A quick fix: if your apps won’t update, the most common cause is a broken connection between the Microsoft Store and your PC — network issues, store cache or service problems, or Windows component errors. This article addresses App updates don’t work in Windows 10, explains typical causes, and shows step-by-step fixes so you can get apps updating again.
You’ll learn 12 common reasons updates fail and clear, actionable solutions (commands, menus and checks) to resolve each one.
Key Takeaway
Most app update failures are caused by local issues (network, cache, services or corrupted system files). Start with the simple checks—internet, Microsoft account sign-in, and wsreset.exe—then proceed to service restarts, resetting the Store, and running sfc /scannow and DISM if needed.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. No or unstable internet connection | Check/repair your network and retry updates. |
| 2. Microsoft Store server outages or service issues | Check service status and try again later; restart Store services. |
| 3. Corrupt Microsoft Store cache | Run wsreset.exe or reset Microsoft Store via Settings. |
| 4. Windows or Store pending updates | Install pending Windows updates and restart. |
| 5. Incorrect date, time, or region settings | Correct Date & time and regional settings. |
| 6. Microsoft account or sign-in problems | Sign out and sign back into Microsoft Store and Windows. |
| 7. Insufficient disk space | Free up space or change install location. |
| 8. Antivirus or firewall interfering | Temporarily disable third-party AV/firewall or whitelist Store. |
| 9. Proxy, VPN, or network restrictions | Disable proxy/VPN or configure exceptions. |
| 10. Disabled or stopped Windows services (BITS, etc.) | Start/enable required services in services.msc. |
| 11. Corrupt Store app or appx packages | Reset or reinstall Microsoft Store with PowerShell. |
| 12. Corrupt system files or profile issues | Run sfc /scannow and DISM, or test another user profile. |
Detailed Fixes for “App updates don’t work in Windows 10”
1. No or unstable internet connection
Why this causes the problem:
Updating apps requires a stable internet connection; intermittent drops, DNS issues or captive portals (hotel/coffee shop Wi‑Fi) can interrupt downloads.
Step-by-step solution:
- Confirm other sites load in a browser and run a quick speed test (e.g., https://www.speedtest.net/).
- Restart your network hardware: unplug modem/router for 30 seconds, then plug back in.
- On the PC, open Settings > Network & Internet. If on Wi‑Fi, try switching to Ethernet or vice versa.
- Run Command Prompt (Admin) and execute:
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
- If DNS looks slow, switch to a public DNS: Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options > right-click adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties and set DNS to 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
Notes:
- Avoid metered connections for large app updates. In Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks you can disable metered connection for that network.
2. Microsoft Store server outages or service issues
Why this causes the problem:
Sometimes the issue is on Microsoft’s side—Store services may be down or experiencing issues.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check the Microsoft Store status page: https://status.microsoft.com/ or search “Microsoft Store outage” online.
- If services are down, wait and try later.
- Restart Microsoft Store: open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find Microsoft Store, right-click → End task, then relaunch the Store.
- Reboot your PC to ensure services restart cleanly.
Tip:
If updates fail at the same time every day, it may be a scheduled outage or maintenance.
3. Corrupt Microsoft Store cache
Why this causes the problem:
A corrupted store cache can prevent the Store from checking, downloading, or installing updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will open and the Store will reset; it may relaunch automatically.
- If that doesn’t work, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, search Microsoft Store, click it and choose Advanced options > Reset. Confirm the reset.
- After resetting, sign into the Store and try updates again.
Note:
Resetting the Store won’t remove installed apps.
4. Windows or Store pending updates
Why this causes the problem:
Some app updates require the latest Windows components. Pending system updates can block Store updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
- After reboot, open Microsoft Store and check Library > Get updates.
Tip:
Install feature updates (big version upgrades) first if available — they often include fixes for Store components.
5. Incorrect date, time, or region settings
Why this causes the problem:
Certificate validation and server authentication depend on correct time and regional settings; a wrong clock can break secure connections.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
- If automatic fails, set the correct time zone manually.
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Region and ensure Country or region is correct.
Tip:
After fixing time, restart the Store and try updating.
6. Microsoft account or sign-in problems
Why this causes the problem:
Apps from the Microsoft Store use your Microsoft account for licensing; a sign-in problem can block updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon and ensure the correct account is signed in.
- If signed in but updates fail, click your profile → Sign out. Close the Store, reopen it, and sign back in.
- Confirm Windows sign-in account via Settings > Accounts > Your info. If necessary, add the Microsoft account under Email & accounts.
Note:
If you use a local (non-Microsoft) account, some Store apps may require manual sign-in inside the Store.
7. Insufficient disk space
Why this causes the problem:
Updates need free space to download and install. Low disk space will cause downloads to fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Storage to see usage.
- Run Disk Cleanup: search Disk Cleanup, select drive (usually C:), and remove temporary files and system files.
- Uninstall unused apps via Settings > Apps > Apps & features, or move large files to external storage.
- If you use multiple drives, check Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved.
Tip:
Leave at least a few GB free; Windows often needs spare space for updates.
8. Antivirus or firewall interfering
Why this causes the problem:
Third-party security software can block Store connections, downloads or the installer process.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus and firewall (consult vendor instructions).
- For built-in protection, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings and temporarily turn off Real‑time protection.
- Try updating apps. If the updates work, add Microsoft Store and Windows Update as exceptions in your AV/firewall settings.
Warning:
Don’t leave protection disabled—re-enable it immediately after testing.
9. Proxy, VPN, or network restrictions
Why this causes the problem:
Proxies and VPNs can route traffic in ways that disrupt Store authentication or file downloads.
Step-by-step solution:
- Disconnect VPN clients and retry updates.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and disable any manual proxy settings.
- If on a corporate network, consult IT to ensure Microsoft Store traffic is allowed or use a direct network to test.
Tip:
Some corporate environments block the Store; using a home or mobile hotspot can confirm whether the network is the issue.
10. Disabled or stopped Windows services (BITS, Windows Update, Store Install Service)
Why this causes the problem:
Background services like BITS and the Store Install Service handle downloading and installing updates—if stopped, updates fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Locate these services and ensure their Status is Running and Startup type is Manual or Automatic:
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
- Windows Update (wuauserv)
- Microsoft Store Install Service (or InstallService)
- To start a service, right-click → Start. To change startup type, right-click → Properties → set Startup type and click OK.
- After starting services, retry updates.
Tip:
If a service fails to start, check the Event Viewer (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System) for error messages.
11. Corrupt Store app or appx packages
Why this causes the problem:
If the Store app itself is corrupted, it won’t download or manage updates correctly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Try resetting the Store via wsreset.exe (see above).
- If resetting fails, reinstall Microsoft Store using PowerShell (Admin). Run:
- Get-AppxPackage -allusers WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- If errors occur, you can re-register all built-in apps (cautious step):
- Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- Reboot and test updates.
Warning:
Re-registering all apps can be heavy-handed—note any custom app state could be affected.
12. Corrupt system files or user profile issues
Why this causes the problem:
Damaged system files can block Store operations; a corrupt user profile may prevent proper app licensing or update behavior.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
- sfc /scannow
- If SFC finds issues it can’t fix, run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Then rerun sfc /scannow.
- Create a new user account to test: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC. Sign in with the new account and try updating apps—if it works, your original profile may be corrupt.
Note:
SFC/DISM can take a while; don’t interrupt the process.
Additional section: Preventive tips and when to escalate
- Keep Windows and apps up to date: enable automatic updates in Settings > Update & Security and Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.
- Make periodic backups or create a System Restore point before major updates: Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create.
- If multiple solutions fail, collect error codes (Store error messages) and use the Microsoft Troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps.
- For persistent, account-specific licensing issues, contact Microsoft Support or use the Get Help app in Windows.
FAQ
How can I update apps offline?
You can’t update Microsoft Store apps fully offline; the Store requires internet access to validate licenses and download packages. Some enterprise environments use offline deployment tools (MSI/AppX packages and Intune/WSUS) for managed devices.
Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?
No — resetting the Microsoft Store clears cache and settings but does not uninstall your installed apps. However, re-registering apps with PowerShell is more intrusive; note app settings may be lost.
How do I update apps for other user accounts on the same PC?
Sign in to the Microsoft Store with the other user’s Microsoft account, or use an administrator account to install Store apps for all users where supported. Apps tied to a personal Microsoft account must be updated while signed into that account.
Can Group Policy block app updates?
Yes. On Pro/Education/Enterprise editions, open gpedit.msc and check Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store. Policies like Turn off the Store application will block updates. Contact your IT admin to change policies.
What about Win32 programs installed outside the Store?
Those are updated by their own updaters or via Windows Update if the vendor publishes through Microsoft. Use the app’s built-in update mechanism, visit the vendor’s website, or use a package manager like winget to manage updates.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting why App updates don’t work in Windows 10 usually comes down to network problems, Store cache/service issues, Windows components, or corrupted files—work through network checks, Store resets, service restarts, and SFC/DISM in that order. With these 12 targeted fixes you’ll resolve most update failures and know when to escalate to support.
