How to fix Surface RT when unable to install or find Windows Store apps

Surface RT with red cover

When using your Surface RT there will be times when trying to download an app from the Windows Store will just not work. You’ll probably get error messages like, you can’t download an app because the connection is too slow, even though you have perfect internet access. Or you just won’t be able to find a specific app in the Store. Most of the time these problems with apps and the Windows Store are caused by one of the following issues:

Causes

  • The app might be hidden.
  • Your regional settings may be incorrect — This includes payment methods do not match with your country or region, or the app isn’t available in your territory.
  • The app is not longer available at the Windows Store.

To address the issues described above, check this Microsoft Surface articleAdditionally, you can also try to remedy this problem by using the following:

Solution #1

Clear the Windows Store cache (or temporary data) and try again. Use the Windows 8 Key + R to bring the Run command and type wsreset.exe and click OK (Clearing the cache can also help when the Windows Store isn’t opening). If the command was executed successfully you’ll receive the following message: The cache for the store was cleared. You can now browse the store for apps.

Note: You can use the wsreset.exe in Windows RT as well as in Windows 8.

Solution #2

Open the Apps troubleshooter, follow on-screen instructions and try again getting the app you want from the Store. This is a utility designed specifically to automatically find and fix common problems with apps — Microsoft only has the utility in English, but it works in Windows RT and in Windows 8.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].