The Microsoft Store is a platform where Windows users can get their favorite software. It has several categories ranging from gaming, entertainment, and productivity just to name a few with some software are available free to download while others need to be purchased. Although this is a solid platform there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix the Microsoft Store slow download issue.
How To Fix Microsoft Store Slow Download Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from corrupted cached data within the Windows Store to an Internet connection issue. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter
The first thing you will need to do in this case is to run the Windows Store Troubleshooter. This is an effective tool that can fix most of the store related glitches.
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “ms-settings:troubleshoot” and press Enter to open the Troubleshoot tab of the Settings app.
- Scroll down to Find and fix other problems.
- Click on Windows Store Apps.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter.
- Wait until the initial diagnostic is complete, then click on Apply this fix
- Restart your computer once the repair is done.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Reset the Microsoft Store
In case the problem is caused by a glitch in the application then you should try resetting it. Take note that you might lose some of the settings and preferences you made on the store.
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “ms-settings:appsfeatures” and press Enter to open up the App & Features tab of the Settings app.
- Scroll down through the list of apps and click on Microsoft Store. Then, click on the Advanced options (under Microsoft Store).
- Scroll down to the Reset section, click on Reset and then confirm to reset the Microsoft Store.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Remove the download speed cap
Unknown to most users there is a download speed cap that is enabled which restricts the store from using up all of your internet bandwidth. If this is enabled in your computer then try to disable it.
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “ms-settings:windowsupdate” and press Enter to open up the Windows Update tab of the settings app.
- Scroll down and click on the Advanced Options.
- Click on Delivery Optimization (under Update Notifications).
- Scroll down to Allow downloads from other PCs and click on the Advanced options at the bottom of the screen.
- Inside the next screen, scroll down to Download settings and check the box associated with Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background.
- Push the slider to 100%.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Install Windows updates
If there are any new updates available for the Windows operating system, then I suggest that you download and install this first.
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “ms-settings:windowsupdate” and press Enter to open up the Windows Update tab of the Settings app.
- Click on Check for Updates and wait until every pending update is downloaded and installed.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Restart the router
Sometimes this problem can be caused by an internet connectivity issue which can be fixed by restarting the router. Just unplug the router from the power source and wait for a minute before plugging it back in. This will refresh your connection to your ISP. Once this is done try checking if the issue still occurs.
Clear the Windows Store Cache
There are times when the cached data of the Windows Store gets too large or corrupted which can lead to this problem. If this is the culprit then you should try clearing its cache.
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter to open up an elevated Command Prompt. When you’re prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
- Inside the Command Prompt, type wsreset.exe then press the enter key.
- When you see the “The cache for the Store was cleared” message then it means that the process is finished.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Stop updating service and delete the software distribution software
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up an elevated Command Prompt. When you’re prompted by the UAC (User Account Control), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.
- Inside the Command Prompt, type net stop wuauserv then press enter.
- Run the following command to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old then press enter.
- Once the SoftwareDistribution folder is deleted, restart your computer in order to force your OS to create a new one.
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
Disable the antivirus
In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should try to disable the antivirus as this might be slowing down the download speed.
If you are using Windows Security
- Select Start – Settings > Update & Security – Windows Security – Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
- Switch Real-time protection to Off.
If you are using Avast
- Search for the Avast icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Avast shields control.
- Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.
If you are using AVG
- Search for the AVG icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Temporarily disable AVG protection.
- Choose how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too.
- Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using McAfee
- Search for the McAfee Antivirus icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Exit.
- You should see a dialog box warning you that McAfee‘s protection will be turned off. Click on Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program
Check if the Microsoft Store slow download issue still occurs.
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