Fix Windows Store Error 0x80131500

Windows Store error 0x80131500 stops app downloads and updates with a generic “Something unexpected happened” message. The fix is to clear the Store cache and reset the app, then check your system date and network proxy settings if the problem persists.

What Causes Error 0x80131500

This error code is a .NET Framework exception that the Microsoft Store surfaces when a background service fails to respond correctly. The most common triggers are a corrupted Store cache, an incorrect system clock, or a misconfigured proxy or VPN connection that blocks the Store’s secure API calls. Less often, a damaged Windows account profile or a pending system update interferes with the Store’s ability to validate your license.

Unlike error 0x80072EFD (a network timeout) or 0x803F8001 (a licensing problem), 0x80131500 is not tied to a single component. It is the Store’s catch-all for an unhandled .NET exception, so the fix is a process of elimination starting with the easiest resets.

Fix 1: Clear the Store Cache with WSReset

Microsoft provides a built-in tool that clears the Store’s temporary files without affecting your installed apps or account. This resolves the majority of 0x80131500 cases because the cache frequently becomes corrupted after a failed update.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will open; wait for it to close automatically (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. The Microsoft Store will launch automatically. Try downloading the app again.

If the Store does not open on its own, launch it manually from the Start menu. The reset process does not sign you out or remove downloaded apps, so it is safe to run repeatedly.

Fix 2: Reset the Store App via Windows Settings

When wsreset.exe does not clear the problem, use the Settings app to perform a deeper reset that also clears the Store’s app data and re-registers it with Windows.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older builds).
2. Search for Microsoft Store in the list.
3. Click the three-dot menu (or the app entry) and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Repair first. This tries to fix the app without deleting data.
5. If the error persists, click Reset. Confirm the warning that app data will be deleted.

After a Reset, the Store will behave like a fresh installation. You will need to sign in again, but your purchased apps remain tied to your Microsoft account.

Fix 3: Verify System Date, Time, and Time Zone

The Store uses HTTPS certificates that are only valid for a specific date and time range. If your clock is off by even a few minutes, the certificate validation fails and the Store throws 0x80131500. This is a frequent cause after a motherboard battery replacement or a dual-boot setup with another OS.

1. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date and time.
2. Toggle Set time automatically to On.
3. Toggle Set time zone automatically to On (if available).
4. Click Sync now under the “Additional settings” section.
5. Restart the Store and test again.

If the clock still drifts, check your motherboard’s CMOS battery, as a failing battery causes the time to reset on every boot.

Fix 4: Disable Proxy and VPN Interference

Corporate networks, privacy VPNs, and misconfigured proxy settings can block the Store’s connection to Microsoft’s servers. The Store requires direct HTTPS access to *.microsoft.com and *.windowsupdate.com. A VPN that routes traffic through a different country or a proxy that filters TLS traffic often triggers this error.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
2. Ensure Use setup script and Use a proxy server are both Off (unless your network requires them).
3. Temporarily disconnect from your VPN and try the Store again.
4. If the Store works without the VPN, add an exclusion for the Store app in your VPN client, or switch to a different VPN server.

For corporate networks that mandate a proxy, ask your IT administrator to whitelist the Microsoft Store domains. A quick test is to disable the proxy entirely and see if the error disappears.

Fix 5: Re-register the Store with PowerShell

If the Store app itself is corrupted at the system level, re-registering it with PowerShell restores its default configuration. This is a more advanced step but is safe when done exactly as shown.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for the command to finish (no output is normal).
4. Restart your PC and test the Store.

This command does not delete any data; it only re-registers the existing app package with Windows. If you see a red error message, note the exact text, as it often points to a deeper system file issue that requires a different fix.

Fix 6: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter that automatically checks for common Store problems, including corrupted cache and missing permissions. It is worth running before attempting more invasive fixes.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. The tool will report what it found and whether it applied a fix.
4. Restart the Store and test.

This troubleshooter is often overlooked, but it can resolve permission issues that manual resets miss.

When to Use System File Checker and DISM

If none of the above works, the problem may lie in the Windows system files themselves. Corrupted system files can prevent the Store from functioning even after a reset. Run these two commands in an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell:

1. sfc /scannow — scans and repairs protected system files. This can take 15–30 minutes.
2. If SFC finds issues it cannot fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth — this repairs the Windows image itself.

After both commands complete, restart your PC and try the Store again. These tools are safe and do not remove personal files, but they require an internet connection to download replacement files if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my downloaded apps?

No. Resetting the Store via wsreset.exe or the Settings app removes the Store’s cache and local data, but it does not uninstall apps you have already downloaded. Your apps remain installed and functional. You will only need to sign back into the Store itself.

Why does the error appear only for one app and not others?

If 0x80131500 appears for a single app, the problem is likely with that app’s license or its cached installation files. Try uninstalling the app completely, then reinstalling it from the Store. If the error persists, the app’s developer may need to update the package for your Windows version.

Can a third-party antivirus cause this error?

Yes. Some antivirus suites with “web protection” or “HTTPS scanning” features intercept the Store’s secure traffic and break the connection. Temporarily disable the real-time protection (not the entire antivirus) and test the Store. If the error goes away, add the Store to the antivirus’s exclusion list.

Is there a way to update the Store without opening it?

Yes. You can download the latest Store update from the Microsoft Store’s own website using a browser, or use the UWP update mechanism through Windows Update. However, the easiest method is to run wsreset.exe which often triggers a Store update check on launch.

Does this error mean my Microsoft account is banned or compromised?

No. Error 0x80131500 is a client-side technical failure, not an account status message. It does not indicate a ban, a payment problem, or a security issue. If you suspect account problems, check your account status at account.microsoft.com separately.

What if none of the fixes work?

If you have tried all six fixes and the error remains, the issue may be a deeper Windows component store corruption. Consider using the “Reset this PC” feature (keeping your files) from Settings > System > Recovery. This reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files and is a last resort before a clean install.

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