How to Fix Slow Download Speed for Microsoft Store on Windows 11

If downloads from the Microsoft Store are painfully slow on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Apps may take forever to update, games might crawl at a few KB/s, or downloads may stall entirely. In most cases, slow Microsoft Store speeds are caused by bandwidth limits, delivery optimization settings, corrupted cache, network configuration, or background updates—not your internet plan.

The good news is that you can usually restore full download speed in just a few steps.

Fix Slow Download Speed for Microsoft Store on Windows 11

The fixes below focus on removing bandwidth limits, resetting the Store cache, and optimizing network settings. Follow them in order and test download speed after each step.

1. Remove Delivery Optimization Bandwidth Limits (Most Common Fix)

Windows may be limiting download speed in the background.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Select Delivery Optimization.
5. Click Advanced options.
6. Under Download settings, make sure:
   • “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background” is Off
   • “Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the foreground” is Off

This is the most common reason Microsoft Store downloads are slow.

2. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted Store cache can affect download performance.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type: wsreset.exe
3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the Microsoft Store to reset and reopen automatically.

This clears the Store cache without deleting apps.

3. Check Your Network Connection

Even if your internet seems fine, background restrictions may slow downloads.

1. Restart your router.
2. Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet (if possible).
3. Disable VPN or proxy temporarily.
4. Run a speed test to verify your connection.

VPNs and proxies often throttle Microsoft Store traffic.

4. Sign Out and Back Into Microsoft Store

Account sync issues can slow downloads.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click your profile icon.
3. Select Sign out.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Sign back in and test downloads again.

This refreshes authentication and download sessions.

5. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for Store issues.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Store Apps.
4. Click Run and follow on-screen instructions.

This can automatically fix configuration problems.

6. Reset Microsoft Store App

If downloads are still slow, reset the app completely.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft Store.
3. Click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options.
4. Click Repair first.
5. If needed, click Reset.

This restores the Store to default settings.

7. Disable Metered Connection

Metered connections limit background data usage.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet.
2. Click your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Make sure Metered connection is turned Off.

If enabled, Windows may throttle downloads.

8. Pause Windows Updates Temporarily

If Windows Update is downloading in the background, it may consume bandwidth.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Pause updates temporarily.
3. Test Microsoft Store download speed again.

Windows Update and Store downloads share bandwidth.

9. Update Windows 11

Outdated system builds can cause Store performance issues.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Install all available updates.
3. Restart your PC.

Updates from Microsoft often improve Microsoft Store reliability and performance.

10. Flush DNS Cache

Network routing issues may affect download speed.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Restart your PC.

This refreshes network resolution settings.

Wrapping Up

Slow download speeds in the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 are usually caused by bandwidth limits, delivery optimization settings, network restrictions, or corrupted Store cache—not your internet connection itself.

Disabling bandwidth limits and resetting the Store fixes the issue for most users. Once optimized, app downloads and updates should run at full speed again on Microsoft Windows, giving you a smoother experience overall.