How to Fix the Error Code 0x80131500 on Windows 10/11 When Downloading a Game

Windows Store error code 0x80073CFE and 0x80131500 can prevent app downloads and updates. However, troubleshooting instructions are available to fix these issues.

Between the two mentioned errors, it is the Windows Store error code 0x80131500 that has been reportedly encountered by many. What causes it and how do you fix it? Find out more below.

The Causes of Error Code 0x80131500 on Windows 10/11

The error code 0x80131500 on Windows Store is known to keep you from downloading or updating your apps. And unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet acknowledged this issue. This means a lot of people has been struggling to find solutions.

So, what’s causing this error code to appear? According to Windows experts, one may consider the possibility of online threats and hardware problems.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80131500

Yes, the error code can be quite annoying, considering that it can affect your entire user experience. However, you can do something to fix error code 0x80131500 when downloading games.

Below, we have presented solutions that can get rid of the error code once and for all. Try them one by one in any order you like.

Solution #1: Reset the Windows Store cache

Do you suspect that the Windows Store is having some caching problems? If that is the case, you can reset it with a simple command. Doing so will resolve similar issues on the Windows Store.

To reset the cache of Windows Store, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Into the search field, input wsreset.
3. Select the most relevant search result. It should be wsreset – Run command. This will reset Windows Store’s cache.
4. Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.
5. Once your PC restarts, open the Windows Store once again and try downloading or updating apps.

Solution #2: Launch the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

In case you don’t know, Microsoft has created a handy troubleshooter utility on their website, which users can download to solve different issues associated with the Windows Store. You can download the troubleshooter and follow the instructions it provides to resolve any errors.

For a more detailed guide on what to do, follow the steps below:

1. Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027498/windows-10-run-the-troubleshooter-for-apps and download the troubleshooter.
2. Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen prompts to fix the error.
3. Wait for the process to complete. It should fix any problems automatically even without your intervention.

Solution #3: Create a new Microsoft user account on your PC.

For some affected users, creating a new user account has resolved the issue. It seems that the accounts they used to access the Windows Store have become corrupt, keeping them from downloading or updating their apps.

To create a Microsoft account, follow these instructions:

1. Go to Settings. You can click on the gear icon above the Power button or search for it in the Cortana search bar.
2. Navigate to the Accounts section and choose Family and other people.
3. Select the Add someone else to this PC option.
4. Provide the information needed.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the account set up process.

To create a local account, do the following:

1. Click the gear icon above the Power button. This will open the Settings utility.
2. Go to the Accounts section and choose Other accounts.
3. Click the Add an account option.
4. Select Sign in without a Microsoft account.
5. Proceed with creating a local account.
6. Create a username for the account.
7. If you wish this account to be protected, create a character password and provide a password hint.
8. Hit Next.
9. Click the Finish button.

Solution #4: Change your PC’s location

Some affected Windows 10/11 users have reported that changing their PC’s location in the Settings has allowed them to access the Windows Store without any problem. According to them, the Windows Store is disabled in some parts of the world and that using a fake location will allow them to connect to it.

Follow the steps below to change your computer’s location:

1. Go to Control Panel. You can access it via the search bar or in the Start menu.
2. Change the View in Control Panel to Category.
3. Select Clock, Language and Region.
4. Navigate to the Region section and select Change location.
5. Choose your current location or the one you used when setting up your Microsoft account.

Alternatively, you can also try resetting your date and time settings. When set with the wrong values, they can also trigger various errors. Here’s how to reset your date and time settings:

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Go to the Time and Language section.
4. Navigate to the Date & Time tab.
5. Make sure that your PC’s date and time are similar to your PC’s location. If not correct, just switch off the Set time automatically option.
6. Select the correct time zone.
7. Restart your PC to apply the changes.
8. Relaunch the Windows Store again and see if the error persists.

Solution #5: Check for downtimes

Sometimes, Microsoft may experience downtimes. If Windows Store cannot communicate with its servers, it cannot connect. Hence, the error message is displayed.

Solution #6: Reset the Windows Store app itself

If none of the solutions above work, then your last option is to reset the Windows Store app itself. Like any other apps, Windows Store can get corrupt or experience problems. So, resetting it might just make a difference.

Here’s how to reset the Windows Store app:

1. Press the Windows + S keys.
2. Into the text field, input store.
3. When the app opens, go to App Settings.
4. Scroll down and hit the Reset button.
5. Restart your PC.

Summary

The next time you download a game on Windows Store and you get the error code 0x80131500, then you know what to do. We have presented six solutions here. Just work your way down the list until you find a fix to your problem.

Do you know other ways to get rid of the Windows Store error code 0x80131500? Let us know in the comments.