9 Effective Solutions to Fix Microsoft Store Stuck on Starting Download on Windows 11

Microsoft Store is the go-to platform for downloading all Microsoft apps and a wide range of third-party apps and games. However, it's not uncommon for users to encounter issues where the Microsoft Store gets stuck on starting a download on Windows 11, causing frustration. If you're facing this issue, don't worry, as we have compiled a list of effective solutions to help you resolve the problem.

Common Issues with Microsoft Store Stuck on Starting Download

Users often encounter the following issues related to Microsoft Store downloads:

• The download gets stuck at the start when initiated on Microsoft Store.
• The downloading process halts after it begins.

To help you overcome these issues, we have provided nine potential solutions below.

1. Download Directly from Vendor Site

If you're experiencing the Microsoft Store stuck on starting download issue, a temporary solution is to download the app directly from the vendor or developer site. While this method still works, keep in mind that Microsoft Store offers the convenience of installing and uninstalling apps from a single UI. Additionally, future updates are automatically installed in the background, whereas apps installed directly require manual updates.

2. Update Microsoft Store Apps

It's possible that there are pending updates for the apps already installed on your computer. To check for updates, open Microsoft Store and go to the App Library. If updates are available, make sure to update all the apps and games.

3. Sign Out and Back In to Microsoft Store

Signing out and signing back into your Microsoft Account in the Store app can resolve the issue. Open the Store app, click on your profile icon, and select the Sign out option. Close the Microsoft Store app, relaunch it, and then sign in again.

4. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 provides a built-in troubleshooting tool to fix common bugs and errors, including those related to the Microsoft Store. To access it, press Windows+I to open Settings, search for “Find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps,” and click on the search result. Follow the on-screen instructions, reboot your computer, and then try downloading the app again.

5. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Resetting the Microsoft Store cache can help resolve issues where the Store gets stuck at downloading apps. To do this, open Windows Search by pressing Windows+S, search for CMD, and open Command Prompt with admin rights. Enter the command “wsreset.exe” and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish, and then try downloading an app from the Store again.

6. Re-Register Microsoft Store

If resetting the app doesn't work, you can try re-registering the Microsoft Store app. Open PowerShell with admin rights from the Start menu, and enter the following command:

"& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + 'AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}"

After executing the command, restart your computer, and the Microsoft Store should no longer get stuck on downloading apps.

7. Terminate Microsoft Store

Windows Settings allows you to have granular control over individual apps. To terminate the Microsoft Store app, open Settings by pressing Windows+I, go to Apps > Apps & features, search for Microsoft Store in the app list, and click on the three-dot menu icon. From the options, select Advanced options, and then click on Terminate. Launch the Microsoft Store again and check if the downloading process begins automatically. If not, restart it manually.

8. Reinstall Microsoft Store

If previous methods don't solve the issue, reinstalling the Microsoft Store app may help. Open Command Prompt with admin rights, and enter the following command:

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore*).InstallLocation + 'AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}"

Wait for the process to complete, and the Microsoft Store should be reinstalled successfully.

9. Restart Windows Update Service

Another solution recommended by Windows expert Gary is to restart the Windows Update Service. Open Command Prompt with admin rights, and enter the following commands one at a time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop wuauserv
net stop msiserver
Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start wuauserv
net start msiserver

After executing these commands, consider performing a clean boot and disabling third-party apps to check for any conflicts.

Download and Store on Windows 11

While Microsoft Store is a reliable platform for downloading and managing apps on Windows 11, there are alternative methods as well. If you encounter issues where the Microsoft Store gets stuck on starting a download or the download process halts abruptly, consider trying the solutions mentioned above. Although you can download apps directly, it's recommended to fix the Store as it remains the best and most convenient way to download and manage apps on the fly.