When attempting to install or update an application via the Microsoft Store, you might encounter the error message: “The deployment operation failed because the volume is offline.” This error indicates that the disk required for the deployment is either unavailable or offline. This guide outlines potential solutions to resolve this issue.
Repair/ Reset Windows Store
Corrupted or misconfigured settings within the Microsoft Store can trigger the “volume is offline” error. Repairing or resetting the Windows Store ensures proper app deployment.
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps, then click on Apps & Features.
Step 3: Locate and click on Microsoft Store. Click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
Step 4: Click on the Repair button to automatically identify and resolve any issues.
Step 5: If the problem persists, repeat steps 1-3, then click the Reset button to revert the Microsoft Store to its default state.
Ensure That the Target Drive is Online
The Microsoft Store installs and updates applications on a specific volume. If this target volume is offline, Windows cannot access the necessary storage, resulting in the error. Bringing the drive online allows for proper installation.
Step 1: Press Win + X, then click on Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Locate the targeted drive. If its status displays “offline” take a drive offline or bring a disk online in windows, right-click on it and select the Online option.
Step 3: If the drive remains offline, ensure the cables are securely connected by unplugging and replugging them.
Select System Drive as the Main Install Location
Setting the system drive as the primary install location ensures a stable and consistently available location. External or secondary drives can disconnect, leading to failures.
Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app. Click on System, then on Storage.
Step 2: Navigate to Storage Management, expand Advanced Storage Settings, and click on Where new content is saved.
Step 3: In the New apps will save to section, select the system drive (typically C:), and click the Apply button.
Confirm Windows Update and Microsoft Store Services are Active
The Windows Update service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Microsoft Store Install Service are essential for system updates, file transfers, and proper installation. If these services are disabled, deployment failures can occur.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type services.msc, and press OK.
Step 2: Scroll down to locate Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Microsoft Store Install Service, and verify that their status is “Running”.
Step 3: If a service is running, right-click on it and select Restart. If a service is not running, right-click on it and select Start.
Examine Drive Health and File System Integrity
Disk-related issues, such as corrupted or failing drives, can cause Windows to lose access to the required volume. Performing disk checks can identify and repair file system errors, bad sectors, or unmounted partitions.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run the following command to check and repair file system errors on the C: drive:
chkdsk /f C:
Step 3: If prompted, enter Y to schedule the check for the next restart, and then restart the device.
Run Windows Store Troubleshooter
The Windows Store Troubleshooter can automatically detect and repair errors related to the Microsoft Store.
Step 1: Go to the Taskbar search box, search for Get Help, and click on the result.
Step 2: Type Run Windows Store troubleshooter. A panel with solutions will open. If the suggested solution resolves your problem, click the Yes button.
Step 3: If it doesn’t, click the No button and continue clicking No until it resolves your issue.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “The deployment operation failed because the volume is offline” error and successfully install or update applications from the Microsoft Store.