Ultimate Guide to Fixing Slow Microsoft Store Updates

The Microsoft Store update, which offers access to games, apps, and system updates, is a crucial component of the Windows ecosystem.

But a typical issue that many users face is incredibly poor updating speeds. This problem interferes with production in addition to wasting time.

If your Microsoft Store updates are taking a long time, don’t worry; this comprehensive tutorial offers special and doable fixes to resolve the issue permanently.

However, slow download speeds are a common annoyance for users.

Even with a steady and quick internet connection, the Microsoft Store can occasionally lag and have download speeds that seem to be stuck in a rut.

Using information from Reddit, Microsoft forums, and trusted resources like Microsoft Answers and SuperUser, this guide offers original, doable fixes for sluggish Microsoft Store downloads.

Why Are Microsoft Store Updates So Slow?

Before jumping into the fixes, let’s understand the root causes behind slow updates on the Microsoft Store. Here are some common culprits:

1. Unstable Network Connection: Download speeds can be hindered by a weak or inconsistent internet connection.
2. Store App Cache Buildup: Over time, corruption can occur in the Microsoft Store’s cache, resulting in performance slowdowns.
3. Windows System Glitches: Outdated Windows versions or missing system files can lead to performance issues.
4. Background Network Usage: Apps running in the background may be hogging your bandwidth.
5. Delivery Optimization Settings: Windows may throttle your download speeds due to limited bandwidth allocation.
6. Antivirus and firewall interference can sometimes block or slow down downloads.

Now that we know the causes, let’s explore the solutions.

12 Proven Fixes to Speed Up Microsoft Store Updates

Check and stabilize your Internet connection.

A stable internet connection is crucial for rapid download speeds. Follow these steps to improve your network:

• Restart Your Router: Power off your router, wait for a minute, and turn it back on. This often resolves temporary network lags.
• Switch to Ethernet: If you’re on Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection for more consistent speeds.
• Test Your Internet Speed: Use a tool like Speedtest to check your connection. Ensure your speed matches what your internet service provider offers.
• Disable VPN/Proxy: If you’re using a VPN or proxy server, disconnect it. These tools can slow down your internet connection.

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store cache can accumulate junk data that slows down performance. Resetting it is a quick way to improve speeds.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear; wait for it to close automatically.
4. Once done, the Microsoft Store will launch, and the cache will be cleared.

Modify Delivery Optimization Settings

The Windows Delivery Optimization feature controls the download of updates. Misconfigured settings can slow down your Microsoft Store updates. Here’s how to tweak them:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to System > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization.
3. Turn off the Allow downloads from other PCs feature.
4. Click Advanced Options, then:
   • Enable Limit the amount of bandwidth that updates download in the background.
   • Increase the bandwidth allocation by adjusting the sliders.

This ensures that Microsoft Store updates use more of your available internet speed.

Update Windows and the Microsoft Store

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and slow performance. Keep both Windows and the Microsoft Store up to date:

• Update Windows:
  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click on “Check for updates” and proceed to install any pending updates.
• Update the Microsoft Store:
  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select App settings.
  3. Enable app updates, then manually check for updates in the Library section.

Temporarily Pause Background Activity

Background apps consuming bandwidth can interfere with Microsoft Store updates. To free up bandwidth:

• Pause Windows Updates:
  
  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Pause to temporarily update.
• Close Bandwidth-Heavy Apps:
  
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. End any tasks consuming excessive network resources, such as browsers, streaming apps, or torrent clients.

Reinstall the Microsoft Store

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store can fix a corrupted version. Here’s how:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator:
   
   • Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

Uninstall the Microsoft Store by entering: 

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage

Reinstall it using the following command:

Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode

Restart your PC and reopen the Store.

Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter.

Windows includes a dedicated tool to diagnose and fix Microsoft Store problems:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve any detected issues.

Disable Metered Connection

Windows limits download speeds on metered connections to save data. If this feature is enabled, turn it off.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Select your network and disable Set as a metered connection.

Switch to a Faster DNS Server

Your DNS server may be slowing down your connection. Switching to a faster DNS provider, like Google DNS or Cloudflare, can improve download speeds:

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
3. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Enter the following:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
5. Click OK and restart your connection.

Scan for Malware and Security Software Interference

Malware infections or overprotective antivirus programs can disrupt Microsoft Store downloads. Take the following steps:

• Run a Malware Scan: Use Windows Security or a trusted third-party antivirus to perform a full system scan.
• Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall:
  1. Open your antivirus program and pause its real-time protection.
  2. Check if the Microsoft Store performs better.

Create a New User Account

If the problem is linked to your user profile, creating a new account can help:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
2. Click Add account under Other users.
3. Create a local account and log in.
4. Open the Microsoft Store in the new account and test download speeds.

Clear Disk Space

Low disk space can slow down system performance, including the Microsoft Store. To free up space:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Use the Storage Sense feature to delete unnecessary files automatically.
3. Manually uninstall unused apps or games.

Bonus Tips to Prevent Slow Microsoft Store Updates

• Download During Off-Peak Hours: Internet speeds are generally faster during non-peak times.
• Use a High-Speed Internet Plan: If your current plan is slow, consider upgrading.
• Monitor Network Usage: Use tools like the Resource Monitor to track which apps are consuming bandwidth.

Final Thoughts

Slow Microsoft Store updates can be frustrating, but these solutions are designed to address the problem at its root. By optimizing your internet connection, tweaking system settings, and keeping your software up to date, you’ll enjoy faster downloads and a smoother experience.

If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support for additional help. With these tips, you’ll likely see a significant improvement in your Microsoft Store performance.

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Insights from Microsoft and Reddit Forums

Comments from Users:

1. Microsoft Forum User:
   “Clearing the cache with wsreset fixed my issue instantly. It’s the simplest solution and works most of the time.”
   
2. Reddit User:
   “Turning off Xbox Gaming Services finally resolved my problem after trying everything else. It was stuck in an update loop!”
   
3. Microsoft Support Rep:
   “Ensure your regional settings match your Microsoft account. A mismatch can sometimes cause store issues.”
   
4. Reddit Power User:
   “Delivery Optimization settings often throttle speeds. Maxing out the bandwidth sliders increased my download speed by 10x.”
   
5. Forum Moderator:
   “A repair install is a last resort, but it works. It fixed all my store issues without affecting my files or apps.”
   

FAQs

1. Why is my Microsoft Store download speed so slow?

Slow downloads can be caused by network issues, corrupted cache files, or bandwidth restrictions set by Windows.

2. How can I clear the Microsoft Store cache?

Run the wsreset command from the Run dialog box to clear the Store cache and improve performance.

3. Can Xbox Gaming Services affect Microsoft Store speed?

Yes, gaming services can conflict with the store and cause slowdowns. Uninstalling it often resolves the issue.

4. What is Delivery Optimization in Windows?

Delivery optimization manages bandwidth allocation for updates and apps. Increasing its limits can improve download speeds.

5. Should I reinstall Windows to fix this issue?

A Windows repair install is a non-invasive method to fix persistent Store issues without losing files or apps.

By implementing these solutions and understanding the underlying causes of slow Microsoft Store downloads, you can ensure a faster, smoother experience. These strategies, combined with insights from forums and expert tools, will help your PC deliver the performance you expect.