How To Resolve Microsoft Store Stuck on Updating Issue

When the Microsoft Store gets stuck while updating, it’s pretty annoying because it blocks any new or refreshed app installs. Usually, this happens because of a bloated cache or some internal glitch in the store. It’s frustrating, but luckily, there are a few ways to fix this without jumping straight into a full reinstall.

Most of these fixes involve clearing cache, resetting settings, or making sure some background services are running smoothly. They’re fairly straightforward, but sometimes you need to try a few methods to see what actually makes it move again. By the end, you should have the store updating normally, or at least know what to do next. Because, of course, Windows has to make it harder than it should be sometimes.

How to Fix a Stuck Microsoft Store Update

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter

This little built-in tool is often overlooked, but it can automatically spot and fix common issues with the Microsoft Store. It’s like a quick health check. If it finds something, it tends to fix it, and suddenly update issues disappear.

• Click Start > Settings
• Select Update & Security
• Click on Troubleshoot then choose Additional troubleshooters
• Look for Windows Store apps, click on it, and then hit Run the troubleshooter

On some setups, this fails the first time, then magically works after a reboot or couple of tries. It’s weird, but worth a shot because it’s fast and often fixes the problem.

Expect to see some diagnostic messages, and if it fixes things, you’ll get a confirmation. Otherwise, move on to the next method.

Fix 2: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, the cache gets overloaded, slowing down or breaking the store. Clearing it is super easy and usually the first thing recommended. No losing apps or anything; just a quick reset of stored data.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run box
2. Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter

A command prompt window will appear, then close on its own after a second or two. The Microsoft Store will pop back up. If it’s still being stubborn, this sometimes helps push it forward.

Fix 3: Reset the Microsoft Store to Default Settings

If resetting the cache alone doesn’t do the trick, you might want to reset the whole store to factory defaults. This will clear out messed-up settings and can fix update hang-ups. Just be aware it might sign you out, so have your credentials handy.

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Scroll to Microsoft Store, click on it
3. Click on Advanced options
4. Scroll down and hit Reset. Confirm if prompted.

This restores the store to a fresh state — at least, that’s the goal. After doing this, try updating again. Sometimes, this is enough to knock out stubborn bugs.

Fix 4: Restart or Enable the Microsoft Store Install Service

Many times, the background service responsible for installing or updating apps gets disabled or stuck. Making sure it’s running can get updates moving again. It’s not complicated, but you do need to dive into the Services app.

1. Press the Windows key
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter
3. Locate Microsoft Store Install Service
4. Double-click it to check its status
5. If it’s Running, click Restart
6. If it’s Disabled, set Startup type to Automatic, then click Start

Sometimes, this service just needs a kickstart. On some machines, after restarting this, the Store updates just start working again. On others, maybe a full reboot helps seal the deal.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If none of these work, reinstalling is the nuclear option. It’s a little gnarly, but it clears out the flaky parts of the app. You’ll need PowerShell for this.

1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin)
2. Enter this command to remove the store:

get-appxpackage *WindowsStore* | remove-appxpackage

3. Press Enter. It’ll uninstall the store — don’t freak out if it disappears immediately.

Then, you’ll have to reinstall it. Here’s how:

1. Open PowerShell again as Administrator
2. Run this command to re-add the store:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Hit Enter and wait. It might take a couple of seconds or a minute.

When it’s done, try to update or install apps again. If that doesn’t help, maybe it’s a deeper system issue, and Microsoft Support could be the next step.

Trying these steps usually works on most machines. The main thing is to clear out what’s clogging the pipes, either by resetting, restarting services, or reinstalling. Sometimes, a restart after these steps helps kick things into gear.

Summary

• Ran troubleshooter? Check.
• Reset cache? Done that? Good.
• Reset store settings? Might help.
• Ensure install service is running? Don’t skip.
• Still broken? Reinstall the store.

Wrap-up

Most of the time, one or two of these tricks will get the Microsoft Store updating again. It’s kind of a pain, but once it’s fixed, it stays stable for a while. Just remember, sometimes you need a bit of patience — these update issues aren’t always quick fixes, especially if there’s a deeper system glitch lurking behind.