Microsoft Store Apps Won't Download or Stuck on 'Pending' in Windows 11

An app or game sits on “Pending” in the Microsoft Store and never finishes, or the download won’t start at all.

Why: a stuck download is almost always a Store cache that’s jammed, a sign-in/region mismatch, or no room on disk. Clear those and re-queue the download.

Fix 1: Reset the Microsoft Store cache (wsreset.exe)

This clears the download queue and is the most common fix for “Pending.”

1. Press Windows logo key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
3. Let the blank Command Prompt window close on its own (about ten seconds). The Store reopens — search for your app and start the download again.

Fix 2: Make sure you’re signed in and your region is right

The Store won’t install for you unless you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, and some apps are region-locked.

1. In the Store, select your profile icon (top right) and confirm you’re signed in with your Microsoft account.
2. Settings → Time & language → Language & region → set Country or region to where you are. Not every app is available worldwide.

Fix 3: Free up disk space

A download stays “Pending” if there isn’t room to install.

• Settings → System → Storage to see free space. If it’s low, turn on Storage Sense or delete files to make room, then re-queue the download.

Fix 4: Re-queue the download and check for a pending restart

1. In the Store → Library → find the stuck app → Cancel the download, then start it again.
2. If Windows recently updated, restart the PC — a pending restart can block new installs — then retry.

Fix 5: Repair Microsoft Store

In Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced options, use Repair if the option is available. If it fails, Reset clears the Store app’s data and can require signing in again; it does not mean resetting every installed app. Retry one download after the reset.

The legacy Windows Store Apps MSDT troubleshooter is being retired and may be absent on current builds. Use the available Repair/Reset controls and Microsoft’s current Store troubleshooting guidance instead.

FAQ

The app isn’t even in the Store for me — why? Apps can be hidden because they aren’t available in your region, were removed by the developer, aren’t compatible with your device, or are blocked by Family Safety settings.

It downloads but says it failed at the end — same fix? Start with Fix 1 (cache) and Fix 3 (disk space). A failed finish is usually a jammed cache or no room to install.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Repair apps, Microsoft Support — MSDT retirement, Microsoft Support — I can’t find or install an app from Microsoft Store