Fix Microsoft Store Apps Failing to Start on Windows 11

If Microsoft Store apps won’t open on Windows 11, the fix usually involves resetting the app’s cache, repairing the app, or re-registering the Store app via PowerShell. Below are the exact steps to resolve the issue, along with background on why it happens and what to do if the basic fixes don’t work.

Why Microsoft Store Apps Fail to Start

Microsoft Store apps (sometimes called UWP or MSIX apps) run in a sandboxed environment separate from traditional desktop programs. They depend on a set of background services, a valid app package registration, and a working Microsoft account token. When any of these break, the app may flash and close, show a blank window, or give an error like “This app can’t open.”

Common triggers include:

• Corrupted cache files in the app’s local storage.
• Outdated Windows or app updates that conflict with the Store’s licensing service.
• Changes to the Windows user profile or permissions.
• Third-party antivirus or system cleaners interfering with app registration.
• Network or proxy issues that prevent the Store from validating licenses.

Because the Store apps share a common infrastructure, fixing one app often requires resetting the Store itself or re-registering all apps.

First Steps: Run the Built-In Troubleshooters

Windows 11 includes two troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common Store app problems. They are safe to run and often resolve the issue without manual steps.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run. Follow the prompts.
3. After it finishes, also run the Network troubleshooter (same page) to rule out connectivity issues.
4. Restart your PC and try opening the app again.

If the troubleshooters don’t find anything, move on to the manual fixes below.

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache (WSReset)

The Store’s cache can become corrupted after many updates or interrupted downloads. The wsreset.exe tool clears that cache without deleting your installed apps or personal data.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. It may stay open for a few seconds or a minute. Do not close it.
4. When it finishes, the Store will open automatically. Close it and try launching the problematic app.

If the Store itself doesn’t open, you can also run wsreset.exe from an elevated Command Prompt (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin)).

Repair or Reset the Specific App

If the cache reset doesn’t help, Windows 11 lets you repair or reset an individual app. Repairing keeps your app data; resetting deletes the app’s local data (like saved logins or settings).

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Find the app that won’t start. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
3. Scroll down to the Reset section.
4. First click Repair. Wait for it to finish, then try launching the app.
5. If it still fails, click Reset. Confirm the warning that the app’s data will be deleted.

This works for most Store apps, including Mail, Photos, Calculator, and third-party apps installed from the Store.

Re-register All Store Apps via PowerShell

When individual resets fail, the app’s registration in Windows may be broken. Re-registering all Store apps can fix this without reinstalling Windows or losing your files.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This command re-registers every Store app for all user accounts. It may take a few minutes and will show a blue progress bar. When it finishes, restart your PC.

If you only want to re-register one app, you can use Get-AppxPackage -Name *appname* first to find its full package name, then run the same command with that name. For example:

Get-AppxPackage -Name *photos* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Check for Corrupted System Files

Sometimes the underlying Windows system files are damaged, which prevents Store apps from launching. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service (DISM) can repair these.

1. Open Terminal (Admin).
2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and wait for it to complete (this can take 10-20 minutes).
3. Then run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
4. Restart your PC and try the app again.

These tools do not touch your personal files or installed programs, but they may require an internet connection to download replacement system files.

Update Windows and the App

Outdated Windows versions or app versions can cause compatibility issues. Check for updates in both places:

• Windows Update: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install all pending updates, including optional ones.
• Store app updates: Open Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates. Update all apps, especially the one that’s failing.

If the Store itself won’t open, you can download the latest Store update from the Microsoft website (search “Microsoft Store download”), but the built-in update method is usually sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting an app delete my data?

Yes, the Reset option deletes the app’s local data, including saved logins, preferences, and offline files. The Repair option does not delete data. Always try Repair first.

Why does the Store app open but then close immediately?

This often indicates a corrupted app package or a licensing issue. Try the PowerShell re-register command first, then check if your Microsoft account is signed in properly in the Store (click your profile picture → Sign out, then sign back in).

Can I reinstall a Store app without losing my files?

Uninstalling a Store app removes its local data, but if the app syncs to the cloud (like OneDrive or Mail), your data will be restored when you sign in again. For apps that don’t sync, back up any important files before uninstalling.

Why do some Store apps work and others don’t?

Each app has its own package and dependencies. A problem may be isolated to one app’s cache or registration, while others remain unaffected. That’s why the per-app repair/reset is often the first targeted fix.

Is it safe to use the PowerShell re-register command?

Yes, the command is a standard Microsoft-supported troubleshooting step. It doesn’t delete apps or personal data; it only refreshes their registration in Windows. However, run it as admin and avoid interrupting the process.

What if none of these steps work?

If you’ve tried all the above, the issue may be deeper, such as a corrupted user profile or a failing hard drive. Try creating a new local user account and see if the app works there. If it does, you may need to migrate your data to the new profile. As a last resort, use the “Reset this PC” option in Settings, choosing “Keep my files” to reinstall Windows without losing personal data.

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