Windows 8 Apps not downloading. All stuck on pending.

Anonymous
2012-12-22T14:29:15+00:00

I just received a brand new Windows 8 laptop. Right out of the box, a bunch of apps want to update but they all get stuck on "pending" and will not download. I'm very disappointed at the lack of "out of the box" workability. How can I get these apps to update and download?

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Anonymous
2012-12-29T00:03:19+00:00

I found these steps on a different thread and gave them a try, and afterwards my updates downloaded and installed fine.  Forcing the update service to create a new SoftwareDistribution folder seemed to resolve the issue:

  1. Open an administrative command prompt (go to the Start screen, type "cmd", right-click on Command Prompt and hit "Run as administrator")
  2. Type the following four commands in the command prompt:
  3. net stop wuauserv

cd %systemroot%

ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

net start wuauserv 4. Try to install updates again.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-06-24T07:10:25+00:00

    As it is their app store is hopeless. Whatever mildly useful apps are there cannot be installed on pc cause it is always stuck on pending.  Guys there's no point asking windows to improve their user experience. Just buy a Mac book

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-08-05T19:10:14+00:00

    Thank you very Much!!!

    I could download everything as expected

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-09-06T02:32:30+00:00

    wow I completely agree with every word. my laptop is just two moths out of the box, and barely used at all because I didn't have wifi installed in my home until about a month ago. when I install an app it stays in the pending mode for days. I think maybe a total of 3 of my apps have completely installed. and I as well am not a "computer geek" so when I have googled or have come here to try and find a solution, I don't understand all these directions that are given because it is just not a language that I speak lol. and to your quote "i should not have to go through all this with a new computer"......AMEN. I absolutely love my hp ENVY w beats audio, but all the little quirks are about to drive me nuts. I think tomorrow I am going to take it to the store and complain about whats going on and hopefully one of the geek squad members will help me without charge, because like you said...none of us should be having to go through these problems with a brand new computer. lol sorry for such a long response, I just wanted you to know that you are absolutely not alone!

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-28T09:28:13+00:00

    I have windows 10 and wanted to install network speed check but cant get passed pending?

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