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How to Fix Download Error 0x800c0008 for Games on Windows 11 Windows Live

Downloading games on Windows 11 using Windows Live can sometimes result in errors. One common issue users face is the download error 0x800c0008. This error can stop your game downloads and updates, causing frustration.

Thankfully, fixing this error is usually straightforward. With some basic troubleshooting steps, you can get your games downloading again in no time. This article will guide you through simple methods to resolve the download error 0x800c0008.

Each step is explained clearly to make it easy for everyone, even if you’re not very tech-savvy. Follow the steps carefully and you should be able to fix the problem quickly.

Let’s start with some quick notes before moving on to detailed solutions.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Troubleshooting

  • Internet Connection: Make sure your internet is stable and working properly. A poor connection can cause download errors.
  • Windows Update: Ensure your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Sometimes updates fix underlying bugs.
  • Windows Live Sign-in: Confirm you are signed in to Windows Live with the correct account.
  • Storage Space: Check that you have enough free disk space for the game download.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Router

Before diving into complex fixes, try restarting your PC and internet router.

Why? Restarting refreshes your system’s memory and network connections, which can clear temporary glitches causing the error.

  1. Close all running applications.
  2. Click on the Start menu, then select Restart.
  3. Wait for your computer to turn off and back on.
  4. Unplug your router’s power cable, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  5. After the internet connection is restored, try downloading the game again.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed for app and download issues.

How to run it:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  5. After it finishes, try the download again.

Why this helps: The troubleshooter scans for common problems with Windows Store apps and attempts to fix them automatically.

Step 3: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Clearing the cache can remove corrupted files that might cause download errors.

Steps to clear cache:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank command prompt window will open, and after about 10 seconds, it will close automatically.
  4. The Microsoft Store will open after the cache reset.
  5. Try downloading your game again.

Why do this? The wsreset command clears the temporary cache of the Microsoft Store without changing your account settings or installed apps.

Step 4: Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause issues with Microsoft services, including Windows Live.

How to fix:

  1. Click the clock on your taskbar and select Date and time settings.
  2. Make sure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are turned on.
  3. If they are already on, toggle them off, wait a few seconds, and turn them back on.
  4. Restart your computer and try downloading the game again.

Why this matters: Many online services use your system’s date/time to secure connections. Incorrect settings can lead to download errors.

Step 5: Reset the Microsoft Store App

If clearing the cache didn’t work, resetting the Microsoft Store app can fix deeper issues.

To reset the app:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Find Microsoft Store in the list and click the three dots next to it.
  4. Select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.
  6. After resetting, open the Store and try your download again.

Why reset? Resetting reinstalls the app and clears its data, which can fix persistent errors.

Step 6: Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, security software blocks downloads or connections needed for Windows Live.

How to check:

  • Temporarily disable your antivirus software or firewall.
  • Try downloading the game again.
  • If the download works, add Microsoft Store and Windows Live apps to the firewall/antivirus exceptions.
  • Re-enable your security software afterwards.

Why this step is important: Firewalls and antivirus programs protect your PC but can mistakenly block safe connections, causing download errors.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Re-register Store Apps

If resetting the Store app didn’t help, you can try re-registering it via Command Prompt.

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "& {Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}}"
  1. Wait for the process to complete. It may take a few minutes.
  2. Restart your computer and try the download again.

Why do this? This command reinstalls and re-registers all built-in Windows apps, which can resolve corruption causing the error.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does error 0x800c0008 mean?

This error usually indicates a problem with downloading or updating apps from the Microsoft Store or Windows Live due to network or system issues.

Can a slow internet connection cause this error?

Yes, an unstable or slow internet connection can interrupt downloads and cause this error. Ensuring a stable connection helps prevent it.

Is it safe to reset or re-register Microsoft Store apps?

Yes, these actions are safe and do not affect your personal files. They only reset the app’s configuration to fix issues.

Do I need to uninstall and reinstall Windows Live?

Usually, no. The steps above should fix the problem without reinstalling Windows Live or the Store app.

Will disabling antivirus permanently solve the problem?

No. Disabling antivirus is a test to check if it’s blocking downloads. You should add exceptions instead of leaving it disabled.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face the error 0x800c0008, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help: https://support.microsoft.com
  • Create a New User Profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new Windows 11 user account can help.
  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your system to a previous point when downloads were working fine.
  • Check for Malware: Run a full antivirus scan to ensure no malware is interfering with your system.

Conclusion

The download error 0x800c0008 on Windows 11 with Windows Live is often caused by network issues, app cache problems, or system misconfigurations. Starting with simple solutions like restarting your PC and router can fix temporary glitches.

Running the built-in troubleshooter, clearing cache, checking date/time, and resetting the Microsoft Store app usually solve the problem. Adjusting firewall or antivirus settings can help if security software is blocking downloads.

For advanced users, re-registering Store apps using Command Prompt is an effective step. If all else fails, Microsoft Support and system restore options are available.

By following these detailed steps, you can resolve the download error and get back to enjoying your games quickly and easily.

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