How to fix Microsoft Store downloads stuck on pending?

Question

Issue: How to fix Microsoft Store downloads stuck on pending?

Hello. I tried updating my Windows apps through the Microsoft Store but the downloads are shown as “pending” or “downloading.” Why are they stuck? Any tips would be appreciated.

Solved Answer

Microsoft Store is a built-in app in Windows that allows users to download and install a variety of applications such as games, productivity tools, and multimedia software. The Microsoft Store provides several advantages, such as a large selection of free and paid applications, a secure platform for app downloads, and automatic updates for installed apps.

Code signing, sandboxing, and vulnerability management are among the security features available in the Microsoft Store to ensure the safety of its users. Code signing ensures that the apps are signed by a reputable publisher, whereas sandboxing restricts apps' access to system resources, preventing them from causing harm to the operating system. Finally, vulnerability management ensures that the apps are regularly updated, addressing any discovered security flaws.

However, users may occasionally experience issues with the Microsoft Store, such as downloads becoming stuck on “pending.” Users may be irritated by this issue because it prevents them from installing new apps or updates. It may also have an impact on system performance and cause other problems, such as a slow internet connection or high CPU^[1] usage.

To resolve the problem, users can try resetting the Microsoft Store cache, checking their internet connection, and updating Windows. Users can also see if their account has the required permissions to download and install apps from the Microsoft Store.

In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix Microsoft Store downloads stuck on pending. However, if you think this may be caused by underlying OS issues, you can try using a maintenance tool like RestoroMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,^[2] corrupted files, and registry^[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings
• Select the System section and scroll down until you see Troubleshoot and click on it
• Click on Other troubleshooters to see more troubleshooters available on your computer
• Scroll down at the bottom until you see Windows Store Apps

• Click on Run to start the troubleshooting process
• Wait until the process is complete

Method 2. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Disable VPN and Proxy Server

• Press the Windows key + I buttons on your keyboard to open the Settings page
• Select the Network & internet option from the left side pane
• Choose the Proxy tab from the list of options on the right side
• Click the Set up button next to the Use a proxy server option under the Manual proxy setup section
• Toggle off the Use a proxy server option

• Hit the Save button and exit

Method 4. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

• Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC
• Open the Local Disk C Drive (C:)
• Double-click on the Windows folder
• Open the SoftwareDistribution folder

• Select all files in the folder
• Delete all selected files

Method 5. Check Date and Time Settings

• Press the Windows key + I buttons on your keyboard to open the Settings page
• Select Time and Language from the left-hand pane
• Select Date & Time from the options on the right side
• Make sure the Set time automatically and Set your time zone automatically options are turned on under the Date & Time menu

• Click on the Sync now button under the Additional settings section to sync your date and time with the Windows Time Server

Method 6. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store

• Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings
• Select Apps and access the Apps & features section
• Search for Microsoft Store using the search bar
• Click on the three dots located on the right side of it and then click on Advanced options
• Click on the Repair option first, if that does not fix the issue, click on Reset

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