How to Fix Slow Microsoft Store Downloads in Windows 11

Are you tired of painfully slow downloads from the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 PC? It’s a common frustration, especially when you have a blazing-fast internet connection, yet downloads crawl at a snail’s pace. While you might enjoy lightning-fast speeds on platforms like Steam or Epic Games, the Microsoft Store can sometimes feel like it’s stuck in the dial-up era. Fortunately, these sluggish download speeds are often caused by specific Windows 11 settings that unintentionally limit bandwidth. This guide provides easy-to-follow solutions to troubleshoot and significantly boost your Microsoft Store download speeds, so you can get back to enjoying your apps and games.

Optimizing Your Windows 11 for Faster Microsoft Store Downloads

Several factors can cause slow downloads. Here’s a breakdown of effective methods to troubleshoot and fix slow Microsoft Store download speeds:

1. Remove Bandwidth Limits in Delivery Optimization

Windows 11 uses Delivery Optimization to manage how updates and apps are downloaded and shared across your network. Sometimes, these settings inadvertently restrict download speeds:

1- Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.

2- Navigate to Windows Update in the left sidebar, then click Advanced options.

3- Select Delivery Optimization and then click Advanced options.

4- Locate the options labeled “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background” and “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the foreground.” Uncheck these boxes to remove any artificial speed caps.

5- If you prefer setting specific limits, adjust the sliders to 100% or manually input your maximum connection speed. This ensures the Microsoft Store can utilize your full bandwidth.

These changes immediately take effect, often resulting in dramatically improved download speeds.

2. Disable Metered Connection

Metered connections are designed to conserve data, but they can significantly restrict download speeds:

1- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Network & Internet.

2- Click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you use a wired connection) and then select your active network connection.

3- Scroll to the Metered connection section and ensure the toggle for Set as metered connection is turned off. This allows Windows and the Microsoft Store to use data without limits.

3. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted cache files can negatively impact download performance:

1- Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

2- In the Command Prompt window, enter wsreset and press Enter. This command clears the Microsoft Store cache. The Store will automatically open once the process is complete.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store App

Resetting the Microsoft Store can resolve persistent glitches:

1- Search for Microsoft Store in the Windows search bar. Right-click the result and choose App settings.

2- In the app settings window, scroll down and click Reset under the Reset section.

5. Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common issues:

1- Open Settings and go to System, then select Troubleshoot and click Other troubleshooters.

2- Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run. Follow the on-screen prompts.

6. Disable Proxy or VPN (If Applicable)

VPNs and proxies can sometimes throttle download speeds:

1- If you use a VPN or proxy, temporarily disconnect or disable it. Some ISPs or VPN providers throttle specific types of traffic.

2- After disconnecting, restart your computer and try downloading from the Microsoft Store again. If download speeds improve, adjust VPN or proxy settings, or consider a different provider.

7. Perform a Network Reset

As a final step, resetting your network settings can resolve underlying connectivity issues:

1- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

2- Click Network reset and follow the prompts. You may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi after this step.

Conclusion:

By implementing these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively overcome the frustration of slow Microsoft Store downloads in Windows 11. Whether it’s adjusting bandwidth limits, clearing the cache, or resetting the app, these solutions will help you enjoy faster download speeds and a more seamless experience. If issues persist, ensure your internet service provider (ISP) is not experiencing outages, or contact your ISP for further troubleshooting.