How to Fix Microsoft Store won’t open or Crashes problem

Microsoft Store is the official marketplace for download and update apps on Windows 11/10. With the latest Windows 11, the Microsoft Store app has been redesigned with new features and it’s easy to navigate compared to the previous version. However, there are times you may encounter issues where the Microsoft Store won’t open, crashes, or fails to install/update apps. Issues such as incorrect date and time, internet problems, app corruption, accumulated cache, and more could cause this problem. Whatever the reason, here are effective solutions to fix and get your Microsoft Store and apps back on track.

Why Microsoft Store Not Opening or working

As discussed, for a multitude of reasons, you may experience the Microsoft Store Not Opening or working. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Network Issues: A poor or unstable internet connection can prevent the Store from loading or downloading apps.
• Corrupted Cache: Temporary cache files may become corrupted, leading to Store malfunctions.
• Incorrect Date & Time Settings: If your system’s date and time are incorrect, the Microsoft Store may fail to sync with servers.
• Pending Windows Updates: An outdated operating system can cause compatibility issues with the Microsoft Store.
• Disabled Windows Services: Some essential services, such as Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), must be running for the Store to function properly.
• Corrupt System Files: Missing or damaged system files can interfere with Microsoft Store operations.

Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection may prevent the Microsoft Store from functioning properly. Ensure your PC is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet network:

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Network & Internet.
2. Check your connection status. If it says No internet, troubleshoot your connection.
3. Restart your router and reconnect to the internet.
4. Try loading a webpage in your browser to confirm internet access.

If you’re using a VPN, disable it temporarily and check if the Store works.

Restart Microsoft Store & Your PC

Again, sometimes, simply restarting the Microsoft Store and your computer can resolve minor glitches:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Microsoft Store, right-click it, and select End Task.
3. Restart your computer and try opening the Store again.

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed for fixing Store-related problems. Let’s run the troubleshooter, let it automatically scan your system and detect any problems that might be preventing any Windows Store apps from working correctly.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.
4. Restart your PC and check if the Microsoft Store works properly.

Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, too much cache might be bloating the Microsoft Store app, causing it to not function efficiently. Clearing the cache of the Store can help resolve issues with installing or updating apps.

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Wait for it to close automatically.
3. Restart your computer and try launching the Store again.

Reset or Repair Microsoft Store

Again, repair and reset the Microsoft Store app, as this can fix potential temporary issues causing the problem and repair corrupt files.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Store, click on it, and select Advanced options.
3. Click Repair first. If that doesn’t work, click Reset (this will delete app data but not installed apps).

This will open a warning window, telling you that the app’s data will be deleted and preferences reset. Click on Reset. In a few seconds, you will see a checkmark next to the reset button, indicating that the operation has been completed successfully. Now see if the Microsoft Store app is working properly. It should!

Re-register the Windows Store

If the Microsoft Store is missing or still not working, reinstalling it via PowerShell can restore it.

1. Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

“& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}”

Restart your PC and check if the Store is restored.

Check Windows Services

Some Windows services must be running for Microsoft Store to function correctly:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate and ensure the following services are running:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Microsoft Store Install Service
3. If they are stopped, right-click and select Start.

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 below steps.

Right-click on the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin). At 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 logon with the new user.

Repair Damaged Or corrupted system files

Corrupted system files can cause Microsoft Store malfunctions. We recommend run SFC and DISM restore health command to scan and repair missing system files on your PC.

On start type cmd and run as administrator when the command prompt window opens type : sfc /scannow

This will scan your system for all its important system files, and replace them where necessary. Wait until Verification is 100 % complete. After this Restart Windows. if you get Windows resource protection found corrupt files but were unable to fix some of them then try following command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth wait until Verification 100 % complete. After this Restart windows.

Edit the Registry for Connection Errors

If you’re getting a connection error when launching the store, downloading an app, or updating an app, it might be some problem on registry lets make a change on the registry to fix the connection errors.

Note: Please ensure you follow these instructions closely because incorrect edits in the registry can cause further problems

First, press Windows Key + R to open Run. Input Regedit and click OK. The Registry Editor will open. Using the folders on the left, navigate into the following folder path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsNTCurrentVersionNetworkListProfiles

Right-click on Profiles, select Permissions, then click Advanced. Tick Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object and click OK. Now restart your system and hopefully, your problem will be resolved.

If none of these solutions fix your Microsoft Store issue, consider performing a system restore or resetting Windows as a last resort. Well if the problem persists, you may need to check for system updates or contact Microsoft support.