Fix Microsoft Store Stops at Acquiring License on Windows 11

Quick fix: “Acquiring license” stuck means Store can’t reach Microsoft licensing service. Run wsreset.exe in Run dialog. Then slmgr /rilc in Admin cmd. Then sign out / in to Microsoft Store. If chronic: re-register Store via PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}.

Store stuck on “Acquiring license” means Store can’t verify app entitlement. Causes: cache corruption, account sign-in issue, time/date wrong, network restriction.

What causes this

App install flow: Store downloads package, then queries licensing service for entitlement. Stuck on licensing means:

• Cache mismatch / corruption.
• Microsoft account sign-in token expired.
• System time off (signature verification fails).
• Proxy / firewall blocking licensing endpoint.
• App developer-side licensing issue.

Method 1: Reset Store and licenses

The standard route.

1. Open Run (Win+R). Type wsreset.exe. Press Enter.
2. Black Cmd window opens for 30 seconds. Store reopens.
3. Try install again.
4. If still stuck: open Admin Command Prompt.
5. Reinstall all licenses:

   slmgr /rilc

6. Wait. Confirmation dialog.
7. Sign out of Microsoft Store (Store → profile → Sign out).
8. Sign back in.
9. Retry app install.
10. For licensing service specifically: net stop wlidsvc & net start wlidsvc (Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant).

This is the standard fix.

Method 2: Verify time, date, and network

For environment-level issues.

1. Time: Settings → Time & language → Date & time. Set time automatically: On. Click Sync now.
2. For corporate-managed time: contact IT.
3. For chronic clock skew: replace CMOS battery (desktop).
4. Network: test internet. Visit store.microsoft.com.
5. For proxy: ensure Microsoft endpoints whitelisted: store.microsoft.com, licensing.mp.microsoft.com, aka.ms.
6. VPN: try without VPN. Some VPNs block Store traffic.
7. For firewall: ensure WindowsStore.exe and related allowed.
8. For DNS: try public DNS (8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1).

This is the environment check.

Method 3: Re-register Microsoft Store

For deeper repair.

1. Open PowerShell as Admin.
2. Re-register Store:

   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}

3. Re-register dependencies:

   Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Reset-AppxPackage

4. Restart Microsoft Store Install Service:

   net stop wsservice & net start wsservice

5. Reboot.
6. Sign in to Store with Microsoft account.
7. Retry install.
8. For chronic licensing failures: SFC + DISM repair: sfc /scannow + dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.

This is the deeper route.

How to verify the fix worked

• App install proceeds past “Acquiring license.”
• App installs successfully.
• App launches.
• Store doesn’t show recurring license errors.

If none of these work

If still stuck: Account region issue: Microsoft account region must match Windows region. Update at account.microsoft.com. For specific app license: app developer’s licensing server may be down. Wait. For multiple account on PC: ensure correct account signed in. For corporate Entra ID: IT must allow store access. For licensing service errors (0x80073CF9): slmgr /rilc reinstall. For Insider builds: known licensing bugs sometimes. Last resort: in-place upgrade via Windows 11 ISO setup.exe. Repairs Store and licensing services.

Bottom line: wsreset.exe + slmgr /rilc + sign out/in. Check time accuracy. Re-register Store via PowerShell for deeper fix. Disable VPN / proxy temporarily for testing.