Microsoft Store won't download (or EXTREMELY slow to perform actions)

ziffel · 02 Jul 2022

Hi. I'm using Win10 21H2. all latest updates.

My Microsoft Store app, (also applies to Xbox GamePass for PC), has an issue where when I attempt to download any app or game, it gets stuck on "Pending'' for a very long time, sometimes eventually (perhaps hours later) advancing to "Installing" where it will stay on that stage for just as long. The app may install over time, sometimes as long as a day. It seems to be some kind of connection issue.

I have tried removing/reinstalling MS Store.

Resetting the MS Store

Clearing & Resetting the MS Store cache

The MS Store works fine on other PC's in the house. I'm pretty sure it's something I've screwed up via a tweak or setting over time. My HOSTS file is clean/empty.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. As it is, i can't download anything from the store or any games on GamePass.

dalchina · 02 Jul 2022

Hi, specifically- have you tried Option 2 in this tutorial?
How to Clear and Reset Microsoft Store Cache in Windows 10
- see thread
Windows Store Apps Not Updating

noting a restart may be needed. Seemed to help some at least.

Are you using any kind of VPN or proxy?
Is the DNS the same as on other PCs?

If you create a new user for test purposes and log in as that user, is the Store behaviour normal?

You can try:
Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter in Windows 10

Thanks.

ziffel · 02 Jul 2022

Hi Dalchina. Thanks for your reply!

I have not done Part Two of that tutorial. I will try that today.

VPN or Proxy: none

DNS: not sure if it's the same. but the problem persists on any DNS I try. Currently on Google Public 8.8.8.8

Test user: created a new admin/test account: problem persists there.

I'll report back after i've completed that tutorial. thanks again.

dalchina · 02 Jul 2022

Thanks- what did the troubleshooter report?

If the tutorial doesn't help, then given

Test user: created a new admin/test account: problem persists there.

you can, of course, try an in-place upgrade repair install which keeps all progs and data for which you need a current iso file, readily obtainable.

ziffel · 02 Jul 2022

I did that full list in the tutorial, including the registry edit. No change.

The troubleshooter reported that UAC was turned off (true, it annoys me) and said that Store apps require it on to run (never been true in the past). Anyway, I turned it on, and the problem persists anyway. Anything I attempt to download gets stuck on 'Pending'.

What's interesting is the apps will eventually download. After 30 to 60 mins on 'pending', it will move to 'downloading', another very long wait, it will move to installing. I attempted to install the Spotify app, it goes thru this gruelingly slow process, and is now in the 'installing' phase after several hours.

I am really trying to avoid a Win10 reset, in-place or otherwise. even though it says it keeps apps/documents, etc, it always ends up breaking something or causing a huge amount of work to get things back the way they were. I'd sure like to fix this w/o that step if possible.

Again, thanks for your help, it is much appreciated.

dalchina · 02 Jul 2022

An in-place upgrade repair has a very good reputation for reliablity and is quite often used when no other option occurs or is available,

Only on tweaked systems where the tweaks are invasive are there likely to be significant issues.. and those would equally arise on any major upgrade, as that's the same mechanism.

You can, of course (and I would hope you already do, routinely, as is endlessly recommended) first create a disk image, then the in-place repair install.

Then, if it all falls apart- just restore Windows from your disk image.

I found this for you:
Fix: Microsoft Store Slow Download - Appuals.com
- good source. You've already covered much of this ground.

You could try:
Reset Windows Update in Windows 10

- includes one of the ideas in that.

ziffel · 02 Jul 2022

Yes, I've done everything on that Appuals list. I remember deleting the Software Dist folder in the past, was no help.

I also tried (and forgot to mention) resetting Win Update in the past.

Good idea about creating an image. I'll use Macrium and create an image and give the in place reset a go. Hopefully that will do the trick.

You have been extremely helpful, thanks so much.

- - - Updated - - -

The in-place upgrade fixed it. Tried an app install from the MS Store, and a game install from Game Pass and both installed quickly. I am now back to having an old (probably unrelated) issue where Game Pass games will only install to the C: drive, and I get an error if I choose any other drive. But that's for another day.

You were right, the in-place upgrade was minimal fuss. I was thinking of the Windows Refresh/Reset, a different operation.

Thanks for all your help!

dalchina · 02 Jul 2022

Now's the time to create a full disk image of all your Windows partitions, and a backup job so you can then create differential ones easily for example.

ziffel · 02 Jul 2022

dalchina said:

Now's the time to create a full disk image of all your Windows partitions, and a backup job so you can then create differential ones easily for example.

Amen to that. I'll create a macrium image ASAP.

Btw, I even resolved the GamePass not installing to other partitions issue. It was a permissions problem. I formatted the desired partition, and now it will install there no problem. Everything is working beautifully!