How to Fix Minecraft Launcher Not Downloading and Installing from Microsoft Store

It's not the most common problem you'll come across when trying to install Minecraft on your computer, but there are times when the Minecraft Launcher gets stuck before it downloads anything. Sometimes things look like they are working, but nothing is happening at all, while other times the entire interface will freeze. Even though this is pretty uncommon, there are a few different things you can do to fix the problem, so follow along as we take you through them.

How to Fix Minecraft Launcher Not Downloading and Installing from Microsoft Store

Before you go ahead and start the steps listed below, you should narrow down the exact place the problem is happening. A Store listing that won't start the installation is probably a different problem than a launcher that opens but cannot download game files. If other Microsoft Store apps or Xbox games also fail to download, check the official Xbox service status before repeatedly resetting Minecraft.

Clear Temporary Installation Files

More than likely, this problem is happening because of a random bug, glitch, or cache error, so go in and clear the cache to see if the download will start again.

• Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.

• Press Ctrl + A and delete the files Windows allows.
• Skip anything Windows says is currently in use.
• Press Win + R again, type temp, and press Enter.
• Delete the files Windows allows from this folder.

• Restart Windows and try the Minecraft Launcher download again.

Note: This cleanup targets temporary Windows data. It does not remove Minecraft worlds, saves, resource packs, or normal profile folders.

Correct Time, Region, and Windows Updates

Make sure that you are using the latest version of Windows 11. This is a really easy fix that might solve the problem.

• Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
• Install available updates and restart if required.
• Open Microsoft Store, go to Library, and select Get updates.
• Try Minecraft Launcher again.

Sign in and out of Everything Again

If it has been a while since you signed in and out of everything, now's the time to do it. So sign out of everything, and sign back in again.

• Open Microsoft Store.
• Select your profile icon and choose Sign out.
• Close Microsoft Store completely.
• Reopen it and sign in again.
• Use the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft or provides your Game Pass access.
• If Xbox is installed, sign in there with the same account.
• Return to Minecraft Launcher and try the download.

Use the Official Minecraft.net Installer

Minecraft has an official Windows launcher download outside of the Microsoft Store, so check if that works instead.

• Open the official Minecraft download page.
• Download the Windows Minecraft Launcher installer.
• Run the installer after the download finishes.
• Follow the installation instructions.
• Open Minecraft Launcher and sign in with the same Microsoft account.
• Do not use a third-party rehosted installer for this test. The official installer gives you a cleaner way to determine whether Microsoft Store is the source of the failure.

Reset the Microsoft Store App

Start by resetting the Microsoft Store, as it's closely tied to Xbox app functionality.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & Features).
• Locate Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu, and choose Advanced options.
• Scroll down and click Reset.
• Restart your computer before proceeding.

Reset the Xbox App

Next, reset the Xbox app itself.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Find the Xbox app, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
• Scroll down and hit Reset.
• Again, restart your PC after this step.

Reset the Gaming Services App

Finally, reset Gaming Services, which runs in the background to support the Xbox app.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Locate Gaming Services, open Advanced options, and click Reset at the bottom.