The Microsoft Store, included by default in Windows, offers access to a vast library of applications, games and multimedia content from Microsoft. However, it is not uncommon to encounter problems when using it. The application may refuse to open, remain frozen on a blank screen or display an error code, making it impossible to access its functions.
If you’re experiencing this type of inconvenience, this comprehensive guide offers solutions for diagnosing and resolving problems related to the Microsoft Store not opening on Windows. Follow these steps to get the application working again.
Why won’t the Microsoft Store open on Windows 11/10?
When the Microsoft Store fails to open on Windows 10, several factors can be at the root of the problem. These disruptions often prevent users from downloading or updating applications, and can be related to system errors, incorrect configurations or software interference.
The main causes of this malfunction are :
- Corrupted Microsoft Store cache: When the accumulated cache is damaged, this can prevent the Microsoft Store from launching correctly.
- Internet connection problems: An unstable or interrupted connection may prevent the Store from communicating with Microsoft servers.
- Incorrect date and time settings: Incorrect settings can lead to conflicts with online services.
- Unsuitable regional configuration: An incorrectly configured region or country may restrict access to certain Store functions.
- Antivirus or VPN interference: Some security software or VPN services may block the connections necessary for the Microsoft Store to function properly.
- Windows Update services disabled: The Store depends on Windows Update services, and disabling Windows services can lead to malfunctions.
- Outdated version of Windows 10: Missing updates may contain patches for the Microsoft Store.
In this guide, we’ll look at each cause and provide suitable solutions to remedy it. Test each method one by one, and check after each step if the Microsoft Store is repaired. Follow the instructions carefully to restore access to Microsoft Store on your device.
Reset Microsoft Store cache
If the Microsoft Store won’t open on Windows 11 or 10, one of the simplest solutions is to reset its cache. This operation deletes temporary or corrupted files linked to the application, and often solves opening problems. Here’s how to do it:
Open the cache reset tool
Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.
In the input field, type WSreset and click OK.
A black window will open briefly. This indicates that the system is deleting and resetting the Microsoft Store cache.
Once the reset is complete, the Microsoft Store should open automatically.
If the application is displayed correctly, the launch problem has been solved.
If this solution doesn’t work and the Microsoft Store remains inaccessible, proceed to the next steps described in this guide to identify other possible causes.
Using the Microsoft Store troubleshooting utility
Windows 11 offers an integrated utility specifically designed to detect and correct problems with the Microsoft Store. The tool is easy to use and can resolve errors that prevent the Store from opening.
Click on the Start menu at the bottom left of the screen.
Select the cogwheel icon to access Settings.
Access the troubleshooting utility
- In Settings, locate the search bar and enter “store”.
- In click on the Microsoft Store icon to open Troubleshooting.
The utility will open, then click Next.
Troubleshooting will begin and will alert you if an anomaly has been detected by the tool.
You can then apply an automatic repair by following the instructions.
Microsoft recently announced the imminent end-of-life of its Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT) and associated troubleshooting utilities.
Reset and repair the Microsoft Store application in Windows 11
If the Microsoft Store doesn’t open or doesn’t work properly on Windows 11, an effective solution is to repair or reset the application. This operation restores the original Microsoft Store settings and corrects any corruptions without affecting other applications already installed.
Click on the Start menu at the bottom of the screen, then select Settings (cogwheel icon).
In the left-hand menu, click on System.
Scroll down and select System components.
Scroll through the list of applications or use the search bar to find Microsoft Store.
Once located, click on the icon … (three dots) icon to the right of the application, then select Advanced Options.
Scroll to the Reset section.
Click on the Repair button.
Windows will quickly repair the application without deleting its data.
If the repair has not solved the problem, click on the Reset button in the same section.
This operation will restore the application to its original state, deleting all settings and data associated with the Microsoft Store.
Wait while Windows performs the reset.
Once the reset is complete, try opening the Microsoft Store to check that the problem has been solved.
This method is fast, secure and can solve many common problems associated with the Microsoft Store on Windows 11. If the Store remains inaccessible after this step, other more advanced solutions may be required.
Re-register Microsoft Store using PowerShell
When the Microsoft Store encounters persistent problems, such as refusal to open or operating errors, re-registering the application using PowerShell can solve the problem. This command resets the Microsoft Store registration in the system, thus correcting any malfunctions.
Open Windows Terminal with administrator rights:
- Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + X or right-click on the Start button.
- In the menu that appears, select Windows Terminal (admin).
- A window with administrator rights will open. If a confirmation prompt (UAC) appears, click Yes.
(If you use another method to open Windows Terminal, make sure it is launched as administrator).
Paste the following command into Windows Terminal, then press Enter.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}Once the command has been executed, PowerShell will re-register the Microsoft Store.
The Microsoft Store must be closed to carry out this action.
This process may take a few moments. No intervention is required during this stage.
Once the operation is complete, close Windows Terminal.
Try opening the Microsoft Store to check whether the problem has been corrected.
Repairing Windows components with DISM
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is an integrated Windows tool. It enables you to repair corrupt or missing system files that may cause malfunctions in Windows components.
DISM is particularly useful when system files are damaged or errors occur in the overall operation of Windows.
Find out more about how to use DISM to repair Windows? or download our free one-click Windows maintenance software based on DISM.
What are the error codes linked to the Microsoft Store and how can they be resolved?
The Microsoft Store may occasionally encounter problems that prevent it from working properly. These errors are usually accompanied by specific codes that help identify their origin. Here’s an overview of the most frequent error codes, their causes and the appropriate solutions:
| Problem | Error code | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network connection error | 0x80072EFD, 0x801901F7 | Unstable or no Internet connection | Check your Internet connection and reset network settings (netsh winsock reset) |
| Microsoft Store cache problem | 0x80073D05 | Corrupt cache or temporary files affecting application | Reset cache by running wsreset.exe |
| Incorrect date and time | 0x80072F8F | Incorrect date, time or time zone | Automatically synchronize date and time in Windows settings |
| Windows update missing | 0x80244018 | Operating system out of date | Install latest updates via Settings > Update & Security |
| Problems with Microsoft account | 0x80190001, 0x800704CF | Microsoft account disconnected or damaged | Log out and log back in with your Microsoft account |
| Microsoft Store not installed or corrupted | 0x80073CFE, 0x80073CF9 | Problem with Microsoft Store application files | Reinstall Microsoft Store via PowerShell |
| Restrictions via third-party software | 0x800704EC | Security software blocking access | Temporarily disable security software |
| Disabled Windows services problem | 0x800706D9 | Necessary services stopped (e.g. Windows Update) | Restart necessary services with net start wuauserv |
| Problem with region or language settings | 0x80D02017 | Incorrect region or language settings | Correctly configure region and language in Windows settings |
| License or purchase problem | 0x803F7000 | Content licenses not synchronized with account | Synchronize licenses in Microsoft Store application |
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