Microsoft Store blocked, 5 solutions

1. Clear the cache

Cache files are both a boon and a bane, whether it’s your Chrome browser, the apps on your Android phone, or the Microsoft Store. Although the cache improves performance and load time, some old cache files tend to get corrupted and can cause the Microsoft Store to behave strangely. To clear the Microsoft Store cache files, please follow the steps below.

1. Look for Command Prompt in the Start menu. Right-click and select Run as administrator> Yes.
2. Then, type the following command and hit enter: wsreset.exe

This will reset the Microsoft Store cache and you should be able to download the apps again.

2. Reset Microsoft Store settings

If clearing the cache didn’t fix the problem, and the Microsoft Store remains locked, you may want to reset your Store settings. Like the previous solution, this too is simple.

1. Open Settings using Win + I key, go to Apps> Apps & Features and search for Microsoft Store.
2. Once the Microsoft Store option appears, click Advanced Options.
3. This will open up a long list of settings. Scroll down and select Reset.

Like deleting app data on Android phones, all app data will be restored, but the apps you downloaded so far will still be on your PC. How to clear the cache in Windows 10

3. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a tool integrated troubleshooting which automatically identifies and helps solve simple problems, such as problems with the PC connection to Wi-Fi or to the network printer. So, of course, you can also troubleshoot the Windows Store not starting the download or if there are apps in the pending download state. Here’s how to do it.

1. Go to Settings> Update & Security and select Troubleshoot from the left panel.
2. Click Additional Troubleshooting. This will open up a long list of connections and programs.
3. Choose Microsoft Store from the menu (usually towards the bottom) and select the “Run this troubleshooter” option.

The troubleshooter will take some time to initialize. And once it’s done, it will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot the Microsoft Store.

4. Perform a system check

If you’re still having problems with apps stuck in the download state, it’s time to run a system check. System Checker or System File Checker checks the app files for damaged or missing files and automatically restores them. Running SFC or System File Checker can sometimes be risky and it’s always a good idea to back up your PC before proceeding.

Unlike the built-in troubleshooter, it may need to run SFC more than once to fix all problems with system files and apps. And in the worst circumstances, you may need to fix your files manually. However, if you’re willing to move on, here’s how to initialize SFC.

1. CSearch for CMD in the Search menu and right-click on it. Select Run as administrator
2. Now, type the following command and hit enter: sfc/scannow

Your system will show a variety of results. If it shows something along the lines of ‘…. corrupt files found and successfully repaired …’, then you know you are on the right track. Restart your PC once done and the problem with Microsoft Store apps stuck when starting the download should be resolved.

5. Reset Windows Update

As a longtime Windows user like you you should already know that an update is an essential part of any Windows 10 PC. From providing security patches to new features, these updates bring many changes. If you have updated your Windows 10 PC lately, some of the update components may be damaged. Thankfully, you can restart Windows Update to fix such problems and it’s pretty simple.

1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type the following command: service.msc. This will open the Service Manager.
2. In the Service Manager, press the W key to go to the Windows Services section. Locate Windows Update, select it and hit the Stop button as shown below.
3. Meanwhile, open the C: drive folder and search for SoftwareDistribution. Once located, rename it to SoftwareDistribution_[data]
4. Then, go back to the Service Manager and click the Start button.

When done, open the Microsoft Store and download the apps again. Chances will be that they will be downloaded immediately.

Download completed

These were some of the ways you can fix Microsoft Store stuck at download issue. However, if the above steps didn’t fix the problem, you have to re-register the Microsoft Store on your PC.

Microsoft Store is an essential and immovable part of Windows 10, and the specialized troubleshooter should help you solve this problem.