Microsoft Store Error 0x87e10bcf: Fixes That Work

Microsoft Store error 0x87e10bcf typically appears when the Store cannot download or update an app, often due to corrupted cache files, a misconfigured date/time, or a stalled Windows Update service. The fixes below resolve the issue in most cases, starting with the quickest and safest methods.

What Causes Error 0x87e10bcf?

This error is not a hardware failure—it’s a software-level hiccup in the Microsoft Store’s ability to communicate with Microsoft’s servers. Common triggers include:

• Corrupted Store cache – temporary files that store app thumbnails and licensing data can become stale or damaged.
• Windows Update service interruptions – the Store relies on the same background infrastructure as Windows Update; if that service is paused or stuck, downloads fail.
• Incorrect system date/time – security certificates used by the Store have a validity window; if your clock is off by even a few minutes, the connection is rejected.
• Pending updates for the Store itself – an outdated Store app can have bugs that are fixed by a newer version.
• Network proxy or VPN interference – some corporate or VPN configurations block the Store’s endpoints.

You’ll usually see this error in a dialog box when you try to download, update, or launch a Store app. It can affect any Windows 10 or Windows 11 version.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Spend 30 seconds on these to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting:

1. Restart your PC – this clears transient network and service glitches.
2. Check your internet connection – open a browser and load any website.
3. Verify the date and time: right-click the clock → Adjust date/time → ensure Set time automatically is on.
4. Make sure Windows is up to date: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

If the error persists, move to the fixes below.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and repairs common Store issues.

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10).
2. Select Windows Store Apps → Run.
3. Follow the prompts; it will apply fixes and ask you to restart if needed.

This tool is often enough for cache-related errors. If it reports nothing wrong, proceed.

Fix 2: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store’s cache can be cleared without affecting your installed apps or downloads.

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window will open (it may stay open for a minute). Wait for it to close automatically.
3. The Store will open automatically. Try your download again.

If wsreset doesn’t help, you can also manually delete the cache folder (advanced):

• Open File Explorer, paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache into the address bar, and delete everything inside (you may need to close the Store first).

This is safe—it only removes temporary files.

Fix 3: Reset the Microsoft Store App

If clearing the cache isn’t enough, reset the Store app itself through Settings.

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
2. Find Microsoft Store in the list.
3. Click the three-dot menu (or the app name) → Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm when prompted.

This reinstalls the Store app to its default state. Your installed apps remain, but you may need to sign in again.

Fix 4: Repair Windows Update Services

Since the Store depends on Windows Update components, a stuck service can cause 0x87e10bcf. Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)):

1. Stop the services: net stop wuauserv, net stop cryptSvc, net stop bits, net stop msiserver.
2. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
3. Rename the catroot2 folder: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
4. Restart the services: net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, net start bits, net start msiserver.

This clears the update cache without harming your system. After a restart, try the Store again.

Fix 5: Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If the Store’s underlying package is corrupted, re-register it with PowerShell.

1. Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for it to finish (no output is normal). Restart your PC.

This does not delete your apps or data; it reinstalls the Store’s registration.

Fix 6: Check Network and Proxy Settings

If none of the above work, the issue might be network-related.

• Temporarily disable VPN – disconnect from any VPN and try again.
• Disable proxy – Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy → turn off Use a proxy server (if it’s on).
• Flush DNS – in an admin Command Prompt, run ipconfig /flushdns.
• Change DNS to a public server – set your DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in your network adapter settings.

These steps are safe and reversible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store app only clears its local data (like your sign-in token and cache). Your downloaded apps and their data remain intact. You may need to sign in to the Store again.

Why does the error happen only for certain apps?

Some apps have specific licensing or dependency requirements. If the error appears only for one app, try uninstalling and reinstalling that app from the Store. Also check if the app is compatible with your Windows version.

Can this error be caused by a corrupted Windows user profile?

Yes, a damaged user profile can interfere with Store operations. As a last resort, create a new local user account and test the Store there. If it works, migrate your files to the new profile.

Is there a way to bypass the Store and install the app directly?

Some apps are available as standalone executables from the developer’s website, but this is not a general solution. For Store-specific apps, you cannot bypass the Store without violating Microsoft’s terms. Stick to the fixes above.

Does this error affect Windows 11 differently than Windows 10?

The error code and fixes are the same on both systems. The only difference is the location of some settings (e.g., Troubleshooters are under a different path in Windows 11). The commands and wsreset method work identically.

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