If you see “Try that again” or “Something happened at our end” when opening or downloading from the Microsoft Store, the problem is usually a corrupted cache, a misconfigured date/time, or a stalled background service. Restarting the Store app and clearing its cache fixes the majority of cases in under a minute. Below are the exact steps, plus the less obvious causes that keep the error coming back.
What This Error Means
The Microsoft Store relies on several Windows components working together: the Store app itself, the Windows Update service, the licensing service, and your internet connection. When any of these hiccups, the Store shows a generic message like “Try that again” or “Something happened at our end” instead of a specific error code. That vagueness makes it hard to know where to start, but the fixes below cover nearly every scenario.
First: Restart and Clear the Cache
Start with the simplest fixes, because they resolve a surprising number of cases.
- Restart the Store app. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Microsoft Store” under Apps, right-click it, and choose “End task.” Reopen the Store.
- Clear the Store cache. Press Win+R, type
wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank command window will appear, then close. The Store will open automatically. This clears the app’s temporary files without affecting your installed apps or purchases. - Check your date and time. Right-click the clock in the taskbar, choose “Adjust date and time,” and ensure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are both on. If they are already on, toggle them off, wait a few seconds, and turn them back on. Incorrect time breaks the security certificates the Store uses to verify your account.
Run the Built-In Troubleshooters
Windows includes automated tools that can find and fix Store-related problems.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click Run. Follow the prompts.
- Also run the Windows Update troubleshooter from the same list. A broken Windows Update service often causes the Store to fail with a generic error.
Reset or Re-register the Store App
If the cache clear didn’t help, the Store app itself may be corrupted. You can reset it without losing your downloads or purchases.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll to “Microsoft Store,” click the three-dot menu, and choose Advanced options.
- Click Reset. This is more thorough than
wsreset.exeand will sign you out of the Store. You’ll need to sign back in.
If Reset isn’t available, you can re-register the app with a PowerShell command. Right-click the Start button and choose “Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”, then run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This re-registers the Store with Windows without deleting your account or installed apps.
Check Windows Update and Services
The Store depends on the same update infrastructure as Windows Update. If updates are stuck, the Store often fails too.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
- If updates fail, run the Windows Update troubleshooter from the list in the previous section.
- Press Win+R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. Look for Windows Update, Microsoft Store Install Service (if present), and Windows License Manager. Each should be set to “Automatic” and “Running.” If any is stopped, right-click it and choose “Start.”
When the Error Persists: Network and Account
If you’ve tried everything above, the problem may be with your network or Microsoft account.
- Proxy or VPN interference. If you use a VPN or a proxy, turn it off temporarily and try the Store again. Some VPNs block the Store’s regional servers. Also check that your system proxy isn’t misconfigured: Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Turn off “Use proxy server” if it’s on and you don’t need it.
- Sign out and back in. In the Store, click your profile icon, choose “Sign out,” then restart the Store and sign in again. This refreshes your licensing token.
- Check for a corrupted DNS cache. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
ipconfig /flushdns. Then restart the Store. - Create a new local administrator account. If the Store works in a new account, the issue is tied to your user profile. You can migrate your files and then switch to the new account permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting the Store delete my apps or games?
No. Resetting the Store only clears its cache and settings. Your installed apps, games, and purchases remain intact. You will need to sign back into the Store, but your library stays associated with your Microsoft account.
Why does the error say “Something happened at our end” when it’s clearly my PC?
Microsoft uses that wording for any failure that isn’t a simple network timeout. It’s a generic message that covers client-side issues too, so don’t assume it’s a server outage. The steps above fix most cases.
Can I still install apps from outside the Store if the Store is broken?
Yes, you can download installers from official developer websites, but you’ll miss automatic updates and the security vetting the Store provides. For most users, fixing the Store is safer than sideloading.
Does clearing the cache remove my login information?
No. wsreset.exe clears temporary files but keeps your account signed in. The “Reset” option in Settings does sign you out, but it doesn’t delete your account or purchases.
Why does the Store work after I restart my PC but fail again later?
This usually points to a background service that’s crashing or being disabled by a third-party optimizer. Check that the Windows Update and License Manager services are set to Automatic, and consider removing any “PC cleaner” tools that disable services.
Is there a way to avoid this error in the future?
Keep Windows Update current, avoid disabling Store-related services, and run wsreset.exe occasionally if you notice slow Store performance. Also, make sure your system date and time are always set to automatic.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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