Fix Windows 10 Store Crashing Problem

The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 can crash or close unexpectedly for several reasons, usually due to corrupted cache files, outdated system components, or a misconfigured app. Most crashes are resolved by resetting the Store’s cache or running the built-in Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, with more persistent issues requiring a re-registration of the Store app via PowerShell.

Why the Microsoft Store Crashes

The Store is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app, which means it relies on a specific set of system services and a local cache to function. When any of these become corrupted or out of sync, the app may fail to launch, freeze, or close immediately after opening. Common triggers include:

• An interrupted update that left the Store or its dependencies in a broken state.
• Accumulated cache data that becomes unreadable.
• Conflicts with third-party antivirus or system optimization tools that block the Store’s background processes.
• Outdated Windows 10 installation, missing critical patches for the Store framework.
• Corrupted user account profile, which can affect UWP apps specifically.

Understanding the cause is less important than systematically applying the fixes, as the same symptoms can arise from different underlying issues.

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into more complex repairs, verify that your system meets the basic requirements and that no external factor is interfering.

1. Check your internet connection. The Store needs a stable connection to load its content, and a flaky connection can cause it to appear to crash.
2. Ensure Windows is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Installing pending updates often resolves Store crashes.
3. Set your system date, time, and time zone correctly. An incorrect clock can break the Store’s license validation and cause it to close.
4. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall software to see if the Store opens. If it does, the security software is the culprit, and you should add an exception for the Store.

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The most common fix for a crashing Store is to clear its cache. Microsoft provides a built-in tool for this purpose.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. This is normal. Wait for it to finish, and the Store will open automatically.

If the Store still crashes, you can also try resetting the app through Windows Settings:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Microsoft Store in the list, click on it, and select Advanced options.
3. Click Reset. This will clear the Store’s data and sign you out, but it often resolves stubborn crashes.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a dedicated troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common Store problems.

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will check for issues like corrupted cache or missing registry entries and attempt to repair them.

This tool is not always effective, but it is worth running because it requires no technical knowledge and can fix the problem in one click.

Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If the cache reset and troubleshooter fail, the Store app itself may be improperly registered in your Windows account. Re-registering it via PowerShell can fix this without affecting your installed apps.

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

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

3. Wait for the command to complete. It may take a minute or two.
4. Restart your computer and try opening the Store.

This command reinstalls the Store app while preserving its data. If you receive an error, ensure you are running PowerShell as an administrator.

Check for Corrupted System Files

Sometimes the Store crashes because of deeper system file corruption. Windows has built-in tools to scan and repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for the scan to complete. This checks for integrity violations in system files.
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the system image.
4. Restart your PC after the repairs finish.

These tools can take 10-20 minutes, but they address root causes that other fixes miss.

Create a New User Account

If the Store crashes only under your current user profile, the profile may be corrupted. Creating a new local user account is a practical test and a permanent fix if the Store works there.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC and follow the prompts to create a new account (you can use a Microsoft account or a local account).
3. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
4. Open the Microsoft Store. If it works, you can migrate your files and settings to the new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Microsoft Store keep crashing on startup?

The most common cause is a corrupted cache. Running wsreset.exe clears the cache and usually fixes the crash. If not, check for Windows updates and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store only clears its own cache and settings, not the apps you have installed. It will sign you out of the Store, but your apps remain intact.

Can I reinstall the Microsoft Store if it’s completely broken?

Yes, you can re-register the Store app using PowerShell, as described above. This effectively reinstalls the app without losing your data. There is no official way to uninstall the Store entirely, but re-registering is the standard repair.

Why does the Store crash only when I try to download an app?

This often indicates a problem with the Windows Update service or the delivery optimization component. Try restarting the Windows Update service (services.msc) and ensure your system date/time is correct. Also, check if your disk is full.

Does the Microsoft Store crash on Windows 11 too?

Yes, similar issues can occur on Windows 11, and the fixes are largely the same: reset the cache, run the troubleshooter, and re-register the app. The steps for Windows 11 are nearly identical to Windows 10.

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