How to fix
Error 0x80080204 when installing games
on Windows

Hello. I have tried to install a game from the Microsoft Store but I received an error 0x80080204 with the message "The operation did not complete successfully. Try again in a bit." How can I fix this?

The Microsoft Store allows users to install, and update various apps at once. It offers various types of software, as well as video games. It is a great option for Windows users as they no longer have to use third-party websites for software installations and risk PUP (potentially unwanted program)[ref en-1] and malware installations.

However, not everyone is successful when trying to use the Windows Store. Some users report receiving an error when trying to install a game. The full message reads as follows:

Error 0x80080204: The operation did not complete successfully. Try again in a bit.

This can happen for a number of reasons. You might be having issues with your Internet connection, so first check if it is stable. Another common cause for installation errors is Windows services that stop working properly. Usually, the error 0x80080204 when installing games in Windows can be fixed by installing available updates and clearing the cache.

You can also use a maintenance tool like [d1] to avoid a lengthy troubleshooting process. It can fix various system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, registry[ref en-3] issues, clear cookies, and cache which are often the culprits of many malfunctions. Otherwise, you can proceed with the manual troubleshooting guide which is available below.

Method 1. Reset Microsoft Store App

• Press Windows + I keys to bring up Windows Settings
• Go to Apps and click on Apps and features
• Search for Microsoft Store in the search bar

• Click on the Advanced options and press Reset

Method 2. Check for Updates

• Go to Settings, then click on Update and Security
• Press on Windows update and Check for updates

Method 3. Log out of the Microsoft Store account

If there is any bug or corruption error within your user profile that is causing the issue at hand, this method will help ensure that you get rid of it. Just log out of your account and log in again. Then try to install the game once more.

Method 4. Clear Windows Store Cache

• Press the Windows key + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin)
• Right-click on that and Run as administrator
• Type in wsreset.exe and press Enter

Method 5. Activate Windows Services

• Press the Windows key + X and choose Computer Management from the list
• Go to Services and Applications, then Services to find Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Windows Firewall
• Activate all of these services by going to Properties and pressing the Start button

Method 6. Change DNS Settings

• Log in to the computer with an administrator account
• Open Settings, then go to Network and Internet and choose Network and Sharing Center
• Select the Change adapter settings option
• Right-click the current network connection (local connection or broadband connection), select Properties
• Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), click Properties
• Select Use the following DNS server for manual settings
• In the preferred DNS server Enter: 4.2.2.1 in the secondary DNS server: 4.2.2.2

• After completing the settings, re-enter the Microsoft Store

Method 7. Update Microsoft Store

• Click on the Library icon located in the left corner of the window
• Hit the Get updates button and download all the updates available
• Finally, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved