How to Clear Windows Store Cache with WSReset.exe

If the Microsoft Store won’t load, downloads get stuck, or apps fail to update, a corrupted cache is often the culprit. Running the built-in WSReset.exe tool clears the Store’s temporary files without affecting your installed apps or account settings. This guide walks you through the process on Windows 10 and Windows 11, including what to do if the command doesn’t work.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• Administrator rights (to run the command prompt as admin, if needed).
• No need to close the Microsoft Store—WSReset.exe will force it to close if it’s open.

Step-by-Step

1. Close the Microsoft Store if it’s currently open. You don’t have to, but it avoids confusion when the window suddenly closes.
2. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type wsreset.exe into the Open field.
4. Press Enter or click OK.
5. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. This is normal—it means the tool is working. Wait for it to finish. It usually takes a few seconds to a minute.
6. Once the command finishes, the Microsoft Store will open automatically. If it doesn’t, you can launch it from the Start menu.
7. Try downloading or updating an app to confirm the cache is cleared.

Common Mistakes

• Closing the Command Prompt early: The blank window is not frozen. Closing it before it finishes can interrupt the process. Wait until it closes on its own.
• Running WSReset.exe from an elevated prompt: If you run it from an administrator Command Prompt, it may not open the Store automatically. That’s fine—just launch the Store manually.
• Expecting it to delete apps or settings: WSReset.exe only clears cache files. Your installed apps, accounts, and preferences remain untouched.
• Using a different tool: Some guides suggest deleting the cache folder manually. That can cause problems. Stick to the official WSReset.exe tool.

Tips

• Run it after major Windows updates: If Store apps misbehave after an update, a quick reset often fixes them.
• Combine with the Store troubleshooter: If WSReset.exe doesn’t solve the issue, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot (Windows 10) and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
• Check your internet connection: A slow or unstable connection can make the Store appear broken when the cache isn’t the problem.
• Use it when the Store won’t open at all: Even if the Store is completely unresponsive, WSReset.exe can still run and reset the cache.

Troubleshooting

WSReset.exe does nothing after pressing Enter: Make sure you typed it correctly (no spaces, lowercase is fine). If the Run dialog doesn’t respond, try typing cmd and pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt, then type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

The Command Prompt window flashes and disappears immediately: This is normal. The tool is working in the background. Wait a few seconds and check if the Store opens.

The Store doesn’t open automatically: Open it manually from the Start menu. If it still doesn’t open, restart your PC and try again.

WSReset.exe is not recognized as a command: This is rare, but if it happens, you may need to run it from its full path. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type: C:\Windows\System32\wsreset.exe

Store still broken after the reset: Try re-registering the Store app via PowerShell. Open PowerShell as administrator and run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. This can fix deeper issues.

You get an error code: Note the error code and search for it specifically, or run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, which can automatically fix common issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will WSReset.exe delete my downloaded apps? No. It only clears the cache (temporary files). Your installed apps, games, and their data are safe.

Do I need to be an administrator to run WSReset.exe? No. It runs as a standard user. However, if you need to run it from an elevated Command Prompt for troubleshooting, you’ll need admin rights.

How long does WSReset.exe take? Usually a few seconds, but it can take up to a minute. If it takes longer than a few minutes, it may be stuck—close the window and restart your PC.

Can I run WSReset.exe while the Store is open? Yes, but it will force the Store to close. It’s better to close it yourself first.

Does WSReset.exe fix all Store problems? No. It fixes issues caused by a corrupted cache. If the Store is broken due to system file corruption, network problems, or account issues, you’ll need other fixes.

Is WSReset.exe safe? Yes. It’s an official Microsoft tool designed for this purpose. It won’t harm your system or personal files.

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