Windows Store Error 0x80072ee7: Fix It

Windows Store error 0x80072ee7 means your PC couldn’t reach the Microsoft Store servers, usually due to a network, proxy, or date/time issue. You can fix it by checking your internet connection, clearing the Store cache, and ensuring your system date and time are correct.

What Causes Error 0x80072ee7?

This error is a network-related problem. The code itself is a Windows HTTP error that translates to “The server name or address could not be resolved.” When you open the Microsoft Store, your device tries to connect to Microsoft’s servers. If that connection fails, you see 0x80072ee7. Common triggers include:

• A weak or unstable internet connection
• Proxy or VPN settings that interfere with the Store
• Incorrect DNS settings
• Wrong system date, time, or time zone
• Corrupted Windows Store cache
• Firewall or antivirus blocking the Store

The error can appear when downloading apps, updating apps, or even just launching the Store. It’s more common on older Windows versions but can still happen on Windows 10 and 11.

How to Fix Error 0x80072ee7

Work through these steps in order. Most users find the fix in the first few steps.

1. Check your internet connection. Open a website in your browser. If it doesn’t load, restart your router and modem. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting via an Ethernet cable.
2. Set the correct date and time. Right-click the clock in the taskbar, select “Adjust date/time,” and turn on “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically.” If they’re already on, turn them off and on again.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot (Windows 10). Find “Windows Store Apps” and run it.
4. Clear the Store cache. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A command window will open and then the Store will launch. This doesn’t delete your apps or account data.
5. Disable proxy settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Turn off “Use a proxy server” if it’s on. If you use a VPN, disconnect it temporarily and try the Store again.
6. Flush DNS and reset Winsock. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd,” right-click, “Run as administrator”). Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. Then type netsh winsock reset and press Enter. Restart your PC.
7. Re-register the Store app. In an elevated PowerShell (right-click Start > “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”), type: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter.

If none of these work, check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the Store. Temporarily disable them (if safe) and try again. If the Store works, add an exception for the Microsoft Store in your security software.

Why Does the Date and Time Matter?

Windows uses your system clock to encrypt network connections (TLS/SSL). If your date or time is off by even a few minutes, the security certificate from Microsoft’s servers won’t validate, and the connection fails. This is a very common cause of 0x80072ee7. Always check this first if you see the error after a power outage or a new motherboard installation.

What If the Error Persists?

If you’ve tried everything above and the error remains, consider these additional steps:

• Change your DNS server. Try using a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Go to Network settings > your adapter > Edit > DNS server assignment > Manual, and enter the addresses.
• Check the Windows Hosts file. A corrupted hosts file can block Microsoft domains. Open Notepad as administrator, open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts, and look for any lines containing “microsoft.com” or “store”. If you see any, comment them out with a # at the beginning of the line.
• Reset the Windows Store app. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10), find “Microsoft Store,” click the three-dot menu, and select “Advanced options.” Click “Reset”. This will clear the Store’s data and sign you out.
• Run System File Checker. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This checks for corrupted system files and repairs them.

Common Misconception: It’s a Microsoft Server Problem

Many users assume 0x80072ee7 means Microsoft’s servers are down. That’s rarely the case. The error is almost always on your end—network configuration, proxy, or system time. If Microsoft’s servers were down, you’d see a different error or the Store would load but fail to download. So don’t wait for Microsoft to fix it; try the steps above.

How to Prevent This Error in the Future

• Keep Windows updated. Microsoft regularly fixes Store-related bugs.
• Use a stable internet connection. If you’re on Wi-Fi, position your device closer to the router.
• Don’t use aggressive proxy or VPN settings unless necessary.
• Periodically clear the Store cache if you notice slowdowns.
• Ensure your system time is set to “Automatic” and never manually change it unless required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wsreset.exe delete my apps?

No. wsreset.exe only clears the Store’s cache and temporary files. Your installed apps, downloads, and account settings remain intact. It’s a safe first step.

Can I fix this error without admin rights?

Some steps, like changing the date/time and running the troubleshooter, don’t require admin. But flushing DNS, resetting Winsock, and re-registering the Store app do need an administrator account. If you’re on a work or school PC, contact your IT department.

Why does the error appear only when downloading large apps?

Large downloads are more sensitive to network interruptions. If your connection drops even briefly, the Store may show 0x80072ee7. Try pausing other downloads, using a wired connection, or restarting the download after clearing the cache.

Does this error affect Windows 11 differently than Windows 10?

The error code and the fixes are essentially the same on both systems. The only difference is navigation in Settings, which is slightly different in Windows 11. The underlying causes and solutions are identical.

Is there a way to download apps without the Store?

For most apps, no. Microsoft Store is the primary distribution channel for UWP apps. Some apps are available directly from developers’ websites, but that’s not a general solution. Fixing the error is the better approach.

What if the error is caused by a virus?

Malware can sometimes alter network settings or the hosts file, causing this error. If you suspect an infection, run a full antivirus scan before attempting other fixes. After cleaning, reset your network settings as described above.

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