How to Fix Microsoft Store Stuck on Starting Download

The Microsoft Store is the best place to find out-of-the-box apps and tools. This store allows you to easily add your favorite (or experimental) apps. Plus, you need to worry less about malware and viruses. However, dealing with the Microsoft Store is not always pleasant. Sometimes apps get stuck in the download process, and it can be an annoying experience, especially if you have multiple apps to download.

Most of the time, logging out and then logging in will get the job done, but not always. If you are stuck in a similar position, here are some ways to fix Microsoft Store stuck on download issue.

1. Clear cache

Cache files are both a boon and a bane, whether it’s your Chrome browser, apps on your Android phone, or the Microsoft Store. While the cache improves performance and load time, some old cache files tend to get corrupted and may cause the Microsoft Store to behave strangely.

To clear Microsoft Store cache files, follow the steps below,

Step 1: Find Command Prompt on the Start menu. Right click and select Run as administrator> Yes.

2nd step: Then type the following command and hit enter,

wsreset.exe

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

2. Reset MS Store settings

If clearing the cache did not resolve the issue, you might want to reset Store settings. Like the previous fix, this one is also straightforward.

Step 1: Open Settings using Win + I key, go to Apps> Apps & Features and search for Microsoft Store.

2nd step: Once you see the Microsoft Store option, click on Advanced options.

This will open a long list of settings. Scroll down and select Reset.

As with deleting app data on Android phones, all app data will be reset, but the apps you downloaded so far will still be on your PC.

3. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that (you guessed it) automatically identifies and helps resolve simple issues, such as problems connecting the PC to Wi-Fi or the network printer. So naturally you can also troubleshoot the Windows Store if there are any apps waiting to download. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Go to Settings> Update & Security, then select Troubleshoot from the left panel.

2nd step: Click on Additional Troubleshooters. This will open a long list of connections and programs.

Choose Microsoft Store from the menu (usually near the end) and select the “Run this troubleshooter” option.

The troubleshooter will take a little while to initialize. And when done, it will walk you through the troubleshooting steps.

4. Run a system check

If you are still having issues with apps stuck in download state, it’s time to perform a system check. System Check or System File Checker checks application files for corrupt files or missing files and restores them automatically.

To note: Running SFC or System File Checker can be risky at times, and it is always wise to back up your PC before proceeding.

Unlike the built-in troubleshooter, you might need to run SFC multiple times to fix all the file and application issues on your system. And in the worst circumstances, you may need to repair the files manually.

Nevertheless, if you are ready to continue, here is how to initialize SFC.

Step 1: Find CMD in the Find menu and right-click on it. Select Run as administrator

Now type the following command and hit enter

sfc /scannow

Your system will display a variety of results. If it displays something like “… corrupt files found and successfully fixed them …” then you know you are on the right track.

Restart your PC when done, and your issue with MS Store apps stuck when starting download should be resolved.

5. Reset Windows Update

The long-time Windows user should already know that an update is an essential part of any Windows 10 PC. From providing security fixes to new features, these updates bring many changes. If you’ve updated your Windows 10 PC fairly recently, some of the update’s components may have been corrupted.

Fortunately, you can restart Windows Update to fix these issues, and it’s pretty straightforward.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog window (Win + R) and type the following command.

services.msc

This will open the service manager.

2nd step: In the service manager, press the W key to enter the Windows services section. Locate Windows Update, select it and press the Stop button as shown below.

Step 4: Meanwhile, open the folder in drive C: and search for SoftwareDistribution. Once you’ve located it, rename it to SoftwareDistribution_[date]

Step 5: Then go back to Service Manager and click on the Start button.

Once done, open the Microsoft Store and download the apps again. Chances are they’ll download right away.

Download complete

These are some of the ways you can fix Microsoft Store stuck while downloading issue. However, if the above steps did not resolve the issue for you, you might want to re-register Microsoft Store on your PC.

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