How to Fix Microsoft Store Stuck on Updating or Working in Windows 11

Microsoft Store updates stuck on “Updating” or “Working” can block app downloads, prevent new installations, and disrupt workflow. When this occurs in Windows 11, the root cause often relates to service misconfigurations, cache corruption, or system-level conflicts. Addressing the underlying service and cache issues can restore normal Store functionality and allow updates to proceed smoothly.

Restart or Enable Microsoft Store Install Service

The Microsoft Store Install Service manages the installation and updating of Store apps. If this service is disabled or not running, the Store may freeze at “Updating” or “Working” indefinitely.

Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R. Type services.msc and press Enter to launch the Services management console.

Locate Microsoft Store Install Service in the list. Double-click to open its properties window.

If the service status is “Running,” click Restart to refresh it. If the status is “Disabled” or “Stopped,” set the Startup type to Automatic, then click Start, followed by Apply and OK.

Restarting or enabling this service allows the Microsoft Store to process updates and downloads as intended.

Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted or outdated cache files can cause the Store to freeze during updates. Clearing the cache forces the Store to rebuild its internal data, resolving many “stuck” issues.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

A command prompt window will appear and close automatically after a few seconds. The Microsoft Store will then launch with a refreshed cache.

After resetting the cache, try updating or downloading apps again to see if the issue is resolved.

Reinstall Microsoft Store

When cache resets and service restarts do not resolve the issue, reinstalling the Store can replace corrupted files and restore default settings. This process uses Windows PowerShell and requires administrator privileges.

Type PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click Windows PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.

To remove the Store, enter the following command and press Enter:

get-appxpackage *WindowsStore* | remove-appxpackage

After uninstallation, reopen PowerShell as administrator and enter:

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

Once the process completes, restart your computer. Open the Microsoft Store and check if updates and downloads work correctly.

Run Windows Store Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that scans for and repairs common Microsoft Store problems, including those related to updates and app installations.

Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Locate Windows Store Apps and click Run.

Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will automatically detect and attempt to fix issues. Once finished, reopen the Store and try updating or installing apps again.

Reset Store to Default Settings

Restoring Microsoft Store to its default settings can resolve persistent configuration problems that interfere with updates.

Go to Settings > System > System components > Microsoft Store.

Click Advanced options, then select Reset. Confirm the reset when prompted.

This action clears all Store data and settings, bringing it back to its original state. After resetting, check if the updating process now completes successfully.

Additional Methods and Checks

Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates. Outdated system files can interfere with Store functionality.
Change DNS Settings: Some users report success after switching to public DNS servers like 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google). Access network adapter settings via ncpa.cpl in the Run dialog, then adjust IPv4 properties.
Disable Proxy or VPN: If you’re using a VPN or proxy, disable it temporarily to see if it resolves the Store issue.
Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to check for and repair corrupted system files.
Reset Windows Update Components: Use Command Prompt as administrator to stop update services, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, then restart services. This can resolve deep-seated update conflicts that affect the Store.

Applying these solutions can restore full Microsoft Store functionality in Windows 11, allowing updates and downloads to proceed without delay. If issues persist, consider performing a repair install of Windows 11 to address deeper system problems while keeping your files and apps intact.