Microsoft Store Apps Crashing on Windows 11: Fixes

If your Microsoft Store apps keep crashing on Windows 11, the fix usually involves resetting the app, repairing system files, or updating the Store itself. This article explains the most common causes and provides step-by-step solutions that work for most users.

Why Microsoft Store Apps Crash on Windows 11

Microsoft Store apps (sometimes called UWP or MSIX apps) run in a sandboxed environment that relies on several Windows services and components. When any of these break, apps can crash on launch, freeze, or close unexpectedly. Common triggers include:

• Corrupted app cache or installation files
• Outdated Windows 11 or Store version
• Conflicting background services (like the Windows Update service)
• Insufficient system resources (low RAM or disk space)
• Third-party antivirus or security software interfering
• Broken user account permissions

Unlike traditional desktop programs, Store apps depend on the Windows App Runtime and the Store infrastructure, so a problem with one app often points to a system-wide issue.

Quick Fix: Reset the Problematic App

Resetting an app clears its cache and resets its settings to default. This is the fastest fix and works for many crashes.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the crashing app (e.g., Mail, Photos, or Xbox).
3. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down to the Reset section and click Reset. Confirm when prompted.

This will delete the app’s local data, so you may need to sign in again. If the app still crashes, try Repair first (which keeps data) before resetting.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common Store app issues.

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will check for problems like corrupted cache or misconfigured permissions.

If the troubleshooter finds nothing, it may still reset the Store cache, which can resolve crashes.

Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store itself has a cache that can become corrupted, causing apps to crash. Clearing it is safe and does not remove your apps or data.

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute).
3. Once done, the Store will open automatically. Try launching the crashing app again.

If wsreset.exe does nothing, you can also clear the cache manually by deleting the contents of %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore\LocalCache (but only if you are comfortable with File Explorer).

Update Windows 11 and the Store

Outdated system files are a leading cause of app crashes. Microsoft regularly patches bugs that affect Store apps.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
2. Open the Microsoft Store app, click the Library icon (bottom left), and then click Get updates. Install any available updates for the crashing app.

Also check for optional updates under Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, as these sometimes include driver or component fixes.

Re-register All Store Apps

If individual resets don’t work, re-registering all Store apps with PowerShell can fix deeper corruption.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for it to complete. This may take a few minutes. Then restart your PC.

This command does not delete your apps or data; it just refreshes their registration in Windows.

Check for System File Corruption

If Store apps still crash, system files may be damaged. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service (DISM) tools.

1. Open Terminal (Admin) as above.
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. If it finds issues, it will try to repair them.
3. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This can take 15-30 minutes. Restart after.

These tools are safe and do not affect your personal files.

Create a New User Account (If Nothing Else Works)

Sometimes the issue is tied to your user profile. Creating a new local account and testing the app there can help isolate the problem.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account.
2. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
3. Create a local account and sign in to it. Try launching the crashing app.

If the app works there, you can migrate your files or repair your original profile (a more advanced step).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do only some Microsoft Store apps crash?

Individual apps may have their own bugs or incompatibilities. Resetting that specific app (as described above) is the best first step. If only one app crashes, check for an update for that app in the Store.

Will resetting an app delete my data?

Resetting an app deletes its local data, including login credentials and settings. For apps like Mail or Calendar, you’ll need to re-add your account. For games, you may lose save files if they aren’t synced to the cloud. Use Repair first to see if that fixes the issue without data loss.

Can a third-party antivirus cause Store apps to crash?

Yes. Some security programs can interfere with the sandboxed environment of Store apps. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus (or adding an exclusion for the app) to see if that stops the crashes. If it does, adjust the antivirus settings or switch to Windows Defender.

Is it safe to run the PowerShell re-register command?

Yes, the command listed above is safe and does not remove apps or data. It only refreshes the registration of existing apps. However, always run it in an elevated (Admin) terminal and wait for it to finish.

What if the Microsoft Store itself is crashing?

If the Store app won’t open at all, run wsreset.exe as described, then restart your PC. If that fails, re-register the Store app specifically using PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}.

Should I reinstall Windows 11 if nothing works?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. Before that, try the Reset this PC feature (Settings > System > Recovery), which keeps your files but reinstalls Windows. This often fixes deep system corruption that causes Store apps to crash.

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