How to Fix ‘Device Limit Reached’ Error in Microsoft Store on Windows 11

If you’ve run into the frustrating message—“Ten of your devices have apps & games from Store already installed on them. That’s the limit. Remove a device to make room for this new one.”—you’re not alone. Microsoft enforces a device cap, limiting each account to 10 active devices for downloading apps and games via the Microsoft Store. While this policy helps manage licenses and usage, it can cause headaches, especially when old or unused devices still count against the limit. Worse yet, the error may persist even after device removal.

This complete guide shows you how to remove linked devices, reset the Microsoft Store, and resolve stubborn download issues in Windows 11—ensuring you regain access to the apps and games you need without hitting unnecessary roadblocks.

Why You See the Microsoft Store’s 10-Device Limit Error

Microsoft allows each account to use Store-related content on up to 10 devices. If you exceed this number, the system blocks further downloads. Unfortunately, even retired or unused devices may still count unless you manually unlink them, and the error can remain even after removal due to system lag or cache issues.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Devices from Microsoft Store Device Management

Step 1: Access the Microsoft Store Device Management Page

• Visit: https://account.microsoft.com/devices/content
• Sign in with the same Microsoft account you use in the Store.
• You’ll see a list of devices currently linked for app/game downloads.

Step 2: Identify and Remove Unnecessary Devices

• Scan the list for outdated or unrecognized devices (e.g., old PCs or phones).

• Click “Unlink” next to the devices you no longer use.

• Confirm the action when prompted.

Unlinking a device frees up a slot immediately, allowing you to add a new device for downloads.

Step 3: Retry Your Download in the Store

• Once you’ve removed devices and are below the 10-device threshold, relaunch the Microsoft Store.
• Attempt to download your app or game again. It should now proceed without error.

⚠️ Note: If you redownload content on a previously removed device, it will be relisted and count toward the 10-device limit again.

How to Remove Devices from the General Microsoft Account Device List

Sometimes the device causing the problem doesn’t show up in the Store management list. In such cases, removing it from the general Microsoft device list can help.

Step 1: Visit Microsoft’s Device Overview Page

• Go to: https://account.microsoft.com/devices
• Log in with your Microsoft credentials.

Step 2: Remove Old or Unused Devices

• Locate devices no longer in use.
• Click “Remove device”, and confirm when prompted.

Step 3: Wait for Changes to Sync

• Give the system a few minutes to sync across Microsoft’s backend.
• Then, reopen the Store and retry your download.

Reset the Microsoft Store App and Clear Its Cache

If removing devices doesn’t immediately resolve the issue, the next step is to reset the Microsoft Store and its cache.

Step 1: Open Settings

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to System > System Components.

Step 2: Reset the Microsoft Store App

• Scroll to find Microsoft Store.

• Click the three-dot menu (⋯), then select Advanced Options.

• Under Reset, click Reset and confirm when prompted.

Step 3: Clear Microsoft Store Cache

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter.
• A command prompt window will briefly appear, clear the cache, and auto-launch the Store.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

• A reboot ensures that all device and cache updates are applied.

Final Troubleshooting Tips If the Error Persists

If you’re still encountering the device limit message, consider these final troubleshooting steps:

• Sign out and sign back into the Microsoft Store.
• Repeat device removals after waiting a few hours, allowing backend sync to complete.
• Contact Microsoft Support via support.microsoft.com or live chat for further assistance.

Pro Tip: If you use multiple PCs, Xbox consoles, or devices via Xbox Game Pass, double-check both the Store-specific device list and the general Microsoft device list. Devices may appear in one but not the other.

Conclusion:

Managing Microsoft’s 10-device limit doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By regularly reviewing and removing old devices, and periodically resetting the Microsoft Store app, you can avoid download errors and enjoy seamless access to apps and games on Windows 11. Keeping your Microsoft account tidy ensures optimal performance and prevents future frustrations.