If your game is not downloading or installing from Microsoft Store, or it keeps getting stuck at 1%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 90%, or even 99%, you’re not alone. This is a very common issue on Windows 10 and Windows 11, especially when downloading large games through Microsoft Store or Xbox App. The problem usually happens due to corrupted cache, bandwidth limits, account sync issues, services not running properly, or unstable internet connection. In this complete guide, you’ll learn simple, working, and practical methods to fix Microsoft Store download and install problems step by step.
Why Games Get Stuck in Microsoft Store
Before fixing, it’s important to understand the cause. Microsoft Store uses multiple background services like Gaming Services, Delivery Optimization, Windows Update, and Store cache. If any of these fail or slow down, your game may freeze at a certain percentage.
Common reasons include:
- Corrupted Microsoft Store cache
- Internet instability or slow connection
- Delivery Optimization bandwidth limits enabled
- Microsoft account sync issues
- Required services not running
- Temporary system glitches
Now let’s fix it step by step.
Restart File Explorer & Close Store Apps
This is the fastest and most effective quick fix. Many times, background processes get stuck, causing download issues.
Open Task Manager
Scroll down and find Windows Explorer
Right-click on it → Click Restart
Now scroll and find Microsoft Store
Right-click → Click End Task
If Xbox App is open, right-click and click End Task
Close Task Manager
Reopen Microsoft Store and try downloading again
This resets background UI and Store processes instantly and often fixes stuck downloads.
Check Internet Connection Stability
Microsoft Store downloads depend heavily on a stable internet connection. Even if your internet is working, unstable speed can freeze downloads.
Turn OFF WiFi and turn it ON again
Restart your router
Switch to a different network (use mobile hotspot for testing)
Avoid downloading on weak or fluctuating connections
If your speed is slow or unstable, the download may get stuck at random percentages like 10% or 50%.
Reset Microsoft Store Cache (WSReset + Repair)
Corrupted cache is one of the biggest reasons behind Microsoft Store issues.
Press Windows + R
Type wsreset.exe
Press Enter
A blank window will open and close automatically. This clears Store cache.
Now do deeper reset:
Open Settings
Go to Apps → Installed Apps
Search for Microsoft Store
Click Advanced Options
Click Terminate
Click Repair
Click Reset
After this, restart your PC and try again. This fixes most stuck download problems.
Logout and Login Microsoft Store Account
Sometimes your Microsoft account gets out of sync, which blocks downloads or causes installation issues.
Open Microsoft Store
Click your Profile icon
Click Sign out
Restart your PC
Open Microsoft Store again
Click profile icon → Sign in
Make sure you use the correct account linked to your purchase or Game Pass. This refreshes account authentication and fixes install errors.
Enable Microsoft Store Install Service
If the required service is disabled or not running, installations will fail or freeze.
Press Windows + R
Type services.msc
Press Enter
Scroll down and find Microsoft Store Install Service
Double-click on it
Set Startup type → Automatic
Click Start (if not running)
Click Apply → OK
This service is essential for installing apps and games from Microsoft Store. If it’s disabled, nothing will install properly.
Fix Delivery Optimization Settings (Very Important)
Delivery Optimization controls how Windows downloads updates and apps. Incorrect settings here can severely limit your speed or completely block downloads.
Open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Click Advanced options
Open Delivery Optimization
Click Advanced options
Select Absolute bandwidth
Uncheck:
- Background download limit
- Foreground download limit
Scroll down and disable:
-
Limit as percentage of measured bandwidth
This removes all speed restrictions and allows full internet usage. If these limits are enabled, your download may stay stuck at 0% or move extremely slowly.
Turn Off Metered Connection
If your network is set as metered, Windows restricts downloads.
Open Settings
Go to Network & Internet
Click your connected network
Turn OFF Metered connection
This ensures Microsoft Store can download large game files without restriction.
Update Windows System
Outdated Windows versions can cause compatibility issues with Microsoft Store and Gaming Services.
Open Settings
Go to Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Download and install all available updates
Restart your PC
Updated system files ensure smooth operation of Store and game downloads.
Fix Gaming Services (For Xbox App Games)
If you’re downloading games via Xbox App or Game Pass, Gaming Services must work correctly.
Open PowerShell (Admin)
Run this command:
get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
Then run:
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN
This will open Microsoft Store and reinstall Gaming Services. This step is very important if your game download is stuck or installation fails.
Check Storage Space and Install Location
Insufficient space or incorrect install drive can stop downloads.
Open Settings
Go to System → Storage
Ensure you have enough free space (at least 20–30GB for big games)
Now go to:
System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Where new content is saved
Make sure the correct drive is selected
If the drive is full or slow, the game may fail to install or get stuck.
Disable Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes antivirus software blocks installation files.
Temporarily disable your antivirus
Turn off firewall (for testing only)
Try downloading again
If it works, add Microsoft Store and Xbox App to antivirus exclusions.
Common Problems & Quick Fixes
Download stuck at 0% or 1%
→ Reset Store cache + restart PC
Stuck at 10%, 20%, or 50%
→ Internet issue or Delivery Optimization limit
Stuck at 90% or 99%
→ Cache problem → use wsreset and restart
Game not installing at all
→ Check services + login again + reinstall Gaming Services
Slow download speed
→ Disable bandwidth limits + check internet
Final Result
After applying all these methods, your issue should be completely fixed. Microsoft Store will start downloading normally, and installation will complete without getting stuck at any percentage.
You don’t need any complicated tools or software. These simple settings and fixes are enough to solve almost all Microsoft Store download and install problems.
