Reinstall Microsoft Store in Windows 10: Full Fix

If you mistakenly removed Microsoft Store from Windows 10, you can reinstall it using Windows PowerShell with a single command, or by using the Settings app if the removal was only a hidden app. This guide walks through every reliable method, explains why the Store sometimes disappears, and covers common errors you may hit along the way.

Why the Microsoft Store Might Be Missing

Microsoft Store is a built-in UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app, but it can vanish for several reasons. The most common is that someone uninstalled it via PowerShell or a third-party “debloater” script that removes apps they consider unnecessary. It can also be hidden by a Group Policy setting, corrupted after a Windows update, or disabled in the registry. Knowing the cause matters because the fix differs: a simple re-registration works for corruption, while a full reinstall is needed if the app package was actually deleted.

Method 1: Reinstall via PowerShell (Most Reliable)

This method works for almost all cases, including when the Store is completely gone from your system.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Click Yes if the User Account Control prompt appears.
3. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
4. Wait for the command to finish. You may see a blue progress bar; this is normal.
5. Close PowerShell and search for “Store” in the Start menu. The app should appear.

If the command returns an error saying the package is not found, then the Store was fully removed from the system image. In that case, use the next method.

Method 2: Reinstall via Settings (If Only Hidden)

If the Store is still installed but just not showing, you can reset it through Windows Settings.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Apps & features.
2. Scroll down to find Microsoft Store. If you see it, click on it and select Advanced options.
3. Click Reset and confirm. This clears the app’s cache and data, which often makes it reappear.
4. If you don’t see Microsoft Store in the list, it’s not installed, so use the PowerShell method above.

Method 3: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Sometimes the Store disappears because Windows Update components are corrupted. Running the built-in troubleshooter can fix that.

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the prompts. This may take several minutes.
5. Restart your PC and check if the Store is back.

What to Do If PowerShell Says “Package Not Found”

If the Get-AppxPackage command returns nothing, the Store’s package is not registered on your system. This happens when a debloater script removed it from the system image entirely. In that case, you have two options:

• Use the Windows 10 ISO to reinstall the Store: Mount the ISO, navigate to sources\sxs, and run DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath: followed by the path to the .cab file that contains the Store. This is advanced and requires the exact package name.
• Reset your PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose “Keep my files.” This reinstalls Windows and restores all built-in apps, including the Store.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

During reinstallation, you may see specific error messages. Here are the most frequent ones:

• “The operation was blocked by policy” – This means a Group Policy or registry setting is blocking the Store. Open gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise) and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store. Set “Turn off the Store application” to Not Configured.
• “0x80073CF9” – This usually indicates a problem with the app’s license or a corrupted installation. Try running the PowerShell command again after restarting your PC.
• “The package could not be registered” – This often happens if the Windows Store cache is corrupted. Clear it by running wsreset.exe from the Run dialog (Win + R).
• “Store is not available” after an update – Sometimes a Windows update breaks the Store. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, then reinstall the Store using the PowerShell command.

Preventing Accidental Removal in the Future

To avoid losing the Store again, be cautious with third-party debloating tools. Many of them label the Store as “bloatware,” but it’s actually required for updating UWP apps, including the built-in Mail, Photos, and Calculator. If you still want to remove it, at least create a system restore point first. You can also use the Get-AppxPackage command to back up the package list before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will reinstalling the Store delete my apps or files?

No. Reinstalling the Store via PowerShell or Settings only re-registers the app package. It does not touch your personal files, installed desktop apps, or other UWP apps. Your Microsoft account and purchase history remain intact.

Can I reinstall the Store without an internet connection?

Yes, if you use the PowerShell method, because the package files are already on your system. The Settings reset also works offline. However, if you need to download the Store from an ISO or use DISM, you’ll need the installation media, not necessarily an internet connection.

Why did the Store disappear after a Windows update?

Windows updates can occasionally corrupt the app registration. This is usually fixed by the PowerShell re-registration command. If the update also removed the package, you may need to reset your PC or use the ISO method.

Is it safe to use a third-party debloater to remove the Store?

It’s not recommended. Removing the Store can break other UWP apps and make it difficult to update them. If you must remove it, always keep a backup of the package list and know how to reinstall it. Many debloaters also remove other critical components, so use them with caution.

Does the Store reinstall work on Windows 10 Home?

Yes. The PowerShell command works on all editions of Windows 10, including Home. The Group Policy method is only available on Pro and Enterprise, but Home users can edit the registry instead.

What if the Store still doesn’t appear after trying all methods?

If none of the above work, the last resort is to perform a Windows 10 repair install using the Media Creation Tool. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps, and it will restore all built-in apps including the Store.

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