Some Windows 10 users report that after a recent update, they struggle to download or install apps and extensions from the Microsoft Store due to errors like 0x80072efd, 0x80072ee2, 0x80072ee7, 0x80073D05. The store troubleshooter often indicates a damaged cache or corrupt cache and licenses, suggesting resets, but issues persist even after resetting.
As users mention on Microsoft forum:
After installing recent windows updates, Store app fails to load as it just opens and closes immediately or sometimes store app fails to start with different error codes. While Running the store app troubleshooter get the message “Microsoft Store cache and licenses may be corrupt.” As suggests I “Reset and open Microsoft Store,” which I did. But still, it ends with a message “Microsoft Store cache may be damaged. “Not fixed.”
Fix Microsoft Store Cache may be Damaged
As the name suggests, the corrupted Store database (cache) is the main reason behind this problem. If your Microsoft Store has started freezing n,ot responding at startup, won’t download/update apps at all. Even previously used apps (which worked properly before the problem) started refusing to open or keep crashing. And running the Troubleshooter throws the Microsoft Store cache may be damaged error. Here are some solutions you may apply to get rid of this.
First of all, Disable security software (antivirus) if installed on your computer.
Check and make sure your system date, time and religion are set correctly.
Also, make sure you have installed the latest Windows updates as Microsoft regularly push patch updates with bug fixes and security improvements.
Again check you have a working internet connection, where store app needs an internet connection to connect to the Microsoft server and download apps or app updates.
Start Windows into clean boot state and open Microsoft Store. This will start functioning normally If any third-party app is causing the issue, where the Microsoft Store app crashes, freezes etc. Find out the problematic app or uninstall recently installed applications to resolve the issue.
Also, open the command prompt as administrator privilege and run sfc /scannow command to check and make sure corrupted system files not causing the issue.
Reset Microsoft Store Cache.
Sometimes, too much or corrupted cache can bloat the Microsoft Store app, causing it to run inefficiently. It may also show errors like Microsoft Store Cache May Be Damaged. Mostly, clearing the Store’s cache can help resolve issues with installing or updating apps. In fact, clearing the cache can resolve many Windows problems.
Note that clearing and resetting the Microsoft Store cache will not remove your installed apps or your Microsoft account info associated with the Store app.
- First Close Windows 10 Store app, if it’s running.
- Press Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
- Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
- Check if the store apps are working. If not, then run the Apps Troubleshooter again.
Create a new Cache folder for Microsoft Store
Changing the Cache Folder in the App Directory is another effective solution to fix most Windows 10 Store-related errors and problems.
Press Windows + R keys to open the run command box. Type path below and press Enter.
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\
Or you can navigate to ( C: with system root drive and <USERNAME> with your user account name. AppData folder is hidden by default, make sure you have set to show hidden files and folders.)
C:\Users\<USERNAME>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
Under the local state folder, if you see a folder named “Cache,” rename it to “Cache.OLD.” Then create a new folder named Cache. That’s all. Restart the computer, and on the next login, run the troubleshooter. Check whether the problem is resolved and whether the Microsoft Store is working properly.
Reinstall Microsoft Store
If the problem still persists, you might have to reinstall Microsoft Store to give it a clean slate. To do this, press Windows + I to open Settings, click Apps, then click Apps & features.
Scroll down and look for the Microsoft Store app, click on it and select advanced options.
Now click Reset, and you’ll see a confirmation button. Click Reset, then close the window. Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved.
Create a new User Account on your computer
Still, you didn’t find the solution, try to create a new local account on your computer (with Administrative privileges) and sign in with the new account. If the Settings app or all other apps are working, then transfer your personal data from the old account to the new one.
To create a new User Account on your Windows 10, follow the steps below.
Click the Start menu, type cmd in the search box, then right-click Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to create a new user account.
net user UserName /add
* Replace the UserName with your preferred username:
Then give this command to add the new user account to the Local Administrators Group:
net localgroup administrators UserName /add
e.g. If the new username is “User1” then you have to give this command:
net localgroup administrators User1 /add
Sign out and log in with the new user. And check you will get rid of Microsoft Store problems.
Reset app packages
If none of the solutions presented above solved the problem, we’ll try to address it with one final step. Namely, as you already know, Microsoft Store is a built-in feature and can’t be reinstalled in a standard way. However, with some advanced Windows features, users can reset app packages, which is somewhat analogous to the reinstallation procedure.
This operation can be performed with PowerShell and this is how:
- Right-click Start and open PowerShell (Admin).
- In the command line, copy-paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- Restart your PC, but don’t open Microsoft Store or any apps on the next login.
- Type cmd in the Start menu search, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
- In the command line, type WSReset.exe and press Enter.
- Check that Microsoft Store starts normally and that there are no more problems downloading or updating apps.
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