Boasting a massive library of apps and games, the Microsoft Store is the one-stop destination for exploring a wide range of items. Hence, you can choose to download the apps that are in line with your preference – without compromising on security. However, if there are certain apps that are not available in the Microsoft Store, you can break the shackles and download them as well without breaking any sweat at all.
Most of the time, downloading apps on a PC is a straightforward affair. Though there are times when downloading apps on Windows tends to either get stuck mid-way or fail right off the bat – without an obvious reason; leaving you scratching your head. Having endured this frustration a few times, I thought it would be better to talk about the best tips and tricks to fix apps not downloading problem on Windows 11.
Fix Apps & Games Not Downloading in Microsoft Store on Windows 11
So, what could be blocking the download of new apps on your PC? From the clogged-up disk space to the faulty internet connection to a greedy VPN to ill-fated configuration, there could be many reasons why you are unable to download and install apps on your Windows 11 device.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
I don’t think many of you would be surprised to know that the biggest reason why apps fail to download is a poor or ill-functioning internet connection. Thus, there is a high chance that taking control of this usual suspect will eliminate the obstacle and let you download your favorite apps.
- So, make sure your Windows device is connected to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- Ensure that Airplane Mode is disabled on your PC by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
- Hit the Wi-Fi menu at the bottom and turn off Wi-Fi.
- After that, restart your PC > reconnect to the Wi-Fi network, and check if you are able to download an app.
- Should the Wi-Fi continue to malfunction, restart your Wi-Fi router.
2. Check App Compatibility
Is the app you are trying to download on your PC is compatible with Windows 11? Head over to the app’s official website to check system requirements.
3. Enable App Installation from All Sources
Windows 11 offers a native way to restrict app installation to the Microsoft Store. If you are unable to download an app outside of the Microsoft Store, make sure this restriction is not active.
- Launch the Settings on your device > Apps > Advanced app settings > Hit the drop-down menu next to “Choose where to get apps” and select Anywhere.
4. Sign In to the Correct Microsoft Account
It’s worth reiterating that downloading apps from the Microsoft Store requires you to have a valid Microsoft account.
- Go to the Microsoft Store > click your profile icon in the upper-right corner and ensure that you’re signed in with the correct Microsoft account.
- If you are already using a valid account, sign out of the Microsoft Store > restart your PC, and sign back in.
5. Adjust Region and Language Settings
Believe it or not, the incorrect region or language settings also tend to affect the app downloads on a Windows device.
- Navigate to the Settings app > Time & language > Region > Choose the correct region from the dropdown menu.
- Now, restart your PC. Once it has rebooted, launch the Microsoft Store and try downloading the app again.
6. Force Quit the Microsoft Store
Should the Microsoft Store app remain dysfunctional, force kill the app. Known for flushing out random software glitches and malicious temporary files, it may eliminate the problem in a jiffy.
- Press the Control+Shift+Esc keys to activate the Task Manager > select the Microsoft Store app in the left sidebar and hit the End task option at the top.
7. Update Your Device
A Windows software bug could also be equally responsible for the app’s not downloading problem. Thus, it would be right to go for the software update. Keeping your Windows device updated makes sure it remains in sync with the latest apps and the Microsoft Store.
- Press the Windows + I keys to bring up the Settings app on your PC > Windows Update > Check for updates > Now, download and install the available updates.
- Next, restart your PC and check if you are able to download apps on your device.
8. Check Microsoft Store Settings
Make sure to check the Microsoft Store settings to ensure that the wrong configurations aren’t coming in the way.
- To get going, launch the Microsoft Store app on your device
- Click your profile in the top-right corner > choose Settings in the drop-down menu and then make the necessary changes.
- Additionally, make sure that your payment method is updated and valid.
9. Clear Microsoft Store Cache
Clearing the Microsoft Store cache has long been an effective way to resolve app-related problems.
- Simply, press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box > enter wsreset.exe > hit Enter.
- It will instantly clear the cache and relaunch the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
10. Declutter Your PC
Is your PC infested with a ton of redundant apps and files? If you are nodding in the affirmative, the lack of sufficient space could very well be spoiling your party, blocking the path of the new apps.
- To declutter your Windows PC, head over to the Settings app > System > Storage.
- Give a detailed look at the storage breakdown and free up as much space as possible by deleting unnecessary apps and files.
- If your internal storage is running low on storage, you should consider external storage.
11. Disable Proxy or VPN
Bear in mind that a proxy server or VPN is also well-known for interfering with app downloads.
- On your computer, dive into Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy Under the Manual proxy setup, disable “Use a proxy server”.
- If a VPN service is active on your device, disconnect it temporarily and figure out if you have overcome the hurdle.
- Just in case you are able to breeze through the app downloading process without any hiccups, it’s your VPN/Proxy server (and not your device) that is at fault.
12. Reset the Microsoft Store
For times when the Microsoft Store starts malfunctioning, resetting it often works wonders in resolving the problem.
- Fire up the Settings app on your PC > Apps > Installed apps.
- Now, search for Microsoft Store > hit the three-dot menu next to it > Advanced options > Reset.
- It will let you reset the Microsoft Store app without deleting your installed apps.
13. Repair or Reinstall the Problematic App
Are you unable to download a specific app on your PC? If yes, I would recommend you repair or reinstall the malfunctioning app.
- On your PC, head into the Settings app > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app causing the issue > hit the three-dot menu next to it > Advanced options > Select Repair or Uninstall.
- Once you have uninstalled the app, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or the official website.
14. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with a robust built-in troubleshooter designed for the Microsoft Store: You can take full advantage of this native troubleshooter to diagnose the issue and remove it.
- Dive into the Settings app on your PC > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter.
- Find the Windows Store Apps option > click on the Run button > go through the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve the issue.
15. Scan for Malware
It’s no secret that malware or viruses also cause the app download issue. Therefore, make full use of the Windows Security tool to scan your PC and eliminate the culprits.
- To scan your PC, launch Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
- Now, hit the Virus & Threat Protection> Quick scan.
- Once it has nabbed any malware, you will be recommended to remove it.
16. Reset Your PC – Last Resort
If nothing has worked in resolving the apps not downloading problem on your PC, reset your device. Fret not, Windows offers a safer way to reset so that none of your precious media and data is lost.
- To do so, fire up the Settings > System > Recovery > hit the Reset PC option under Recovery options.
- After that, choose the “Keep my files” option to keep all your media and data secure.
- Then, follow the prompts to securely reset your PC.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope you can download and install your favorite apps without any obstacles at all. But before setting your sight at a cool app, be sure to let me know the tips that have resolved the issue.
