Store App Error Signing In on Windows 10: Fixes

If you see “We encountered an error, please try signing in again later” when opening the Microsoft Store app on Windows 10, it usually means the Store’s cached credentials are corrupted or a background service is stuck. The fix is to clear the Store cache, reset the app, or re-sign in with your Microsoft account—most users resolve it in under 10 minutes.

Why This Error Happens

The Microsoft Store relies on a secure token tied to your Microsoft account. When that token becomes stale or the app’s local cache gets corrupted, the sign-in process fails even though your password is correct. Common triggers include:

• Recent Windows updates that changed how the Store authenticates.
• Third-party antivirus or VPN software blocking the Store’s network requests.
• Multiple failed sign-in attempts that locked the token.
• Corrupted app data from a previous crash or forced shutdown.

The error is not specific to one Windows version—it has appeared in Windows 10 builds since 2019 and occasionally in Windows 11. It is not a sign of a compromised account; it is a local app issue.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into advanced steps, try these two simple actions—they resolve roughly half of all cases:

1. Restart the Store app: Close it fully (right-click the taskbar icon and select “Close window”), then reopen it.
2. Check your internet connection: The Store needs a stable connection to Microsoft servers. Open a web browser and visit https://www.microsoft.com to confirm you’re online.

If the error persists, move on to the cache reset method below.

Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store keeps temporary files to speed up loading, but these can become corrupted. Windows includes a built-in tool to clear them:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear—this is normal. Wait for it to finish (usually 10–30 seconds) and it will automatically open the Store.

This command clears the cache without deleting your apps or account. If the window stays open for more than a minute, close it and restart your PC before trying again.

Reset or Reinstall the Store App

If clearing the cache doesn’t help, reset the Store app itself. This is more thorough and removes all temporary data, including corrupted sign-in tokens.

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Scroll to Microsoft Store, click it, and select Advanced options.
4. Click Reset. Confirm when prompted.

This reinstalls the app to its default state. After resetting, reopen the Store and sign in again. If the option is grayed out, you can also try running the following in an elevated PowerShell (right-click Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin)):

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This re-registers the Store without removing your account.

Check Your Microsoft Account Sign-In

The error can also occur if your Microsoft account itself has a pending issue, such as an expired password or a security verification prompt. Test this by signing in to account.microsoft.com in a browser. If you can sign in there, the problem is local to the Store app.

If you use two-factor authentication, make sure you’re not being prompted for a code that never arrives. Check your authenticator app or email for a pending notification. Also, ensure your system date and time are correct—an incorrect clock can cause authentication failures. Right-click the clock > Adjust date/time and enable “Set time automatically.”

When to Use a Local Account

Some users prefer to switch to a local account to avoid Store sign-in entirely. This is not a fix but a workaround—you’ll lose the ability to download apps from the Store unless you sign in again. To switch:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. Click Sign in with a local account instead.
3. Follow the prompts. You’ll need to create a local username and password.

Keep in mind that some apps (like Office or OneDrive) may require your Microsoft account to sync data. Use this only as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my installed apps?

No. The Reset option only clears the Store’s cache and settings. Apps you’ve installed remain on your system and will still work. You may need to sign in again to update them, but nothing is uninstalled.

Why does the error say “try signing in again later” when I’m already signed in?

This happens when the Store’s cached sign-in token has expired or become invalid. The app thinks you’re signed in, but the server rejects the token. Clearing the cache or resetting the app forces a fresh sign-in.

Can I fix this by creating a new Windows user account?

Yes, a new user account will have a fresh Store cache and will likely work. But that’s a heavy workaround—try the reset steps first. If you create a new account, you’ll need to reinstall your apps and reconfigure settings.

Does this error affect Windows 11 too?

Yes, the same error appears on Windows 11, and the fixes are identical. The steps for resetting the app are the same, though the Settings layout is slightly different (Apps > Installed apps).

Is there a risk of losing my Microsoft account data?

No. The error is local to the Store app. Your account data, emails, OneDrive files, and purchases are safe on Microsoft’s servers. You won’t lose any data by clearing the cache or resetting the app.

What if none of these steps work?

If the error persists after resetting and re-registering, try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps). If that doesn’t help, consider a system restore to a point before the error started, or contact Microsoft Support via the Get Help app.

Related

• Windows 10 Install Error 0xc1900101 0x20004 Fix
• Force Delete a Folder in Windows 10: Step-by-Step
• Fix Error 0xc0000135: 5 Working Solutions