Can’t get an app on Windows through the Microsoft Store? Get this annoying error fixed with this guide.
The Microsoft Store lets you install verified apps securely from its app store. However, when you try to install an app, you may encounter an error that says "this app couldn’t be installed." This can happen with a specific app or all the apps you want to install.
The problem can be as simple as a corrupted Microsoft Store cache or issues with system files. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to quickly resolve this error and get Microsoft Store working again.
You can quickly fix common Microsoft Store problems using the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. It is a built-in troubleshooting utility that can scan and fix issues preventing the Microsoft Store from installing apps.
To run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter:
WSReset or Windows Store Reset is a built-in utility to reset or clear Windows Store Cache. Resetting the store cache can help you fix temporary glitches preventing you from installing apps from Microsoft Store.
To reset the Windows Store cache:
Microsoft Store Install service provides support for the Microsoft Store and starts on demand. If the service is disabled, you may not be able to install apps from the store resulting in the "this app couldn’t be installed" message.
To fix the error, check if the service is running. If not, you can enable it manually using the Services snap-in.
To restart Microsoft Store Install Service:
Close the Services snap-in and launch Microsoft Store. Then, try to install the app and check if the error is resolved.
You can use the built-in repair tool to fix common issues that may prevent the Microsoft Store from triggering such errors. Follow these steps to repair the Microsoft Store app.
You can manually reset the Microsoft Store app from the Settings app. The Reset option will delete all the app data, and you may need to log in to use Microsoft Store again.
To reset Microsoft Store:
Launch Microsoft Store and sign in with your Microsoft Account if required. Then, try to install the app and check for any improvements.
Another way to fix the "this app couldn’t be installed" error is to re-register the Microsoft Store using PowerShell. Here’s how to do it.
You can reinstall Microsoft Store to fix issues with the app due to corrupt app files or bugs. Since clearing the cache didn’t help, you can perform a reinstall to resolve the error.
Note that Microsoft Store is a system app. As a result, you cannot uninstall it from the Settings panel. Instead, you’ll need to use the Get-AppxPackage cmdlet in PowerShell to remove and reinstall the app.
Make sure to create a restore point before uninstalling Microsoft Store. When something goes awry, you can use the restore point to undo the changes and restore your PC to its current state.
To reinstall Microsoft Store:
This error is often due to issues with the corrupt app cache and temporary glitches. Use the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or run the WSreset tool to fix common problems with Microsoft Store. If the issue persists, you can perform a reset or re-register the app to resolve the error.
That said, if the issue persists with a specific app, you can download the Microsoft Store apps using a third-party service and install them manually on your PC.
Tashreef is a developer and works as a technical writer at MUO. With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, he has over 7 years of experience and covers Microsoft Windows and everything around it. When not looking for a missing semicolon or churning out text, you can find him trying FPS titles or looking for new animated shows and movies.
