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How to Fix Xbox App Games Not Downloading or Installing

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Xbox app games not downloading or installing on Windows

Quick answer: Restart Windows, update the Microsoft Store and Xbox app, run wsreset.exe, then Repair the Xbox app before using Reset. Confirm the destination drive has space and uses NTFS. If the download cannot resolve a service address, flush the Windows DNS cache and test again.

Xbox app games not downloading or installing on Windows
The source video demonstrates Store cache reset and the Windows app-repair controls.

Before you start

  • Check Xbox Status for Store, account, or gaming-service incidents.
  • Sign in to the Xbox app and Microsoft Store with the Microsoft account that owns the game or subscription.
  • Confirm the install drive has enough free space and is connected.
  • Pause other large downloads.

How to fix Xbox app downloads

  1. Restart the PC. A restart reloads Gaming Services, Store licensing, and the download service.
  2. Update Windows. Open Settings > Windows Update, install available updates, and restart if requested.
  3. Update Store apps. Open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates. Update Xbox, Gaming Services, and Microsoft Store before retrying.
  4. Reset the Microsoft Store cache. Press Windows+R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank window may appear briefly before the Store opens.
  5. Repair the Xbox app. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Xbox > Advanced options > Repair. Microsoft recommends Repair before Reset because it is less disruptive.
  6. Reset only if Repair fails. Return to Advanced options and choose Reset. This clears the app’s local data and signs you out, but it does not delete installed game saves stored by the games themselves or cloud progression.
  7. Check the install location. In the Xbox app, open Settings > Install Options and choose a healthy NTFS drive. Avoid removable or disconnected paths.
  8. Clear a stale DNS cache. Open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns. Microsoft documents this command as a DNS troubleshooting step.
  9. Optionally test another DNS resolver. If name resolution remains unreliable, try Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Save the existing automatic setting and restore it if there is no improvement.
  10. Sign out and back in. Sign out of both Microsoft Store and Xbox, restart, then sign into the same owning account.

Why these steps work

Xbox game installation depends on the Xbox app, Microsoft Store licensing, Gaming Services, storage permissions, and Windows networking. Repair preserves app data while replacing damaged components. Reset rebuilds the app state. wsreset.exe clears the Store cache, and ipconfig /flushdns removes stale resolver entries.

If the download is still stuck

  • Cancel the queued item, restart, and start the install again.
  • Temporarily disconnect a VPN or proxy and retry.
  • Test another internal NTFS drive.
  • If only one title fails, open its Store page and confirm it supports the current Windows version and PC architecture.
  • For an ownership-specific message, see our Xbox app error 0x803F8001 guide.

Warnings

Reset signs you out and removes the app’s local preferences. Do not delete the WindowsApps folder or change its ownership; doing so can break Store permissions. Do not download unofficial Gaming Services packages.

Frequently asked questions

Does wsreset delete my games?

No. It resets the Microsoft Store cache and does not uninstall installed games.

Does Xbox app Reset delete saves?

It clears Xbox app data and signs you out. It is not intended to delete separate game installations or cloud progression, but allow games to finish syncing before troubleshooting.

Why does the download fail on one drive?

The drive may lack free space, be disconnected, use an unsupported file system, or have a damaged installation folder.

Official references

Source video

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