Can’t Install Apps Error on Windows Store? Here’s the FIX

The “Can’t Install Apps” error on the Windows Store often shows up when an app installation process fails after trying to check needed parts or download needed files, leaving the installation stuck or closing suddenly. In many cases, the related error code is 0x80070005, which means access is denied because of not enough file or folder permissions.

This problem is most often caused by limited permissions on the WindowsApps folder or problems with App execution aliases, but it can also come from broken or missing Store cache folders.

Now that you know the possible causes, here’s a list of methods that have helped users fix this Microsoft Store error:

1. Update your Windows

First, make sure Windows is up to date. An outdated system can cause the “can’t install apps” error. This applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Go to Windows Update and check for updates. If there are any, install them. You’ll find Windows Update in Settings.

1. Open Windows Settings. Press Windows key + R to open a Run dialog, type ‘ms-settings:‘ and press Enter.

   

2. In Settings, scroll the left panel and click Windows Update.

   

3. Click Check for updates. If updates are found, click Install.

   

4. After the updates install, restart your PC.
5. When your PC boots back up, try installing apps from the Microsoft Store again.

2. Update Microsoft Store

Next, make sure the Microsoft Store app itself is up to date. If the Store is outdated, app installs can fail. Sometimes automatic updates don’t apply right away.

Open the Microsoft Store and go to Library to check for updates. If updates are found, they’ll install.

1. Press Windows key + R, type ‘ms-windows-store:‘ and press Enter to open Microsoft Store. You can also open it from the Start menu or taskbar.

   

2. In Microsoft Store, click Library from the bottom-left corner.

   

3. Click Get updates to check for app updates, including Microsoft Store.

   

4. If updates are found, they’ll start downloading automatically.
5. When the updates finish, try installing the apps that failed before.

3. Repair or Reset Microsoft Store

You can also repair or reset the Microsoft Store. Many users fixed installation issues this way.

Repairing or resetting replaces any corrupted files that might stop the Store from working. This is often enough to get it back on track.

Go to Windows Settings and open the Advanced options for Microsoft Store. Try Repair first; if that doesn’t help, use Reset.

1. Open a Run dialog with Windows key + R, type ‘ms-settings:‘ and press Enter to open Windows Settings. You can also open Settings from the Start menu or by pressing Windows key + I.

   

2. In Settings, click Apps on the left, then select Apps & features.

   

3. Scroll the list (or use search) to find Microsoft Store.
4. Click the three dots next to it, then click Advanced options.

   

5. Scroll down to Repair and Reset. Click Repair first and wait for it to finish.

   

6. If Repair doesn’t help, click Reset. Note: Reset will delete the app’s data on your PC, including preferences and sign-in options.
7. When you’re done, open Microsoft Store and try installing an app again.

4. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter 

Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter has helped many users fix install issues. It can find common problems and recommend fixes automatically.

Note: This works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the steps to get there are a bit different. If you’re using Windows 10 and need help, search online for the specific steps for your version.

1. Open Windows Settings. Press Windows key + R, type ‘ms-settings:‘ and press Enter. You can also open Settings from the taskbar or by pressing Windows key + I.

   

2. Click System on the left.
3. Scroll down and click Troubleshoot.

   

4. Click Other troubleshooters.
5. Scroll to the bottom, find Windows Store Apps, then click Run.

   

6. When it finishes, follow any suggestions it provides.
7. After that, test Microsoft Store again to see if apps install.

5. Check the Microsoft Store Install Service

Make sure the Microsoft Store Install Service is running. If this service is disabled, the Store can’t install apps. This service provides the background support the Store needs, so it must be enabled.

Open the Services app, confirm the service is running, and restart it to be sure.

1. Open Services. Press Windows key + R, type ‘services.msc‘ and press Enter.

   

2. Scroll the list and find Microsoft Store Install Service. Check that its status is Running.

   

3. If it’s disabled, double-click it, set Startup type to Automatic, then click OK.

   

4. To be safe, right-click the service and click Restart.

   

5. When it restarts, try installing apps from Microsoft Store again.

6. Reinstall the Microsoft Store 

As a last step, reinstall the Microsoft Store. The easiest way is with PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run a command that reinstalls Microsoft Store.

1. Press Windows key + R, type ‘powershell‘, then press CTRL + Shift + Enter to open PowerShell as an administrator.

   

2. When the User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes.
3. In PowerShell, copy and paste this command:
   Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”} 
4. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.

   

5. When it’s done, type exit to close PowerShell.
6. Open Microsoft Store and check if you can install apps now.