There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to install WhatsApp from the Microsoft Store:
- Your Windows version is not supported – WhatsApp requires Windows 10 version 1903 or higher
- There are country restrictions – The Microsoft Store may block WhatsApp downloads in certain countries
- Store errors – Sometimes there are temporary issues with the Store preventing app installs
- Outdated Store app – Make sure you have the latest Store app updates installed
- Account restrictions – Your Microsoft account may have restrictions preventing app downloads
Don’t worry, with a few simple troubleshooting steps you should be able to get WhatsApp installed from the Microsoft Store. We’ll walk through the potential issues and solutions.
Check Your Windows Version
The most common reason for being unable to install WhatsApp is that your Windows version is outdated. WhatsApp requires Windows 10 version 1903 or higher to work properly.
To check your Windows version:
- Open Settings
- Go to System > About
- Look at the Version number
If your version is lower than 1903, you’ll need to update Windows to the latest version first before you can install WhatsApp.
Here’s how to update Windows 10:
- Open Settings
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install any available updates
Windows will download and install the updates automatically. This may take some time depending on your internet speed. Once the latest version is installed, try downloading WhatsApp again.
Check for Country Restrictions
In some countries, the Microsoft Store has restrictions in place preventing the download of certain apps like WhatsApp. This is usually done to comply with local telecommunication regulations.
If your country restricts WhatsApp downloads, you’ll see an error or notice when trying to get it from the Microsoft Store.
To get around country restrictions, you’ll need to either:
- Use a VPN to mask your location and appear in an unrestricted country
- Download WhatsApp directly from the WhatsApp website instead of the Store
Check if WhatsApp is allowed in your country and use one of those workaround options if needed. The WhatsApp website provides the direct download link for your device.
Troubleshoot Microsoft Store Errors
Sometimes there may be a temporary technical issue with the Microsoft Store preventing you from installing any new apps.
Common Store errors include:
- “Try again later” error when searching for WhatsApp
- “Something happened on our end” during WhatsApp download
- Installation progress bar gets stuck
To troubleshoot Microsoft Store errors:
- Make sure you’re signed in to the Store with the right Microsoft account
- Close and restart the Store app
- Check for Windows updates in case a recent one caused issues
- Reset the Microsoft Store cache by searching for “wsreset.exe” and running the command line tool
Resetting the cache clears out any corrupted Store data. After trying these steps, attempt to install WhatsApp again. The issue should be resolved in most cases.
Update Your Microsoft Store App
An outdated version of the Microsoft Store app can also prevent you from installing new apps properly.
To ensure you have the latest Store updates:
- Open the Microsoft Store app
- Click on the 3 dots menu > Downloads and updates
- Check for any available Store updates and install them
- Restart the Store app
This will upgrade the Store with the most recent bug fixes and improvements. If your Store app was outdated, WhatsApp installation should now work normally.
Check Microsoft Account Restrictions
In rare cases, your personal Microsoft account may have restrictions applied that prevent downloading paid or mature rated apps from the Store.
This could lead to errors when trying to get WhatsApp. Check if any limitations have been enabled:
- Go to account.microsoft.com
- Sign in and go to Security > Parental controls
- Verify no restrictions blocking app downloads are enabled
- If any are set, remove them or switch to a different Microsoft account
Account administrators sometimes set these kinds of limitations for child accounts. Having parental controls disabled will ensure WhatsApp can be installed.
Install from the WhatsApp Website
If you still can’t get WhatsApp from the Microsoft Store working despite troubleshooting, your best option is to install it directly using the WhatsApp website instead.
- Go to www.whatsapp.com on your device
- Click Download for the Windows 10/11 option
- Open the downloaded WhatsAppSetup.exe file when complete
- Follow the setup wizard prompts to install WhatsApp
This will manually install the latest WhatsApp build without needing the Microsoft Store. The direct install works reliably in all countries and provides all WhatsApp features.
Conclusion
Here are some key tips to summarize troubleshooting WhatsApp install problems from the Microsoft Store:
- Check you’re on Windows 10 version 1903 or higher
- Try a VPN if your country restricts WhatsApp downloads
- Reset the Store cache and update the Store app
- Remove any Microsoft account parental controls
- Download directly from the WhatsApp website if issues persist
Following this guide should help get WhatsApp installed properly on your Windows PC, either via the Microsoft Store or the official website. With the app operational, you can enjoy messaging your contacts across platforms.