Fix Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged

If you see “Windows Store cache may be damaged� or the Microsoft Store won’t open, reset the Store cache with the built-in wsreset.exe tool, then restart the Store. This clears the temporary files that often cause the error, and it works on Windows 10 and Windows 11 without affecting your installed apps or account.

What Causes the “Cache May Be Damaged� Error

The Microsoft Store relies on a local cache folder to speed up loading product pages, thumbnails, and licensing checks. Over time, that folder can become corrupted by a failed update, a sudden shutdown, or a disk error. When the cache is unreadable, the Store may show a blank window, freeze, or display the message “Windows Store cache may be damaged.� This is a known issue on Windows 10, and it usually appears when you try to launch the Store or download an app.

The error is rarely caused by your Microsoft account or a virus. It is almost always a file-level problem inside the cache directory. That is why the standard fix is to delete the cache and let the Store rebuild it from scratch.

How to Reset the Windows Store Cache (wsreset)

The quickest method is to use the built-in wsreset.exe command. It clears the cache and re-registers the Store app. Here are the steps for Windows 10:

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. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute or two).
4. When the window closes, the Microsoft Store will open automatically.

If the Store does not open, restart your PC and try again. The wsreset command does not delete your installed apps or your Microsoft account sign-in. It only removes the cached data that the Store uses to display content.

Alternative Fixes When wsreset Doesn’t Work

Sometimes the cache is not the only problem. If the error persists after running wsreset, try these steps in order:

• Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10) or Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11). Select Windows Store Apps and run it.
• Re-register the Store app with PowerShell: Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). Run this command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. This re-registers the app without deleting your data.
• Check your date and time: Wrong system time can break the Store’s license validation. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and turn on Set time automatically.
• Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder (if updates are also failing): Stop the Windows Update service, delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, then restart the service. This is a separate cache, but it can affect Store updates.

Manual Cache Deletion (When wsreset Fails)

If the built-in reset tool hangs or gives an error, you can delete the cache folder manually. The Store cache is stored in a hidden folder under your user profile. To access it:

1. Open File Explorer and type %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore\LocalCache in the address bar.
2. If you see a folder named LocalCache, rename it to LocalCache.old (do not delete it yet).
3. Restart your PC and open the Store. It will create a fresh cache folder.
4. If the Store works correctly, you can delete the .old folder later.

This manual method is useful when wsreset itself is corrupted. Renaming instead of deleting gives you a safety net in case something goes wrong.

Common Misconceptions About the Store Cache

One frequent myth is that resetting the cache logs you out of the Store or deletes your purchased apps. That is false. The cache only stores temporary data like images and search results. Your purchases are tied to your Microsoft account, not to the cache. Another misconception is that you need to reinstall Windows to fix this error. In the vast majority of cases, the steps above resolve it without a system reset.

Also, some users confuse the Store cache with the Delivery Optimization cache used for Windows updates. They are separate. Clearing the Delivery Optimization cache (Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization) will not fix the Store error.

How to Prevent the Cache From Getting Damaged Again

While you cannot completely prevent file corruption, you can reduce the chances:

• Always shut down Windows properly instead of holding the power button.
• Keep Windows updated with the latest quality updates, as they often include fixes for the Store.
• Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt periodically to check system file integrity.
• Use the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command if sfc finds issues it cannot fix.
• Make sure your disk has enough free space. A nearly full drive can cause write errors that corrupt caches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wsreset delete my installed apps?

No. The wsreset command only clears the cache files that the Store uses to display content. Your installed apps, game saves, and account sign-in remain untouched.

Why does the Store still show the error after I reset the cache?

If the error persists, the problem may be a corrupted Store app package itself, a system file issue, or a conflicting third-party app. Try the PowerShell re-registration step, then run sfc /scannow. If that fails, create a new local user account and test the Store there.

Can I use wsreset on Windows 11?

Yes, the command works on Windows 11 as well. The steps are identical, and the behavior is the same.

Is it safe to delete the LocalCache folder manually?

Yes, as long as you rename it first and keep a backup. The Store will recreate it automatically. If you delete it without renaming and something goes wrong, you may need to re-register the app with PowerShell.

How long does wsreset take?

Typically 30 seconds to a few minutes. If it takes longer than 10 minutes, close the window and try the manual cache deletion method instead.

Does the Store cache affect game downloads from Xbox app?

No. The Xbox app and the Microsoft Store use separate caches. If you have download issues with Xbox app, try resetting its own cache via Settings > Apps > Xbox > Advanced options > Reset.

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