Fix "App Couldn't Be Installed" on Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store allows you to install safe applications onto your device without the hassle of downloading and installing each app manually. However, sometimes you might encounter an error message that says "This app couldn't be installed," which can prevent you from installing the apps you need on your device.

If you're having trouble installing apps from the Microsoft Store, don't worry - there are several possible solutions. In this article, you'll find tips and tricks for fixing this issue, including restarting your device, resetting the Microsoft Store, clearing your cache, and more.

Whether you're having issues installing apps from the Microsoft Store or getting an error on your device, there's likely a solution that will help you get back to using your favorite apps in no time.

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Why Can’t I Install Apps in the Microsoft Store?
Fixed: Can’t Install Apps on the Microsoft Store
Method 1. Update Windows to the Latest Version
Method 2. Update Microsoft Store
Method 3. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App
Method 4. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Method 5. Enable the Microsoft Store Install Service
Method 6. Reinstall the Microsoft Store App
FAQ
Conclusion

Why Can’t I Install Apps in the Microsoft Store?

This problem was observed by users on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The cause varies based on the device you are using, as well as recent activity on the computer. Let's take a look at some of the common causes:

Windows is outdated - If your Windows operating system is not up-to-date, you may experience problems installing apps from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Store is outdated - Sometimes, issues with the Microsoft Store itself can prevent you from installing apps. This may be due to bugs or incompatibility issues with your device or operating system.
Corrupt system files - If your system files are corrupt or have been damaged, this can cause problems installing apps.
Microsoft Store Install service - If the Microsoft Store Install service is disabled, this can also prevent you from installing apps.

With the right troubleshooting techniques, you can fix these issues and get back to using your favorite apps in no time. There are many solutions that can help you quickly resolve this issue. So don't wait - try out these tips today and start enjoying your favorite apps again!

Fixed: Can’t Install Apps on the Microsoft Store

Here's what you should do if you can't install applications using the Microsoft Store:

Update Windows to the latest version
Update Microsoft store
Repair or reset the Microsoft Store app
Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
Enable the Microsoft Store Installs service
Reinstall the Microsoft Store app

Let's go over each of these steps in more detail.

Method 1. Update Windows to the Latest Version

The first thing you should do is make sure that your Windows operating system is up to date. This can often fix bugs and other issues that prevent you from installing apps on the Microsoft Store.

Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or use the Windows + I shortcut.
Click on the Update & Security tile. This is where you can find most of your Windows Update settings and choose when to receive updates.
Make sure to stay on the default Windows Update tab. Click on the Check for updates button and wait for Windows to find available updates.
If you see any updates displayed, click on the View all optional updates link to see and install them.
When Windows finds a new update, it’ll automatically start installing on your computer. Wait for Windows to download and apply the necessary updates.

Method 2. Update Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store on your device is outdated, then this can also cause issues when trying to install apps. To fix this problem, you should make sure that the Microsoft Store app is up to date.

Launch the Microsoft Store application. When it’s open, click on the Library button at the bottom-left of the screen.
Scroll down until you see the Microsoft Store application, and then click on the Update button next to it.
Wait for the application to download and install. This may take a few minutes depending on your computer and your internet connection.
After updating the Microsoft Store app, repeat the same steps for the App Installer. When both applications have been installed to the latest version, restart your computer and see if you run into the same problem.

Method 3. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App

Because the Microsoft Store is a crucial component for installing apps, you may need to repair or reset it if you are experiencing issues. This can help resolve bugs and other compatibility issues that cause problems with the app.

Click on the Start menu in your taskbar, and then choose Settings. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows + I shortcut.
Navigate to Apps > Installed apps. Please note that this step might be different if you’re currently using Windows 10.
Scroll down until you see the Microsoft Store in your list, and then click on the three dots on the right-side of the listing, then select Advanced options.
Scroll down and click on the Repair button. Wait for Windows to attempt fixing the Microsoft Store app on your computer, and then see if your problem is still persisting.
If you weren’t successful at fixing the “This app couldn’t be installed” error with repairing the Microsoft Store, try the Reset option. This is going to delete the app’s data and completely reset it.

Method 4. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in troubleshooters, which can automatically detect and fix common problems on your device. You can run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter to see if this fixes your problem installing apps from the Microsoft Store.

Open the Search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. You can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
Type Control Panel in the search box. When you see it in the results, click on it to launch the application.
Search for Troubleshoot using the input field on the top right, and then click on the Troubleshooting header from the search results.
Click on the View all link in the left-side pane. This is going to take you to a new page with every available troubleshooter displayed.
Scroll down and locate the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Click on it once, and then wait for the troubleshooter to launch in a different window.
Click Next to begin the problem analysis. If the troubleshooter is able to diagnose any problem, it will then attempt to fix the issue. You can see a full report at the end of the troubleshooting process.

Method 5. Enable the Microsoft Store Install Service

The Microsoft Store Install Service is responsible for ensuring that your device can install apps from the Microsoft Store. If this service is disabled, then you may experience problems installing apps on your device. To fix this issue, simply enable the Microsoft Store Install Service on your system.

Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
Type in “services.msc” without quotation marks and press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will open the Services window.
Scroll down until you see the Microsoft Store Install Service. Right-click on it, and then choose Properties from the context menu.
Stay on the General tab. Ensure that the Startup type is set to Automatic, and then click on the Start button under the Service status if it’s not currently running. Doing so will start the service automatically when you boot up your computer.
Click Apply, and then OK to exit out of the window. Restart your computer and see if this fixed your problem with the “Microsoft Store app couldn’t be installed” error.

Method 6. Reinstall the Microsoft Store App

If nothing else seems to work, you may need to reinstall the Microsoft Store app on your device. This can be a quick and effective way to resolve issues with installing apps in the Microsoft Store.

FAQ

How do I fix apps not installing in Microsoft Store?

There are various things you can try, such as updating your operating system or your Microsoft Store, getting your services in order, or reinstalling your Store app.

How do I force Microsoft Store to install an app?

To force an application to install before other apps update from the Microsoft Store, just click on the Download Now button. This will give priority to the application you selected to install.

How can I prevent the "This app couldn't be installed" error on Microsoft Store?

Always keep your operating system up to date, and make sure that the Microsoft Store Installs service is enabled.

Is it safe to download apps from the Microsoft Store?

Yes. All applications in the Windows Store are first approved by Microsoft to ensure safety and quality for users. All submitted apps are put through several rounds of testing where potential viruses and malware are identified and eradicated.

Why are some apps not available in the Microsoft Store?

The Microsoft Store will automatically hide or disable the purchase button on any apps that are not compatible with your device. You cannot purchase or download apps from the Microsoft Store that don't work with your system.

Conclusion

In the end, there are many different solutions that can help you fix problems installing apps from the Microsoft Store. By following these steps and troubleshooting techniques, we hope that you will be able to overcome these issues and continue enjoying all the great apps available on the Windows Store.

One More Thing

Looking for more tips? Check out our other guides in the SoftwareKeep Blog and our Help Center! You’ll find a wealth of information on how to troubleshoot various issues and find solutions to your tech problems.

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How To Fix “This App Couldn’t Be Installed” on Microsoft Store