Starting as an app store for Windows Store 8 and Windows Server 2012, Microsoft Store or Windows Store (formerly) is an online marketplace by Microsoft. It is a reputable store with millions of software applications. However, it is possible that you will become trapped in the download queue during the downloading procedure, or the programs download quite slowly.
Some of the causes of sluggish download speeds on Microsoft Store include Outdated computer Windows, longer download and update queue, poor network connection, the issue with the router, malicious cache files, damaged Software Distribution folder, and Microsoft servers being down.
Let us explore more about Microsoft Store’s service and some possible reasons and fixes for its slow speed.
What Service Does The Microsoft Store Provide
Microsoft Account users may use Microsoft Store to pay for, download, and install their favorite third-party software in a safe and secure manner. It offers different software, games, business, applications such as Microsoft Cloud, PCs, and other hardware, and developer and IT-related tools and applications.
The redesigned version of Microsoft Store for Windows 11 has improved the interface. Its catalog has any work-related or entertainment application that you need. For example Microsoft 365, Zoom, Amazon PrimeVideo, Hulu, Canva, Netflix, etc.
Can You Use Microsoft Store Without A Microsoft Account?
You do not need to have a Microsoft Account to use the store. You can still browse and install (most) free apps without signing in to Windows 10. But you’ll need to sign in to download paid content. You can also browse the web version of the Microsoft Store, which includes additional items.
Why Is Microsoft Store So Slow
Some of the reasons causing the slow download speed on Microsoft Store are:
The Microsoft Store May Be Facing a Service Outage
It is likely that you are experiencing the problem because Microsoft services are down. It usually happens when the servers are experiencing a technical problem or when the developers are making changes to the system.
In such a case, you can wait for a few hours and try again when the servers are back online.
There Are Long Update and Download Queues
The issue with slow download speed could be caused by a large queue of apps and programs in the Updates and downloads queue in the Microsoft Store. You can check the queue by going to the Library in the Microsoft Store.
If there long queue of apps downloading, you can try canceling some updates and downloads that appear to be unnecessary, or you can also wait for the queue to empty before downloading and updating everything.
Poor Internet Connection
Internet Connection is the foremost factor affecting the download speed. When the device does not have a reliable internet connection, the download process is impeded.
If your internet connection is fast enough elsewhere on your PC, there are numerous fixes you can try to resolve delayed Microsoft Store downloads. You can disconnect and reconnect the PC’s network connection or restart the modem
Corrupted Cache Files
The Windows Store cache also causes problems with the downloading speed in instances where it contains corrupted entries. Clearing these out can help you regain download speed in Microsoft Store. Several users have confirmed that clearing Windows Store Cache improves the downloading speed.
Issues Software Distribution Folder
A problem with the Software Distribution folder can also be the reason for delayed downloads. There are some recorded cases where the issue ended up being caused by a corrupted Software Distribution folder.
This problem can be removed by erasing the folder. This clears the temporarily created files, which are recreated with a quick reboot of the PC.
Outdated Or Pending Updates for Windows
You are missing out on important bug fixes and other computer updates if the Windows update for your system is delayed. In this scenario, you must clear the bandwidth by installing all pending Windows Updates.
Updating Windows gives a much-needed improvement in network connectivity and other technological features. It can also aid with download speed.
Some Quick Fixes For The Slow Downloads
Here are certain simple things that you can try to improve the download speed for the Microsoft Store
Pause Other Downloads
Do not run any other programs or browsers while downloading. This reduces the amount of bandwidth available to the Microsoft Store.
Turn off VPN
VPNs protect your privacy but can sometimes slow things down. Try disconnecting your VPN if you have one set up, and see if it increases the speed of your downloads.
Disable Antivirus Utility
Do you make use of a third-party antivirus program? Try pausing it while downloading something from the Microsoft Store, it can hinder download performance too.
Reboot your computer
As strange as it may sound, restarting your system can resolve a number of everyday problems with it. Check to see if the Microsoft Store begins to download apps and updates more quickly, once you restart your computer.
Register the Store App Again
To remedy the slow download speed concern, you may also re-register the store app using Windows Power shell. To do that, open Windows Power shell in the Windows Start menu. Run as administrator by right-clicking the software.
Troubleshoot The Windows Store Apps
To resolve the issue, you can also use the built-in troubleshooting option in the system settings. To troubleshoot the Microsoft Store, you can access the Start menu and navigate to Settings, by pressing the Windows key. Select the Update & Security option.
Then, from the left menu, choose Troubleshoot. Select Additional troubleshoot and scroll to the bottom and select Windows Store Apps. Then, click Run the troubleshoot.
The system will search for available fixes and, in the new window, select Apply this fix.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Store is a good online marketplace but can downloads can get really slow, due to several reasons. You can try some things to improve the downloading speed for Microsoft Store. You can make sure you have a stable connection, keep your Windows up to date and be on the lookout for any system malfunctions.
