Fix Windows 10 Store Missing Error: Step-by-Step

If the Microsoft Store app has disappeared from your Windows 10 PC—whether it’s gone from the Start menu, taskbar, or won’t open at all—this guide will help you bring it back. You’ll learn several methods to restore the Store, from simple settings checks to re-registering the app with PowerShell. No special tools are needed; just a Windows 10 computer with an internet connection and administrator access.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 10 PC with administrator privileges
An internet connection (for some fixes)
Patience—some steps take a few minutes

Step-by-Step

Check if the Store is just hidden. Right-click the Start button and select “Settings.� Go to “Personalization� → “Start� → “Choose which folders appear on Start.� Ensure the “Microsoft Store� toggle is turned on. If it was off, turn it on and the Store icon should reappear in the Start menu.
Search for the Store. Click the Start button and type “Microsoft Store.� If it appears in the search results, right-click it and select “Pin to Start� or “Pin to taskbar.� If it doesn’t appear, continue to the next step.
Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters. Select “Windows Store Apps� and click “Run the troubleshooter.� Follow the on-screen instructions. This can automatically detect and fix common issues that cause the Store to be missing or unopenable.
Clear the Store cache. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will appear, then close. This clears the Store’s cache without removing your apps or account. After it finishes, try opening the Store from the Start menu.
Re-register the Store app using PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)� or “Terminal (Admin).� In the window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Wait for it to complete. This re-registers the Store app with Windows, which often fixes missing or corrupted installations.
Install the Store via Microsoft’s website. If the Store is completely gone, open your web browser and go to the official Microsoft Store website (apps.microsoft.com). Search for “Microsoft Store,� select the app, and click “Install� or “Get.� This will download and install the Store directly, bypassing the missing local copy.
Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, and click “Check for updates.� Install any pending updates, then restart your PC. Updates often fix underlying issues that cause the Store to disappear.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start → “Command Prompt (Admin)� or “Terminal (Admin)�). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let it finish. Then type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This repairs corrupted system files that may be affecting the Store. Restart after completion.
Create a new user account (last resort). If nothing else works, go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → “Add someone else to this PC.� Follow the prompts to create a new local account. Log into that account and check if the Store is available. If it is, you can migrate your files to the new account.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the troubleshooter. Many users jump straight to PowerShell, but the built-in troubleshooter can fix the problem in minutes with zero risk.
Using the wrong PowerShell command. Copy the command exactly as written. A missing space or typo will cause an error.
Not running PowerShell as administrator. If you get an error about permissions, close and reopen PowerShell with “Run as administrator.�
Assuming the Store is uninstallable. The Store is a system app; you can’t uninstall it normally. If you see it in “Apps & features,� don’t try to uninstall it—that can cause more problems.
Ignoring Windows updates. Outdated Windows versions often have Store bugs that are fixed in updates.

Tips

Back up your data before major repairs. While these steps are safe, it’s always good to have a backup in case something unexpected happens.
Use the official Microsoft website for downloads. Avoid third-party sites that claim to offer the Store; they may contain malware.
Keep your system updated. Regularly check for Windows updates to prevent future Store issues.
If you have multiple user accounts, the Store might be missing only for one account. Try another account before doing system-wide fixes.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t restore the Store, here’s what to try next:

PowerShell command fails with an error. Double-check that you’re running PowerShell as administrator. If you see “The system cannot find the file specified,� the Store app package may be fully removed. Try the web installation method (Step 6) first.
wsreset.exe doesn’t do anything. If the command window opens and closes but the Store still won’t open, run it again while signed in as a different user, or proceed to the PowerShell method.
Store opens but shows a blank page. This is often a cache issue. Run wsreset.exe again, or check your internet connection and DNS settings.
Store is missing from the Start menu but works when you search for it. Right-click the Store in search results and select “Pin to Start� or “Pin to taskbar.�
You see error code 0x80073CF9 or similar. This usually indicates a corrupted installation. Run the SFC and DISM commands (Step 8) and then re-register the Store via PowerShell.
All else fails. Consider performing a “Reset this PC� from Settings → Update & Security → Recovery. Choose “Keep my files� to reinstall Windows while preserving your personal data. This is a drastic step, so back up everything first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Microsoft Store disappear from my PC?

It can happen due to a Windows update glitch, a corrupted app cache, or a user profile issue. Sometimes a third-party app or a system restore can remove it.

Is the Microsoft Store a system app that can be reinstalled?

Yes, it’s a UWP app that’s part of Windows. You can re-register it with PowerShell or reinstall it from the official Microsoft website without affecting your other data.

Will clearing the Store cache delete my downloads or purchases?

No. The cache is just temporary files. Your purchased apps and games remain tied to your Microsoft account and will appear again after the cache is cleared.

Do I need to be an administrator to fix the Store?

Yes, most fixes—especially the PowerShell command and System File Checker—require administrator privileges. If you’re on a work or school PC, contact your IT department.

Can I use the Microsoft Store website instead of the app?

Yes, you can browse and install apps from the Microsoft Store website (apps.microsoft.com) in your browser. However, some features like automatic updates require the app.

Will this fix affect my other apps or files?

No, the steps are targeted at the Store app itself. They won’t delete your personal files or other apps. The “Reset this PC� option is the only one that reinstalls Windows, and you can choose to keep your files.

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

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