How to Fix the Microsoft Store When It Won’t Download Games
It is not uncommon for Windows users to run into unpleasant errors while using the Microsoft Store now and then. Sometimes the app won’t launch, and other times, it struggles to download apps.
Sometimes, the Microsoft Store is unable to download new games or update existing ones. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix this problem once and for all.
1. Log Out and Back Into the Microsoft Store
You might not be able to download games because of a temporary bug or glitch within the Windows Store app. The easiest way to get rid of it is by logging out of the Store, ending its process, and then logging back in.
Here is how to do that:
2. Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily
One of the first things that you should do if Microsoft Store won’t download new games or update the existing ones is to disable the antivirus temporarily.
There are times when security programs falsely detect certain legitimate processes, blocking their actions entirely. The best thing to do in this case is to disable the security program temporarily, download the required game, and then enable the program back. If you do not want to disable the security program entirely, you can pause certain processes like the firewall.
The same goes for Windows Defender, which can also block processes due to false positives. you’re able to trydisabling Windows Defender temporarilyand see if that does the trick for you. However, we strongly encourage enabling it back once you are done since keeping it disabled for a long can expose your system to malware and viruses.
3. Restart the Windows Update Service
The Windows Update service takes care of the installation of new programs and their updates in the system. If this service is not functioning properly, you can likely run into issues, much like the one you’re experiencing right now.
To check if this service is working as it is supposed to, you may visit Windows Services and give the service a kickstart. Here’s how:
4. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
Microsoft Store cache might also be corrupt, preventing you from installing new programs and files. Since cache files are temporary, deleting them is quite safe. Hopefully, it will help you fix the problem.
Follow these steps to proceed:
This should launch Command Prompt which will run the process for a few seconds. Once that completes, try downloading the targeted game again.
5. Run the Built-In Windows Troubleshooting Utilities
Another solution that you could try if you encounter issues with the Microsoft Store is running certain troubleshooting utilities that are built into Windows. The most effective one in our case will be theWindows Store troubleshooterwhich is designed by Microsoft to scan the system for issues that might be preventing you from using the Store effectively.
Apart from the Windows Store troubleshooter, you can also tryrunning the System File Checker (SFC)andDeployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). These utilities are run via Command Prompt and can scan the system for potential issues.
The good thing about these utilities is that they do not just identify the issues but also attempt to fix them without requiring user input. Once you run all the system scans, check if the problem is now fixed. If it persists, proceed with the next method below.
6. Check the Storage Settings
it’s possible to also be facing the problem if Microsoft Store is configured to download programs on a drive that has insufficient storage. The solution, in this case, is simple, as all that you need to do is modify the storage settings.
If an SD or microSD card is connected to your PC, we recommend removing it and then proceeding with the steps below.
7. Perform a System Restore
Microsoft Windows comes with an undo feature that allows you to revert to a previous functioning state of Windows. This is done using the restore points that Windows creates occasionally.
If the troubleshooting methods have not worked for you, then you can go back to a previous Windows stateusing the System Restore featurewhere the Store was working without any issues. Hopefully, it will fix the error for good.
Download and Play Your Favorite Games
With the methods above, you should be able to fix the issue with the Microsoft Store and download your favorite games. If you are still facing the issue, we recommend that you consider online alternatives for downloading programs. However, you must ensure that they are safe for your system before using them.
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