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10 Tech How-To

Fix Windows 10 Store Error 0x80070216

Guide 10-39586 · Updated · Step by step

Error 0x80070216 can stop Microsoft Store downloads, updates, or app installations on Windows 10. Work through the steps below in order, starting with simple checks and moving to repairs that reset Store data; you will not need to reinstall Windows for the first steps.

What You’ll Need

  • An internet connection and access to the Windows account you normally use.
  • A few minutes to restart your PC and run Windows’ built-in repair tools.
  • An administrator account for steps that change system settings.

Step-by-Step

  1. Check the connection and restart. Confirm other websites load, then close Microsoft Store and restart Windows: select Start > Power > Restart. Open Store again and retry the download. A restart can clear a temporary update or network issue. If you use a VPN or proxy, temporarily disconnect it and try again; restore it afterward if you need it.
  2. Check date, time, and region. Open Start > Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. Turn on Set time automatically and, if available, Set time zone automatically. Select Sync now if shown. Then go to Region and confirm the country or region is correct. Incorrect settings can interfere with Store connections and account checks.
  3. Sign out and back in to Store. Open Microsoft Store, select the profile icon, and choose Sign out if that option appears. Close and reopen Store, select the profile icon, and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the app or purchase. If the error affects a free app too, still try signing in: Store may need to refresh its account session.
  4. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select Windows Store Apps, then Run the troubleshooter. Follow any on-screen recommendations and try the Store again. On some Windows 10 builds, the troubleshooter may be unavailable or may have a different label; skip it if you cannot find it.
  5. Clear the Store cache with WSReset. Press Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe, and select OK. A blank Command Prompt window may appear while the cache is cleared; wait for it to close and for Store to open. This clears temporary Store cache, not your installed apps or purchases. Retry the original download.
  6. Repair or reset Microsoft Store. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find and select Microsoft Store, then choose Advanced options. Select Repair first and test Store. If the error remains, return to the same page and select Reset, then confirm. Reset can clear Store app data and may require you to sign in again; it does not normally uninstall your other apps.
  7. Install pending Windows updates. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install available updates, restart if prompted, then check Store. Keep the PC plugged in during updates if it is a laptop, and avoid interrupting a restart.
  8. Check system files if the error persists. Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin), if available. Approve the prompt, enter sfc /scannow, and press Enter. Let the scan finish. If it reports that it could not repair some files, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the same elevated window, wait for completion, then run sfc /scannow again. Restart and test Store. These checks can take time; do not close the window while they run.

Common Mistakes

  • Closing WSReset as soon as its window appears blank. Wait for it to finish and Store to reopen.
  • Resetting Store before trying Repair or the cache clear. Start with less disruptive steps.
  • Running commands without administrator permission. If Windows asks for approval, an administrator must approve the action.
  • Turning off antivirus, firewall, or security features broadly. Do not leave protections disabled; if a security tool appears to block Store, use its documented settings or ask its administrator.
  • Assuming the code proves one specific cause. It can accompany different Store, account, connection, or Windows component problems.

Tips

  • Note whether the code appears while downloading, updating, or opening a particular app. That helps distinguish a Store-wide issue from one app’s problem.
  • Test a different free app after each repair. If only one app fails, check its Store listing and whether it is available for your device and region.
  • Make one change at a time and retry. This makes it easier to know which step resolved the issue.
  • Use Windows Update rather than downloading system files from unofficial sites.

Troubleshooting

WSReset does not open or appears stuck: Check that you typed wsreset.exe correctly in the Run box. Give it several minutes, especially if the PC is busy. If it does not complete, close it only after allowing time, restart, and use the Repair option in Settings.

Store is missing from Apps & features: Check that you are signed in to Windows with an account permitted to manage apps, and search for Microsoft Store from Start. Work or school devices may be managed by an organization that restricts Store access; contact its IT administrator rather than changing policy settings.

The error returns after a successful repair: Check Windows Update again, verify the date, time, and region, and test another network if available. If Store fails only on one network, a router, proxy, or network administrator may be blocking a required connection.

SFC or DISM reports an error: Record the exact message and any error code. Confirm the PC has a working internet connection before using DISM, restart, and try once more. Persistent component-repair errors or Store failures across multiple accounts may require help from Microsoft support or your device administrator. Avoid deleting system folders or using registry-cleaning tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Microsoft Store error 0x80070216 mean?
It indicates that a Store operation failed, but the code alone does not identify one definite cause. Cache, account, connectivity, updates, or damaged system files may be involved.

Will WSReset delete my apps?
No. WSReset clears temporary Microsoft Store cache; it is not intended to uninstall installed apps or remove purchases.

Does resetting Microsoft Store remove my purchases?
Resetting clears local Store app data, not purchases tied to your Microsoft account. Sign back in with the account used for those purchases.

Should I reinstall Windows to fix this code?
Usually not. Try the built-in checks and repairs first. Consider Windows recovery options only after backing up important files and getting appropriate support.

What if only one app download fails?
Check that the app supports your Windows device and region, then retry after signing in and clearing the Store cache. If other downloads work, the issue may be specific to that app or its availability.

Related

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

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