Fix: Unable to Install Apps from Windows 8 Store

Speed Up My PC

The other day I was trying to install an application on Windows 8, but it failed … couldn’t figure out the problem. Seems like people are having issues while installing applications from Windows Store. In some cases it install about 50% and then just gets stuck there, or you might get some error code or it may just say, Unable to install it. The message could be:

Something happened and this app couldn’t be installed. Please try again.

error thumb Fix: Unable to Install Apps from Windows 8 Store

Cannot Install Windows 8 Apps

After hours on research I found that the solution to problem was rather simple, so thought of sharing it here. There are multiple reasons why this could happen. I’ll list all of them hre so that you can try each option and see which one works for you.

Windows Firewall is disabled

Seems like, if the Windows Firewall is disabled, you will not be able to install application from Windows Store. So the first thing you have to check is whether the Windows 8 Firewall is turn off or not. To access it on Metro screen, just type in Windows Firewall, open it and make sure it’s turned on.

If some strange reason your unable to turn on Windows Firewall, check if the Windows Firewall service is stopped. On the Metro screen type in Services and look for Windows Firewall. Now make sure that the service is set to automatic and started.

Incorrect Date and Time

If you have incorrect Date and Time being set on your computer, you’ll have issues installing applications from Windows Store. So make sure you have the correct date, time. You can change it from Regional Settings  from the Control Panel.

Licensing on Windows Store is not synced

If the licensing on the Windows Store is not synced properly, you will not be able to install apps on your Windows 8 computer. To manually sync it:

  • Go to Windows Store
  • Press Windows Key + C
  • Open  Settings
  • Select App Updates
  • Sync Licenses

Now reboot the system and try to download again.

The Windows 8 App Troubleshooter is a great ATS from Microsoft which can help you with apps installation problems. You may want to run that if nothing helps.

These are the major causes that I noticed across lot of users. The other troubleshooting steps you may want to consider are: Selective Startup and Refresh PC.

Reboot in Selective Startup mode

  • To reboot the system in Selective Startup
  • On Desktop press Windows key + R. This opens the run window
  • Type in MSCONFIGand press Enter
  • Under General tab uncheck on “Load Startup items”
  • Under Services tab check on “Hide all Microsoft services” and click on Disable all
  • Now reboot the system and try to install it again

Refresh Windows 8 PC

To Refresh the PC also refered to as Repair Install,  you can follow this article on how to Repair Install or Refresh Windows 8.

See this if you are Unable to update Windows Store applications on Windows 8.

Still have problems? Feel free to post it in our TWC forums - we’ll be glad to assist you.

Posted by on , in Category Windows with Tags , ,
Shyam aka “Captain Jack” is a Microsoft MVP and a Windows Enthusiast whose area of expertise is Crash Dump Analysis and Advanced Windows troubleshooting. He has developed Windows based Tools like SF IE Restorator for troubleshooting Internet Explorer issues and SF Diagnostic Tool for collecting Crash dump files for troubleshooting purpose. He blogs at captaindbg.com.

Random Posts

  • Peeed Off

    If Win 8 is not working with fundamental things like a app install, then it just goes to show how bad it is functionally on a day to day basis.

    Users should not have to jump through that many hoops mentioned above just to install an app.

    Stick with Win 7, at least it just works…!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300056124 Vãarîsh ArMani Mísra

    I love you dude! ahah! :P Thanks alot! Finally I have it working! :)

  • Madalin

    Thanks, the Firewall was the problem.

  • Sorydin
  • Qberto

    On my machine Windows Firewall was disabled in the services screen. I set it to automatic and enabled it and now works fine. Thanks!

  • Imnaveengoyal

    its not working….i tried all ways but nothing worked out…plz. help

  • Djkdawg

    Win works fine, hacked versions can’t download from the store , and its killing windows 7

  • Bartek Bulzak

    Wow, thanks for the firewall tip. I guess that this wouldn’t happen on a vanilla install, but I upgraded from Windows 7 and my FW was turned off. Great work Microsoft…

  • swarfega

    Im having this issue now. No app will install. Win8 is bonafide activated and firewall enabled.

  • Kaarthik77750

    Thanks and Wishes Good Info………….

  • VIMAL MARIAPPAN

    its not working….i tried all ways but nothing worked out…plz. help

  • Macdre86

    exactly, just because i cant download apps doesnt mean the O.S. sux so far i think win 8 is way better than 7 and ive been using it since beta

  • Alistair 3ns

    Great article. Tech support in Asus couldnt solve the App update issue; told me I would have to do a System Restore – blow that! Your point Windows Firewall was almost the issue – it was horrible Mcaffee software wanting to do an update so had disabled itself. Thanks again.

  • Narayana Moorthy

    Nothing happens when I try windows store even after refreshing my pc. The earlier applications installed when it was working wont either. The tiles are there but just there

  • Prstrahan

    Tried everything mentioned above. Still having the same issue.

  • http://www.facebook.com/zaim.de.noisy Zaim De Noisy

    yeah it does I bought win 8 for $30 and not being able to install skype due to error 0×800 something and not being able to download it normally sucks. and there’s no more to say about it and I’m a computer scientist btw so STFU

  • Nvuofa411

    Nothing is working for my brand new computer very annoying. cant download apps cant update apps, and cant even pin anything. Tried everything up top but nothing works. not sure if I did the window key + C right thogh