How To: Fix Stopped Windows Store Downloads in Windows 10

There's been numerous reports of Windows Store problems for the last few days with the primary problem of not being able to download app updates. This has affected me, too, but only on a single device. The Windows Store for my HP Spectre x360 still works just fine, but my Surface Pro 3 has experienced non-stop issue.

The problem has become so prevalent that Microsoft is working on a fix that should deliver through Windows Update soon. Mary Jo Foley talked to Microsoft about the problem (she was affected, too – so I guess I'm in good company) and they issued a statement that "The issue will be resolved within next 48 hours via Windows Update".

Like Mary Jo, I tried numerous fixes including attempting to reset the Windows Store cache and running a Windows Store troubleshooter (which told me that a registry key was corrupted, but it couldn't fix it). None of them worked. However, I did finally come upon a fix. The fix comes from the early days in the Windows 10 Technical Preview beta cycle and is essentially a way to reregister the Windows Store with Windows 10.

You can wait for Microsoft's official fix to arrive over Windows Update, and is probably the best thing to do. However, if not having the ability to get app updates is driving you insane, like it was me, here's how to fix it…

Once you reboot, you can jump back into the Windows Store and the pending app updates should start to download.

P.S. Your mileage may vary on this one. I've heard from many that it works perfectly and solved their Windows Store problems. For a few others (small number), this fix didn't solve their issue - which means there's probably another issue at play. Ultimately, the fix is on its way from Microsoft. Let's hope the company's update works for all instances.