How to fix
Acquiring License error in Microsoft Store
on Windows

Hello. Every time I try to download and install Forza Horizon 4, Windows Store becomes stuck at the "Acquiring License" screen. It happens right after I try to press the "Install" button. Is there anything that can be done in order to fix this problem, as I can't play the game because I can't install it...

Windows Store, which is now known as Microsoft Store, has been first implemented in Windows 8 and then was successfully transferred to Windows 10 in 2015.[ref en-2] Currently, users probably can't imagine their computer without it - and for a reason. While initially it was designed for Windows apps only, now it includes 

The built-in store allows users to download and update the most useful apps. This feature is incredibly useful, as it allows implementation of new app features, fix bugs, and patch important security vulnerabilities. Thus, once Windows Store malfunctions, it can create a great amount of frustration to users and even reduce their online security.

Windows Store "Acquiring license" error occurs when users try to download a new app, as well as when trying to update an already installed one - the process simply does not proceed. While in some cases, it only affects a particular application, sometimes the problem is universal, which results in users being unable to download or/and install any apps. Additionally, some people said they also received the 0xC0020036 error in conjunction with an already existing issue.

If you are looking for ways to fix the "Acquiring license" error on Microsoft Store, you came to the right place. Since the problem lies within a built-in Windows app, it is likely that some system files got corrupted, hence the installation of the apps could not be finalized.

In other cases, the issue may lie within the app itself, so resetting it might help you fix the problem. Below you will find several methods that should help you resolve the issue. Keep in mind that there is no universal solution for every system, hence you might have to try several solutions before finding one that works for you.

Before proceeding with the manual solutions below, we would like to offer you a PC repair app [d1]. Its unique technology allows detecting and remediating Windows sectors automatically, which helps users to fix Blue Screen[ref en-3] errors, malware damage to system files, Windows registry[ref en-1] corruption, etc.

1. Run Apps troubleshooter

If you are experiencing this error only when trying to download/update a particular app, you should try running a Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter
• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Find Windows Store Apps from the list
• Click Run the troubleshooter

  

• Once the scan is finished, apply the suggested fixes.

2. Reset Windows Store cache

Resetting the Store cache might help you resolve the issues you are experiencing with the app, as corrupted configuration data files might be at fault.

• Type WSReset.exe in Windows search
• Right-click on the result and select Run as as administrator

  

• A blank window should show up - do not close it and wait
• Once it shuts down, Windows Store should reopen.

3. Check date and time

If your date and time are not set correctly, it could cause MS Store to malfunction, ultimately resulting in an "Acquiring License" error.

• Type in date & time in Windows search and hit Enter
• Set time and time zone to be set automatically
• Under Synchronize your clock, select Sync now.

  

4. Run System File Checker and DISM

This method will ensure that corrupted Windows system files are restored.

• Type in cmd into Windows search box
• Right-click on Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator
• In the Command Prompt window, type in the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow

  

• Be patient, as the scan might take awhile. Once SFC manages to fix corrupted files, restart your PC.

If the previous scan returned an error or damaged files could not be fixed, you should try using DISM instead to fix Windows image files:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator as explained above
• Run the following command:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Wait till the scan finishes and Restart your device.

5. Reset Microsoft Store

You can easily reset the store via the Apps and Features section:

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features
• Scroll down until you reach Microsoft Store entry
• Click on Advanced Options
• Scroll down once again and click on Reset.

  

6. Reinstall the app in question

If you are unable to update a particular app, you could try reinstalling it.

• Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a program
• Scroll through the apps and find the malfunctioning one
• Right-click and select Uninstall
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Scan for malware

Malware can cause significant damage to your system. Thus, you should ensure that there are no malicious programs installed on your system:

• Type in Security into Windows search and click Windows Security
• Select Virus & Threat protection
• Choose Scan options
• Select Full scan and then click Scan now.

8. Re-register Microsoft Store

• Close down Windows Store
• Right-click on Start button and select PowerShell (Admin)
• Copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after:
  Get-AppXPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml”}

  

• Wait till the command is executed, close down PowerShell and using the Store again.

9. Make sure the relevant services are running

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter
• Scroll down until you find Background Intelligence Transfer Service
• Double-click it, select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu
• Click Start, Apply, and OK

  

• Now repeat this process with the remaining services:
  Cryptographic Services
  Windows License Manager
  Windows Store
  Windows Update

Tip: If any of these services are already running, right-click on them and select Restart.

10. Reset Windows

You can easily reset Windows without losing files - this might be something you should try. Before you begin, backup your files just in case and disconnect all external devices apart from the mouse and keyboard.

• Right-click on Start and click Settings
• Go to Updates & Security section
• Select Recovery on the left
• Under Reset this PC, click the Get started button
• Pick Keep my files and Cloud download

  

• Proceed with on-screen instructions to finalize the process.