Fix: Can’t Install Apps from Microsoft Store on Windows 10

If Microsoft Store opens on Windows 10 but an app will not download or install, start by restarting the PC, signing in to the Store, and checking for both Windows and Store updates. If that does not work, reset the Store cache, repair or reset Microsoft Store, then check the system time, region, and Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. These steps address the most common causes without requiring a Windows reinstall.

One important current note: standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The operating system still runs, but Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 where possible or using an eligible Extended Security Updates option if you must stay on Windows 10. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.

1. Restart Windows, sign in, and check whether the app can be installed

A pending restart can block Store installs after Windows updates. Restart the PC first, then open Microsoft Store and make sure you are signed in with the Microsoft account you intend to use.

1. Select Start > Power > Restart.
2. Open Microsoft Store and select the account icon.
3. If needed, sign in to your Microsoft account and try the app again.

If the Install button is missing, the problem may not be a Store failure. Microsoft notes that an app can be unavailable because of country or region restrictions, device incompatibility, family settings, removal from the Store, or account/device authorization. Review Microsoft’s app availability and installation guidance before troubleshooting the Store itself.

2. Update Windows 10 and Microsoft Store

Microsoft recommends checking both Windows Update and Store app updates. A Windows update does not automatically mean the Microsoft Store app itself is current.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates. Install available updates and restart if Windows asks you to.
3. Open Microsoft Store.
4. On the Windows 10 Store interface, select See more (…) > Downloads and updates > Get updates.

Microsoft documents these Windows 10 steps in Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store.

3. Reset the Microsoft Store cache with wsreset.exe

A damaged or stale Store cache can interfere with downloads. Windows includes wsreset.exe specifically for resetting the Microsoft Store cache.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
3. A blank Command Prompt window should appear briefly. Microsoft says it normally closes after about 10 seconds and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
4. Search for the app again and retry Install.

This procedure is documented on Microsoft’s Microsoft Store installation support page.

4. Repair or reset the Microsoft Store app

If clearing the cache is not enough, use Windows 10’s app recovery controls:

1. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Select Microsoft Store, then Advanced options.
3. Select Repair if the option is available.
4. If Repair does not help, select Reset.

Reset is the more aggressive option and can remove app data or restore the app to its default state, so you may need to sign in again afterward. Microsoft explains these recovery controls in Repair apps and programs in Windows.

5. Check the date, time, region, and Store troubleshooter

Incorrect time or region settings can prevent the Store from completing secure account and licensing checks. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and turn on Set time automatically. If appropriate for your PC, also enable automatic time-zone detection. Then open Region and verify that Country or region matches your actual Store region.

You can also run the Windows 10 Store troubleshooter: open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Store Apps, and choose Run the troubleshooter. Apply any recommended fix, restart Windows, and test the installation again.

If Microsoft Store still cannot install the app

• Try another app. If only one title fails, the issue may be compatibility, regional availability, licensing, or the publisher’s Store listing rather than Microsoft Store itself.
• Check the exact error code. A code shown beside the failed download can point to a more specific account, update, storage, or networking problem.
• Check free disk space and restart once more after any update or reset operation.
• If Microsoft Store will not open at all, use Microsoft’s separate Microsoft Store doesn’t open guidance.

FAQ

Does wsreset.exe uninstall Microsoft Store apps?

No. wsreset.exe resets the Microsoft Store cache; it does not uninstall the apps already installed on the PC.

Should I just wait if Microsoft Store is stuck on Acquiring license?

A short delay can be temporary, but an installation that remains stuck should not be treated as guaranteed to fix itself. Restart the PC, update Windows and the Store, run wsreset.exe, and then use Repair or Reset if the problem continues.