The Microsoft Store is a convenient way to download apps and games on Windows, but sometimes downloads can get stuck on “Pending” or “Starting Download” status. This can be incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to install a new app. Let’s explore several methods to get your Microsoft Store downloads moving again.
Check Your Internet Connection
Step 1: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Open your web browser and try loading a few websites to confirm your connection is working properly.
Step 2: If your current connection seems slow or unstable, try switching to a different network if possible. For example, if you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting via Ethernet, or vice versa.
Step 3: If the problem persists across multiple networks, contact your Internet Service Provider to check for any known issues or consider upgrading your plan for faster speeds.
Sign Out and Sign Back Into Microsoft Store
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store app.
Step 2: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Select “Sign out” from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Close the Microsoft Store app completely.
Step 5: Reopen the Microsoft Store app and sign back in with your Microsoft account.
Step 6: Try downloading your app again to see if the issue is resolved.
Reset Microsoft Store Cache
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
Step 3: A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Wait for it to close automatically, which may take a few moments.
Step 4: The Microsoft Store will reopen automatically once the process is complete.
Step 5: Try your download again to see if the issue is resolved.
Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Step 2: Click on “System”, then scroll down and click on “Troubleshoot” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click on “Other troubleshooters”.
Step 4: Scroll down to find “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run” next to it.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 6: Once the process is complete, restart your computer and try your download again.
Clear the Software Distribution Folder
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type services.msc and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Services window, find and right-click on “Windows Update”, then select “Stop”.
Step 4: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
Step 5: Select all files and folders in this directory and delete them.
Step 6: Go back to the Services window, right-click on “Windows Update”, and select “Start”.
Step 7: Restart your computer and try your Microsoft Store download again.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Step 2: Click on “System”, then scroll down and click on “Troubleshoot” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click on “Other troubleshooters”.
Step 4: Find “Windows Update” in the list and click “Run” next to it.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 6: Once complete, restart your computer and check if the Microsoft Store download issue is resolved.
Reset the Microsoft Store App
Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Step 2: Click on “Apps”, then “Apps & features” in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Scroll down to find “Microsoft Store” in the list of installed apps.
Step 4: Click on the three dots next to Microsoft Store, then click “Advanced options”.
Step 5: Scroll down to the “Reset” section and click the “Reset” button.
Step 6: Confirm the action when prompted.
Step 7: Once the reset is complete, restart your computer and try your download again.
These methods should help resolve most issues with Microsoft Store downloads getting stuck on pending. If you’re still experiencing problems after trying all these solutions, it might be worth considering a system restore or reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.