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Fix a Windows that has app that will not install

We'll fix Store installs, permissions, and disk space so apps install.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–25 min
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Fix app installs.

  • Check disk space. Run wsreset. Update Store.
  • Good: App installs. Bad: Reset Store.

Check disk space

Goal: Ensure space for install.

  • Settings > Storage. Free space on C: or change install location.
  • Good: Space available. Bad: Free space.

Run wsreset

Goal: Clear Store cache.

  • Win+R > wsreset. Retry install.
  • Good: Install works. Bad: Reset Store.

When to get help

If disk has space and Store is reset but install still fails, Windows may need repair install.

Verification

  • App installs successfully.
  • No error during install.
  • App appears in Start or Apps list.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Disk space Free space on C: or change install location.
  2. wsreset Win+R > wsreset; retry install.
  3. Store update and reset Update Store; reset Store.
  4. Repair Windows repair install if needed.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Error: exact message or code?
  • Disk space: free on C:?
  • Store: updated?
  • Steps already tried

Is there enough disk space?

Low space blocks installs.

Settings > Storage. Check C: free space. Need several GB. Good: space available. Bad: free space.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Free disk space

Delete temp files. Uninstall unused apps. Or change install location to another drive.

Done

Did wsreset and retry fix it?

Store cache can block installs.

Win+R > wsreset. Retry install. Update Store. Good: install works. Bad: reset Store.
Question

Install works?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Reset Store and retry

Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Reset. Restart Microsoft Store Install Service. Retry. If still fails, Windows may need repair.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would an app not install?
Low disk space, Store cache, permission, or Store not updated. Free space; run wsreset; update Store; check permissions.
Can I fix app install failures myself?
Yes. Free disk space. Run wsreset. Update Microsoft Store. Reset Store. Check install location permissions.
When should I call a technician for app install?
Rarely. Usually disk space or Store. If install location is corrupted, may need Windows repair.

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