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download stuck in "preparing to download" queue on Microsoft Store

erin allen 0 Reputation points
2026-06-07T14:39:08.2366667+00:00

I just bought minecraft, so then i downloaded the launcher but the launcher keeps saying "Please continue in microsoft store" so i go to the microsoft store and manually download minecraft launcher but that's when it goes "Preparing to download. Queued". I don't have anything downloading(i never even use microsoft store) so there's no need for a queue and i've tried to just wait it out, i'd leave it on the whole night, but even that won't work. I've tried all the troubleshooting stuff like restarting my computer, signing in and signing out, restarting the store with WSReset, redownloading the minecraft launcher etc etc. The most it's ever done is change from "preparing to download" to that spiny loading circle thing but even then it never actually downloading so i reset the store again and it went back to preparing to download :/. If i can't fix it in the next few days i might have to get a refund because it's seeming like a big waste of money. Anyway i don't know what to do please help.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Microsoft Store
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  1. erin allen 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-13T03:14:36.56+00:00

    heyyyy so i just had to reset the entire store in microsoft store's advanced settings thanks for the hard work. (Settings -> system -> system components -> microsoft store -> advanced settings -> Reset)

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  2. John DeV 165.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-07T15:15:22.5066667+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?

    Please try to check the Microsoft Store Install Service

    Press the Windows Key + S and type in services.msc.

    Find the Microsoft Store Install Service and double click, If the status is Running, right click it then select Restart

    If disabled, change it to Automatic, click Start and click OK.

    I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below instead of Yes or No button.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-06-07T14:39:23.26+00:00

    Follow these steps in order on Windows 11 to resolve Microsoft Store downloads stuck at “Preparing to download. Queued” for the Minecraft Launcher:

    1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache again (correct method)
      1. Press Windows logo key + R.
      2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
      3. A blank Command Prompt opens, then closes after a few seconds, and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
      4. In Store, confirm signed in with the same Microsoft account used to buy Minecraft.
    2. Make sure Windows and Microsoft Store are fully updated
      1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install all available updates.
      2. Open Microsoft Store.
      3. Select Library > Get updates and let Store update itself and other apps.
      4. After updates finish, try installing Minecraft Launcher again from Library or by searching it in Store.
    3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
      1. Open Settings.
      2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (or equivalent Troubleshoot page).
      3. Find Windows Store Apps and select Run.
      4. Apply any fixes it suggests, then retry the download.
    4. Check that Microsoft Store is not blocked and can download updates
      If this is a managed device (school/work), Store might be restricted by policy or firewall:
      • Confirm that Microsoft Store opens normally and does not show a message that it is disabled by your organization.
      • If on a corporate/school network, contact the administrator to ensure Store and Windows Update endpoints are not blocked, as Store needs them to download and update apps.
    5. Try installing via Windows Package Manager (winget)
      If Store UI is stuck but backend works, use winget:
      1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell (non‑elevated).
      2. Run: 
              winget search "Minecraft Launcher"
      3. From the results, note the exact name or ID, then run: 
              winget install "Minecraft Launcher"
      4. Wait for the command to complete and then launch Minecraft from Start.
    6. Check for third‑party blockers (AV/VPN/proxy)
      From similar Store download issues:
      • Temporarily disable or uninstall any third‑party antivirus, security suite, or VPN, then retry the download.
      • If downloads work after disabling, adjust or replace that software.
    7. Reinstall from Store Library
      1. Open Microsoft Store.
      2. Go to Library.
      3. Find Minecraft Launcher in the list and select Install.
        This ensures the purchase is recognized and the correct package is pulled.

    If the download still never starts after these steps and other Store apps also fail to download, capture screenshots and contact Microsoft Support, or request a refund if within the refund window.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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