troubleshooter for desktop programs that will not install or uninstall.
8 ways to fix Microsoft Store app installation problems
1. Sign in and confirm the app is available
Open Microsoft Store and check which account is signed in. Search for the app again and confirm it is listed for your region and compatible with your device. If the app is unavailable, troubleshooting Store itself will not make it appear. Check whether family settings apply or whether the publisher has removed the listing.
2. Close and reopen Microsoft Store
Close Store, open it again, and retry the installation. This is a quick first check when the app listing or download appears stuck. Microsoft includes reopening Store near the beginning of its app troubleshooting steps.
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3. Restart Windows after an update
If Windows was recently updated, restart the PC before trying again. Some Store app installations may remain blocked until the restart completes.
4. Install available Windows updates
Open Windows Settings and check Windows Update for available updates. Install them, restart if prompted, and try the Store installation again. Microsoft’s app troubleshooting guide includes checking for Windows updates; its precise Settings labels can vary by Windows version.
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5. Update Microsoft Store
Install Store updates using the Library or downloads area:
- Windows 11: In Microsoft Store, select Library, then Get updates.
- Windows 10: In Microsoft Store, select See more > Downloads and updates > Get updates.
Microsoft documents these Store update steps in its guide to getting app and game updates.
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6. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
- Press Windows key + R to open Run.
- Enter
wsreset.exe, then select OK. - Wait for the blank Command Prompt window to close. Microsoft says this takes about 10 seconds; Store should then open automatically.
- Try installing the app again.
This clears the Store cache; it is not the same as resetting the affected app. See Microsoft’s instructions for resetting the Store cache.
7. Repair or reset the affected app
If an existing app is the one that will not install or work properly, use its Windows app controls if they are available:
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- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the affected app and open Advanced options.
- Select Repair. If that option is unavailable or does not help, select Reset.
Not every app offers Repair or Reset. Resetting an app can clear its local data, so use it only when appropriate for that app. Microsoft explains the available controls in its Windows app repair guide.
8. Reinstall the app or use the relevant support route
If the app is already installed and its repair options did not help, uninstall it and reinstall it from your Store library. For a game with a game-specific installation failure, follow Microsoft’s game-installation guidance rather than assuming the general app steps cover every case. If the problem remains, contact Microsoft Support.
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What to try for each symptom
| What you see | Start with |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Store is missing | Check whether you are signed in with a Microsoft account. On a work device, ask your administrator whether Store access is disabled. |
| One app does not appear in Store | Check region, device compatibility, family settings, publisher availability, and authorization. |
| Store opens but an app will not install | Check the account and app availability, reopen Store, restart after recent Windows updates, install Windows and Store updates, then reset the Store cache. |
| An existing app is malfunctioning | Use the app’s Advanced options to try Repair, then Reset if appropriate; reinstall if needed. |
| A desktop program will not install | Use Microsoft’s separate desktop program installation troubleshooter. |
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