Fix Windows Store Problems in Windows 10

Windows Store (now Microsoft Store) can stop working for many reasons: apps won’t download, updates hang, or the store won’t even open. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from simple restarts to advanced commands, so you can get back to installing apps quickly. No special tools are needed—just your Windows 10 PC and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

An internet connection (for most steps)
Administrator access to your PC (you’ll need it for some commands)
A few minutes of patience

Step-by-Step

Restart your PC. This clears temporary glitches that often cause Store problems. Save your work, then click Start > Power > Restart.
Check your date and time. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select “Adjust date/time.” Ensure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are both toggled on. Incorrect time settings can break Store’s security certificates.
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 tool automatically finds and fixes common issues like corrupted cache or misconfigured settings.
Clear the Store cache. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will appear—wait for it to finish (it may take a minute). The Store will open automatically once done. This resets the cache without deleting your installed apps or accounts.
Check your internet connection. Open a browser and visit any website. If it fails, restart your router/modem. For Wi-Fi, try disconnecting and reconnecting. A flaky connection can cause downloads to stall or fail.
Sign out and back into the Store. Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon at the top right, and select “Sign out.” Close the Store, reopen it, and sign in again with your Microsoft account.
Update Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click “Check for updates.” Install any pending updates and restart your PC. Store updates often come bundled with Windows updates.
Re-register the Store app via PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows PowerShell (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 reinstalls the Store’s core files without losing your apps.
Reset the Store app (if it still won’t open). Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “Microsoft Store,” click it, then select “Advanced options.” Click “Reset.” Confirm when prompted. This clears the app’s data and settings, but you’ll need to sign in again.
Check for proxy or VPN interference. If you use a VPN or proxy, temporarily disable it and try the Store again. Some VPNs block Microsoft’s servers.
Create a new user account (last resort). If nothing else works, the issue may be tied to your user profile. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC. Create a new local account, sign into it, and test the Store. If it works, migrate your files and use that account.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the restart. Many Store issues are temporary and resolve with a simple reboot. Don’t jump straight to advanced fixes.
Running wsreset.exe as administrator. This is unnecessary and can cause permission issues. Run it normally from the Run dialog.
Using the wrong PowerShell command. Copy the command exactly as shown. Typos or missing spaces will cause errors.
Assuming a corrupted download. If an app fails to download, it’s often a network issue, not a Store problem. Try pausing and resuming the download.
Ignoring Windows updates. Outdated Windows versions can have known Store bugs that are fixed in later updates.

Tips

Keep your system time accurate. This is the #1 overlooked cause of Store errors.
Use a wired connection. For large downloads, an Ethernet cable is more stable than Wi-Fi.
Regularly clear the cache. Running wsreset.exe once a month can prevent issues.
Check Microsoft’s service status. If the Store is down for everyone, you can’t fix it. Visit the Microsoft Store service status page (search “Microsoft service status”) to see if there’s an outage.
Disable third-party antivirus temporarily. Some security software interferes with Store downloads. If disabling it helps, add an exception for the Store.

Troubleshooting

If the Store still won’t open after all steps: Try running the PowerShell command again, but this time also re-register the Store’s dependencies (like the Xbox Identity Provider) using a similar command. Search online for the exact command for your Windows version.

If apps download but fail to install: Check if you have enough disk space. Go to Settings > System > Storage. If space is low, free up some and try again.

If you get error code 0x80072EFD or 0x80072F76: These usually indicate network or date/time issues. Double-check your time zone and date, and restart your router.

If the Store opens but is blank: Clear the cache again (step 4) and restart the PC. If it persists, run the Windows Update troubleshooter as well.

If you see “This app can’t open” when clicking the Store icon: The Store app may be corrupted. Use the PowerShell re-registration step (step 8) and then restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store (via Advanced options or wsreset.exe) only clears the Store’s cache and settings. Your installed apps and their data remain untouched.

Why does the Store keep asking me to sign in?

This usually happens after a Windows update or if your Microsoft account credentials have expired. Sign out and sign back in, and ensure your account is active on the Microsoft website.

Can I use the Store without a Microsoft account?

Yes, you can browse the Store without signing in, but you’ll need an account to download or purchase apps. Some apps may require an account to run.

Why are some apps not showing in the Store on my PC?

This can happen if the app isn’t compatible with your Windows version or region. Check the app’s requirements on the web. Also, ensure your Windows is up to date.

What does error 0x80070005 mean?

This is an access denied error. It often means the Store lacks permission to write to certain folders. Try running the PowerShell re-registration as administrator, and check your user account’s permissions.

Is it safe to use third-party tools to fix the Store?

It’s best to stick with built-in Windows tools. Third-party “registry cleaners” or “Store repair” tools can cause more harm than good. The steps above are sufficient for most issues.

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

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