Fix Windows Store Missing or Not Installed in Windows 10

If the Microsoft Store is missing or not installed on your Windows 10 PC, you can usually restore it by re-registering the built-in app with a single PowerShell command, or by reinstalling it via Windows Settings. This guide walks you through the most reliable fixes, from simple checks to a full reinstall, and explains why the Store can disappear in the first place.

Why the Windows Store Might Be Missing

The Microsoft Store is a system app in Windows 10, but it can be removed or corrupted in several ways:

• Deletion via PowerShell – A command like Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage uninstalls it for the current user.
• Group Policy or registry tweaks – Some “debloater” scripts disable the Store to reduce background processes.
• Corrupted user profile – A damaged profile can hide the Store icon even though the app is installed.
• Windows update glitches – A failed update can leave the Store in a broken state.
• Clean installs of “LTSC” or “N” editions – Windows 10 LTSC does not include the Store; N editions (for Europe) may have it removed by the OEM.

Knowing the cause helps you pick the right fix, but the methods below work for most cases.

Quick Checks Before You Reinstall

Sometimes the Store is not actually gone, just hidden or unresponsive. Try these first:

1. Search for “Store” in the Start menu. If it appears but won’t open, skip to the reset steps.
2. Check if the Store is disabled in Group Policy: run gpedit.msc and go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store. If “Turn off the Store application” is set to Enabled, set it to Not Configured.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Store Apps. It can fix corrupt cache or registration issues.
4. Check if you’re on Windows 10 LTSC – if so, the Store is not installed by design. You can install it manually, but it’s not officially supported.

Re-register the Store with PowerShell

This is the most effective fix for a missing or broken Store. It re-registers the app without downloading anything.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) (or Terminal (Admin) in newer builds).
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 process to finish. It usually takes less than a minute.
4. Restart your PC and check if the Store appears in Start menu.

If the command returns no output, the Store package may be completely removed. In that case, move to the next section.

Reinstall the Store Using Windows PowerShell (When Re-register Fails)

If the Store package is gone entirely, you can reinstall it by downloading the official .appx package from Microsoft’s server. This is safe and uses the same files Windows Update would.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run this command to download and install the Store:
   Start-BitsTransfer -Source "https://aka.ms/Microsoft.WindowsStore" -Destination $env:temp\Store.appx; Add-AppxPackage $env:temp\Store.appx
3. If the download fails, use the Store.rg-adguard.net website (a third-party mirror) to get the .appx file for your Windows version, then run Add-AppxPackage -Path "C:\path\to\file.appx".
4. After installation, restart your PC.

This method works even if the Store was removed by a script, because it reinstalls the package from scratch.

Fix a Corrupted Store (Reset or Reinstall via Settings)

If the Store icon is present but crashes or won’t open, a reset is often enough:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & features.
2. Find Microsoft Store in the list, click it, then select Advanced options.
3. Click Reset. This clears the cache and resets the app without removing it.
4. If that fails, click Uninstall, then reinstall the Store using the PowerShell command from the previous section.

Resetting the Store does not delete your installed apps or purchases – it only clears temporary data.

What to Do If the Store Still Won’t Install

When the above steps fail, the problem is usually deeper:

• Corrupted system files – Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt. This repairs Windows component store corruption that can block app installation.
• Wrong Windows edition – If you have Windows 10 N (without Media Feature Pack), the Store may be excluded. Install the Media Feature Pack from Microsoft’s website, then try again.
• User profile corruption – Create a new local admin account and check if the Store appears there. If it does, transfer your files and switch to that account.
• Windows Update issues – Ensure your system is fully updated. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install all pending updates, then retry.

If none of these work, a repair install (using the “Reset this PC” option that keeps your files) is the last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to reinstall the Store using PowerShell?

Yes. The commands in this guide use official Microsoft packages or the built-in Windows package manager. They do not modify system files outside the app package, and you can always reinstall the Store again if needed.

Will I lose my apps or purchases if I reset the Store?

No. Resetting the Store only clears its cache and local settings. Your installed apps, Microsoft account, and purchase history remain intact. You may need to sign in again.

Why did the Store disappear after a Windows update?

Occasionally, a Windows update can corrupt the app registration or remove the package if there was a conflict. Re-registering with PowerShell usually fixes this. If not, a system file check (sfc /scannow) can repair the underlying issue.

Can I download the Store from a third-party website?

Yes, but only use trusted sources like the official Microsoft server (aka.ms link) or the well-known Store.rg-adguard.net mirror. Avoid random .appx files from unknown sites, as they may contain malware.

Does Windows 10 LTSC include the Microsoft Store?

No. Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is designed for specialized devices and does not include the Store by default. You can install it manually, but Microsoft does not officially support it, and it may break with future updates.

What if the Store is missing but I can still install apps from the web?

That’s normal. Many apps can be downloaded directly from the web without the Store. The Store is just one distribution channel. If you need a specific Store-only app, you’ll need to restore the Store.

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