Fix Microsoft Store Apps Crashing 0xc000027b in Windows 11

If your Microsoft Store apps (like Mail, Photos, or Xbox) crash on launch with error code 0xc000027b, it usually means the app’s package is corrupted or a system component it depends on is broken. This guide walks you through the most reliable fixes, from quick resets to deeper system repairs, so you can get your apps running again.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC with administrator access (you’ll need to confirm UAC prompts).
An internet connection (for downloading updates or repairing system files).
About 15–30 minutes of time, depending on which fix your system needs.

Step-by-Step

Restart your PC. Sounds simple, but a stuck background process can cause this error. Save your work, then click Start > Power > Restart. After reboot, try launching the app again.
Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run.” Follow the prompts; it will detect and fix common issues like corrupted cache or misconfigured permissions.
Reset the problematic app. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find the app that crashes, click the three-dot menu, and choose “Advanced options.” Scroll down and click “Reset.” This clears the app’s data and cache, often resolving the 0xc000027b error. Confirm in the popup, then relaunch the app.
Re-register all Store apps via PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select “Terminal (Admin).” In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
```
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
```
Wait for it to complete (it may take a few minutes). This reinstalls the app registrations without deleting your data. Restart your PC afterward.
Run DISM and SFC to repair system files. Open Terminal (Admin) again. First, run:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
Wait for it to finish (it may take several minutes). Then run:
```
sfc /scannow
```
This checks and repairs corrupted Windows system files that might be causing the crash. Restart after both complete.
Update Windows and the Store. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any pending updates. Also, open the Microsoft Store app itself (if it opens), click your profile picture, and select “Downloads and updates” > “Get updates.” Update all listed apps.
Check for conflicting third-party software. Some antivirus or shell extensions can interfere with UWP apps. Temporarily disable your antivirus (if it’s not Windows Defender) and try launching the app. If it works, add an exception for the app or contact the antivirus vendor. Also, uninstall any recently installed software that might conflict.
Create a new user account (last resort). If nothing else works, the issue may be tied to your user profile. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account. Create a new local account, sign into it, and test the app. If it works there, you can migrate your files and gradually switch to the new profile.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the restart. Many users jump straight to complex commands, but a simple reboot can clear the temporary glitch causing the error.
Not running Terminal as Administrator. The PowerShell and DISM commands will fail with “Access denied” if you don’t open Terminal with admin rights.
Interrupting DISM or SFC. These tools need to run to completion. Closing the window or shutting down mid-scan can leave your system in an inconsistent state.
Resetting the wrong app. Make sure you select the exact app that’s crashing, not a similar one. The reset clears data, so double-check before clicking.
Ignoring Windows updates. An outdated system can have known bugs that are already fixed in a newer build. Always update before trying more invasive fixes.

Tips

Use the “Repair” option first. In the app’s Advanced options, you’ll see both “Repair” and “Reset.” Try Repair first—it keeps your data and only fixes the installation. Only use Reset if Repair doesn’t work.
Keep your drivers updated. While less common, outdated graphics or audio drivers can cause UWP apps to crash. Check Windows Update or your device manufacturer’s website for driver updates.
Check for app-specific updates. Sometimes the app itself has a bug that’s fixed in a new version. The Store’s “Get updates” button is your friend.
Create a system restore point. Before running DISM or SFC, create a restore point (search “Create a restore point” in Start). If something goes wrong, you can roll back.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after Step 4 (re-registering apps): Some apps may fail to re-register due to a corrupted package. Try uninstalling the specific app entirely (from Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Uninstall), then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

If DISM or SFC report errors they can’t fix: Run DISM again with the /StartComponentCleanup flag: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup. If that still fails, you may need to perform an in-place upgrade repair using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s website. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps.

If the app crashes only when you’re signed in with a specific account: The user profile might be corrupted. Try the new user account fix (Step 8). If that works, you can migrate your data and eventually delete the old profile.

If the error appears in Event Viewer with a specific module name: Open Event Viewer (search “Event Viewer”), go to Windows Logs > Application, and find the error for the crashing app. The “Faulting module” line may point to a DLL file. Search that filename online to see if it’s related to a known driver or software conflict.

If nothing works and the app is critical: Consider using the web version of the service (e.g., Outlook on the web) temporarily. Also, check if a system restore to a point before the issue started is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes error 0xc000027b in Windows 11?

It’s typically caused by a corrupted app package, a damaged system file, or a conflict with another program. It’s not a hardware error—it’s a software-level issue.

Will resetting an app delete my data?

Yes, resetting an app clears its local data, including settings and sign-in info. For apps like Mail, you’ll need to re-add your account. Use the “Repair” option first to avoid this.

Can I fix this without admin rights?

No, most of the fixes require administrator privileges. If you’re on a work or school device, contact your IT administrator.

How long does DISM /RestoreHealth take?

It can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on your system speed and whether it needs to download files. Don’t interrupt it.

Will this error affect my personal files?

No, the fixes in this guide do not touch your personal files. The only data loss risk is from resetting an app, which only affects that app’s data.

Is there a way to prevent this from happening again?

Keep Windows and apps updated, avoid force-closing apps, and regularly run the built-in troubleshooter if you notice issues. Also, avoid using “cleaner” tools that modify Store app permissions.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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