How to Fix Windows 11 App Install Loops in Microsoft Store

What Causes This?

Microsoft Store install loops on Windows 11 usually happen when the Store cache gets corrupted, a download gets stuck, or Windows update components stop syncing properly with app installs. It can also happen if background services like Microsoft Store Install Service or Windows Update are not running correctly. In some cases, damaged system files or a problem with your Microsoft account causes apps to keep retrying instead of finishing.

Common Symptoms

• An app stays on Installing, Starting download, or Pending forever
• The same app repeatedly retries or restarts the install
• Microsoft Store shows an error after downloading, then starts again
• Multiple Store apps fail to install or update at the same time
• The Store opens normally, but downloads never complete

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC and try the install again

   • Click Start > Power > Restart.
   • After restarting, open Microsoft Store and check Library to retry the app install.
   • This clears temporary stuck processes before you move to deeper fixes.

2. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

   • Press Windows + R to open Run.
   • Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
   • A blank Command Prompt window will appear for a moment, then Microsoft Store should reopen automatically.
   • Try installing the app again after the reset finishes.

3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

   • Open Settings with Windows + I.
   • Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
   • Follow the prompts and apply any fixes it suggests.

4. Repair or reset Microsoft Store

   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Microsoft Store, click the three dots, then choose Advanced options.
   • First click Repair.
   • If the install loop continues, go back and click Reset.
   • Open Microsoft Store again, sign in if needed, and retry the app.

5. Check Windows Update and required services

   • Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
   • Install any pending updates and restart if prompted.
   • Then press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Make sure these services are running:
     • Microsoft Store Install Service
     • Windows Update
     • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
   • If a service is stopped, right-click it and choose Start.

6. Re-register Microsoft Store

   • Right-click Start and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
   • Paste this command and press Enter:

   Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}

   • Wait for the command to finish, restart your PC, and test the install again.

7. Check for damaged system files

   • Open Windows Terminal (Admin) again.
   • Run these commands one at a time:

   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Let both scans complete fully, then restart your PC.
   • If system files were causing the Store to loop, this often fixes it.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can help fix Microsoft Store install loops by cleaning cache-related clutter, removing broken temporary files, and correcting common Windows issues that interfere with app installs. It’s a faster option if you do not want to dig through services, Store settings, and repair commands yourself.

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