Troubleshooting Solutions for a Frozen Microsoft Store When Installing Games
As avid Windows users ourselves, we’ve all likely encountered frustrations with the Microsoft Store freezing or crashing when trying to install games. You eager gamers click on that shiny new title, only to be met with an endlessly spinning loading icon. While extremely annoying, this problem is usually easily fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to get your Microsoft Store back up and running smoothly when installing games on Windows 10. Follow along below.
Check for Windows and Microsoft Store Updates
Before diving deep into troubleshooting, first ensure Windows 10 and the Microsoft Store app itself are fully updated. Outdated software often contributes to freezing and errors.
To check for Windows updates:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click "Check for updates"
- Install any available updates
To update the Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store app
- Click the "…" menu > Downloads and updates
- Click "Get updates"
- Allow the update to install
Running these updates takes just a few minutes and can prevent many issues.
Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
When the Microsoft Store starts misbehaving, clearing its cache often does the trick. The cache stores temporary files and data that can become corrupted over time, leading to freezes and crashes.
Here are two methods to clear the cache:
Using WSReset.exe
- Ensure the Microsoft Store app is closed
- Open the Run dialog with Win + R
- Type "WSReset.exe" and hit Enter
- Let the blank Command Prompt window run its course
- The Microsoft Store will automatically reopen with the cache cleared
Via Settings
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Locate and select the Microsoft Store app
- Click "Advanced options"
- Select "Reset" under the Reset section
After resetting the Microsoft Store cache, attempt your game install again. Often this simple trick alone fixes frozen installations.
Run the Store Apps Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides an automated troubleshooter tool for the Microsoft Store and associated apps. This runs diagnostics and attempts common fixes to resolve problems.
To run the Apps troubleshooter:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
- Under "Find and fix other problems", select "Store apps"
- Click "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the steps
The troubleshooter will analyze your system and the Microsoft Store, repairing any issues it discovers. Give installing your game another go afterwards.
Repair or Reinstall the Microsoft Store
If you’re still experiencing a frozen Microsoft Store when installing games, more invasive options are repairing or fully reinstalling the Store app.
Repair
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Select the Microsoft Store app
- Click "Advanced options" > "Repair"
Reinstall
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Select the Microsoft Store app
- Click "Uninstall" to remove the app
- Reopen the Microsoft Store to trigger reinstallation
Repairing resets the Store to factory settings, while fully reinstalling provides a clean slate. Either action should overcome whatever problems are occurring.
Refresh Windows 10
As a last resort, refreshing your Windows 10 installation can fix Microsoft Store freezing issues. This keeps your personal files and settings intact while resetting all system files and apps.
To refresh Windows 10:
- Go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery
- Under "Reset this PC", click "Get started"
- Choose "Keep my files" on the next screen
- Follow the prompts to refresh your PC
Once the refresh completes, the Microsoft Store should operate smoothly again when installing games.
Prevent Future Freezing Issues
A frozen Microsoft Store undoubtedly causes headaches, but hopefully with the above troubleshooting guide you can get back to gaming on Windows 10. To avoid future frustrations, be vigilant about running Windows and Microsoft Store updates whenever notified. This keeps your system running optimally and avoids many common issues.
Also periodically clear the Microsoft Store cache manually just to keep things cleaned out. Following these best practices will prevent the annoyance of a frozen Store interrupting your game time.
For more tips on optimizing Windows 10, check out our blog posts on speeding up your PC and fixing slow boot times. And let us know in the comments if you have any other tricks for resolving Microsoft Store problems!
