Windows Store Not Working on Windows 10? Fixed

Yes, the Windows Store (Microsoft Store) not working on Windows 10 can usually be fixed with a few built-in troubleshooting steps. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from resetting the Store cache to reinstalling the app, so you can get back to downloading apps quickly.

Why the Windows Store Stops Working

The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 can fail for several reasons, often related to corrupted cache files, outdated system components, or misconfigured settings. Common symptoms include the Store not opening at all, freezing on a blank screen, apps failing to download or update, or error codes like 0x80072EFD (network issue) or 0x80070005 (permission problem). Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix, but the steps below are ordered from simplest to most thorough, so you can work through them systematically.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Spend a minute on these basics—they resolve a surprising number of Store issues:

• Check your internet connection. The Store needs a working connection. Try loading a website in your browser.
• Make sure Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
• Set the correct date and time. Right-click the clock, choose Adjust date/time, and enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. Incorrect time breaks the Store’s security certificates.
• Sign out and back into the Store. Click your profile icon in the Store, select Sign out, then sign in again.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a dedicated troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common Store problems. Here’s how to run it:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Update & Security &em; Troubleshoot (or System > Troubleshoot on newer builds).
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask you to sign in or restart.

This tool checks for corrupted files, permissions issues, and service problems. If it finds anything, it will attempt to fix it automatically. After it finishes, try opening the Store again.

Fix 2: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store keeps a cache of thumbnails and page data that can become corrupted. Resetting it is safe and does not delete your apps or account. The built-in tool is called WSReset:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank command prompt window will appear. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute). The Store will open automatically when done.

If the Store still misbehaves, you can also reset it via Settings: go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Microsoft Store, click Advanced options, then click Reset. This is a more thorough version of the same cache clear.

Fix 3: Re-register the Microsoft Store App

If the cache reset doesn’t help, the Store app’s registration in Windows may be damaged. Re-registering it via PowerShell often resolves this. This process is safe and does not affect your installed apps or personal files.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

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

3. Wait for the command to complete. It may take a few minutes.
4. Restart your PC and try the Store again.

This command reinstalls the Store’s core files while keeping your data. If you see an error saying the package is not found, it may indicate a deeper system issue—try the next fix.

Fix 4: Check for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can break the Store. Windows has two built-in tools to check and repair them. Run them in order:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. This scans protected system files and repairs any that are corrupted.
3. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This fixes the system image itself. It may take 10-20 minutes.
4. Restart your PC after both commands complete.

If the System File Checker finds issues it can’t fix, the DISM tool often resolves them. Running both is the standard approach for system-level corruption.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If all else fails, you can remove and reinstall the Store app entirely. This is a more drastic step but is still a supported method and won’t delete your installed apps or personal data. You’ll need to use PowerShell as an administrator.

1. Open PowerShell or Terminal as administrator.
2. To remove the Store, type the following and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Restart your PC.
4. Open PowerShell as administrator again and reinstall the Store with:

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

If the Store doesn’t reappear after this, you may need to use the Microsoft Store link on the Microsoft website or perform a Windows 10 in-place upgrade repair (using the Media Creation Tool) to restore all system apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Microsoft Store keep crashing or closing?

This is usually caused by a corrupted cache or an outdated app version. Run the WSReset tool (Fix 2) and then check for Windows updates. If it still crashes, try re-registering the app (Fix 3).

What does error 0x80072EFD mean?

This error indicates a network connection problem. Check your internet, make sure your firewall or VPN isn’t blocking the Store, and verify that your date and time are correct. Restarting your router can also help.

Will resetting the Store delete my apps or games?

No. Resetting the Store cache (WSReset) or using the “Reset” option in Settings only clears temporary files and settings. Your installed apps, games, and purchases remain intact. Re-registering or reinstalling the Store app also preserves your data.

Can I use the Microsoft Store without a Microsoft account?

Yes, you can browse the Store without signing in, but you’ll need a Microsoft account to download most apps (including free ones). Some apps may allow downloading without an account, but it’s rare. Signing in also syncs your purchases and settings across devices.

Why are some apps not downloading or updating?

This often happens when the Store’s download queue is stuck or there’s a temporary glitch. Try canceling all pending downloads, then restarting the Store. Also check that you have enough storage space and that your system date/time is correct. If the problem persists, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

Is there a way to fix the Store without using PowerShell?

Yes. You can try the simpler fixes first: run the troubleshooter, reset the cache with WSReset, and check Windows Update. If those don’t work, you can also use the “Reset” button in Settings (under Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options). PowerShell is only needed for the more advanced re-registration or reinstall steps.

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