Why won't it let me redownload games for free that I have already bought but deleted?

Question

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I have recently deleted some games I downloaded in Microsoft Store, but now when I try to redownload them, it says I can play it. However, when I press "play", it shows the message shown in the file microsoftHelp1.jpg. I tried going to delete one of the games from my Apps in windows settings, but now I shows that I have to pay full price for it again. I was told that if I pay for a game, but later delete it, then I should be able to reinstall it later on. So, why is it not working?

Answer 1

Hi Josiah Lehman,

Based on the screenshots, Microsoft Store still recognizes Gang Beasts as being associated with your account because it appears in My Library as"Acquired a long time ago." The error message shown when selecting Play suggests Windows may still have a record of the previous installation, but the game files are no longer available in the expected location.

You can try the following:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Check whether Gang Beasts is still listed:
   • If it is, select Uninstall.
3. Restart the PC.
4. Open Microsoft Store > Library and check whether the Install or Download option appears for the game.

If the game was previously installed on a secondary or external drive, also confirm that the drive is currently connected and accessible, as the error specifically mentions that the storage device may be missing.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

If a game was bought with the same Microsoft account, deleting it does not remove the purchase. It should still be available to reinstall from Microsoft Store > My Library or from Order history.

Common reasons it does not reinstall are:

1. Wrong Microsoft account Check that the game appears in Order history for the account currently signed in. If it is missing there, the purchase was likely made with a different account.
2. Trying from the product page instead of Library Open Microsoft Store and go to My Library. Games already owned but not installed should show a Download icon. Select that to reinstall.
3. Store cache or app issue Reset the Microsoft Store cache:
   • Press Windows key + R
   • Type wsreset.exe
   • Select OK A blank Command Prompt window opens briefly, then Microsoft Store opens again.
4. Windows or Store needs updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates
   • In Microsoft Store, select See more > Downloads and updates > Get updates
   • Restart the PC after updates
5. The game is hidden or unavailable for this device/account state Microsoft Store can block or hide apps if:
   • the game is not available in the current country or region
   • family settings are hiding it
   • the game is no longer available in Store
   • the game is not compatible with the device
   • the PC needs a restart after updates
   • the PC is not authorized for Microsoft Store apps

A good end-to-end check is:

1. Open Order history and confirm the game purchase is listed.
2. Open Microsoft Store > My Library and try installing it from there.
3. Run wsreset.exe.
4. Update Windows and Microsoft Store, then restart.
5. Try the install again from My Library.

If the Store now shows the full price again, that usually means the Store is not recognizing the purchase on the signed-in account or the license has not refreshed correctly.

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