How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Working on Windows

What Causes This?

Microsoft Store usually stops working because its cache is corrupted, temporary files are interfering with app services, or a Windows update didn’t install cleanly. It can also happen if key Store components aren’t registered properly, your date and time settings are wrong, or background services like Windows Update are having problems. In some cases, damaged system files can prevent the Store from opening or downloading apps.

Common Symptoms

• Microsoft Store won’t open, crashes immediately, or stays on a blank screen
• Downloads are stuck on “Starting” or never finish
• You see error codes when trying to install or update apps
• The Store opens, but pages fail to load or buttons don’t respond
• Installed Microsoft Store apps also fail to update properly

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check your internet connection and date/time settings

   1. Make sure your PC is online and websites load normally.
   2. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   3. Go to Time & language > Date & time.
   4. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
   5. Restart your PC and try opening Microsoft Store again.

2. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

   1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
   2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
   3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear for a moment while Windows clears the Store cache.
   4. Microsoft Store should reopen automatically when it finishes. Check if it works normally.

3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

   1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
   4. Follow the prompts and apply any fixes Windows suggests.

4. Repair or reset Microsoft Store

   1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   2. Find Microsoft Store, click the three dots, then choose Advanced options.
   3. First click Repair and test the Store.
   4. If it still fails, go back and click Reset. This clears app data and forces the Store to rebuild its settings.

5. Install pending Windows updates

   1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Click Check for updates.
   3. Install everything available, including optional updates related to Microsoft Store, app framework, or system components.
   4. Restart your PC after updates finish.

6. Re-register Microsoft Store with PowerShell

   1. Click Start, type powershell.
   2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator.
   3. Paste this command and press Enter:
      Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}
   4. Wait for the command to complete, then restart your PC.

7. Check for damaged system files

   1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by searching cmd, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
   2. Run this command: sfc /scannow
   3. After that finishes, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   4. Restart your PC and test Microsoft Store again.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If Microsoft Store is broken because of corrupted cache, leftover temporary files, or general Windows clutter, Kudu can help clean that up automatically. It scans for junk files and common system issues that can interfere with Windows apps, saving you from digging through settings and tools one by one.

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