The Microsoft Store (formerly Windows Store) is Microsoft’s official marketplace for downloading apps. Some Windows apps are exclusively available only on it. It gets even more frustrating when the official Windows Store stops working or apps won’t load.
Is your Microsoft Store not working? If so, then we’ve rounded up the steps that should help you fix Microsoft Store. Whether it’s running the troubleshooter to find and repair problems or automatically clearing the cache, chances are one of the helpful tips below will do the job.
Read on for the ultimate Microsoft Store troubleshooting and repair guide.
1. Use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Microsoft has a troubleshooter that scans your system and detects any problems preventing Microsoft Store apps from working properly. Then, if possible, it fixes them automatically without you having to do anything.
A window will open and start detecting problems. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
If any problems are detected, the troubleshooter will attempt to resolve them. Alternatively, it may give you steps on how to do it yourself. You may also be able to click Next to see multiple solutions.
The troubleshooter may not be able to fix the problems, or it may not find any at first, but it’s worth a try nonetheless.
2. Check Your Computer’s Time
It may sound strange, but the Microsoft Store may not open if the date and time on your computer are incorrect. This is because the store checks to see if the time to track is in sync with your computer.
3. Reset Microsoft Store
You can reset the Microsoft Store app, which clears its stored data and sets it back to defaults. Although this will clear your settings, you won’t lose any purchases or installed apps (Remember, Microsoft Store apps are different from desktop programs.)
4. Clear Store Cache
Clearing the Store’s cache can help resolve problems installing or updating apps. In fact, clearing the cache can solve many Windows problems. It is incredibly simple to operate and will only take a minute.
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, then enter input wsreset.exe and click OK. A blank command prompt window will open, but be sure that it is clearing the cache. After about thirty seconds, the window will close and the store will automatically open.
5. Reset Windows Update components
If you’re having trouble updating the Store or the apps themselves, try resetting the Windows Update components. Handily, there is a third-party automated repair tool for this called Reset Windows Update Tool.
6. Edit Registry for Connection Errors
If you get a connection error when launching the Store, downloading an app, or updating an app, it’s time to head to the registry. Make sure that you follow these instructions closely because incorrect edits to the registry can cause further problems.
First, press Windows Key + R to open Run. Input regedit and click OK. Registry Editor will open.
7. Check Your Proxy Settings
Using incorrect network settings can cause problems with the Microsoft Store. First, disable any VPNs you have installed – check the program’s support documentation for guidance on how to do this.
Alternatively, uninstall it completely by pressing Windows key + I to open Settings. Click on Apps, select VPN from the list and click on Uninstall.
8. Re-register Microsoft Store
The Store app can’t be uninstalled easily (although you can disable the Microsoft Store), so we can re-register it on your system.
First, do a system search for powershell, then right-click the result and choose Run as administrator. PowerShell is a scripting environment that can be used to automate tasks.
A progress bar appears at the top of the window; You may miss it because the operation completes quickly. Once done, launch Microsoft Store.
Get the Best Microsoft Store Apps for Windows
It can be frustrating when something as simple as the Microsoft Store doesn’t work properly, so hopefully the solutions above solve the problem.
With the Microsoft Store back up and running, it’s time to equip your system with the best of apps. There are tons of great apps out there to help you increase your productivity, customize the look and feel of your system, or just have some fun.