How to Fix Microsoft Store Won’t Open on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Is the Microsoft Store not opening on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? Whether the app won’t launch, gets stuck on the loading screen, crashes immediately after opening, or fails to respond altogether, you’re not alone. This is a common Windows problem that can prevent you from downloading new apps, updating existing ones, or accessing games and other Microsoft services.

Whether the Store app stopped responding after a Windows update or suddenly refuses to open, the underlying causes are usually a corrupted Store cache, incorrect date and time settings, damaged system files, or a faulty user profile. Fortunately, you don’t need to reinstall Windows to fix the problem.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions to fix the Microsoft Store won’t open issue on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Start with the simple fixes, then work through the advanced troubleshooting steps until the Microsoft Store is working again.

Why Microsoft Store not opening on Windows 11?

The Microsoft Store may fail to open for several reasons, including temporary glitches, a corrupted cache, incorrect date/time settings, and network connectivity issues.

• 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.

1. Restart Your Computer

Before trying advanced troubleshooting, restart your PC. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches, restart essential Windows services, and resolve minor issues that may prevent the Microsoft Store from opening.

1. Save any open work and close all applications.
2. Click Start > Power > Restart.
3. Wait for Windows to restart completely.
4. Open the Microsoft Store and check if it launches normally.

If the Microsoft Store still won’t open, continue with the next solution.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

The Microsoft Store requires a stable internet connection to verify your Microsoft account, load content, and download apps. If your connection is unstable or blocked by a VPN, proxy server, or firewall, the Store may fail to open or get stuck on the loading screen.

Here’s what you can do:

• Open a web browser and visit a few websites, or run a speed test to confirm your internet connection is working.
• If you’re using Wi-Fi, restart your router or switch to a wired connection if possible.
• Disconnect any VPN and try opening the Microsoft Store again.
• If you’re using a proxy server, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and temporarily disable it.
• Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software to check whether it’s blocking the Microsoft Store.
• Restart your PC after making any network changes.

Once you’ve completed these steps, launch the Microsoft Store again.

Expected result: The Microsoft Store opens normally and loads the Home page without crashing or getting stuck.

If it still won’t open, continue with the next solution.

3. Verify Your System Date, Time, and Region Settings

Incorrect date, time, or region settings can prevent the Microsoft Store from connecting to Microsoft’s servers, causing it to fail to open or display loading errors.

Check the Date and Time

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Time & language.
3. Select Date & time.
4. Turn on Set time automatically.
5. Turn on Set time zone automatically (if available).
6. Click Sync now under Additional settings.

Check the Region

1. In Settings, go to Time & language > Language & region.
2. Under Country or region, make sure the correct country is selected.
3. Restart your computer and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

Note on VPNs: If you are connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), temporarily disconnect it. VPN servers mask your geographic routing and can directly conflict with Microsoft region verification checks.

If the Microsoft Store still won’t open, move on to the next troubleshooting method.

4. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems affecting the Microsoft Store and other Microsoft Store apps. It checks for incorrect settings, corrupted cache files, and other issues that may prevent the Store from opening properly.

On Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Store Apps (or Microsoft Store Apps, depending on your Windows version).
4. Click Run next to the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
6. Restart your PC if prompted.

On Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Windows Store Apps.
5. Click Run the troubleshooter.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer if required.

After the troubleshooter finishes, try opening the Microsoft Store again. If the problem persists, continue with the next solution.

5. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache Using WSReset

If the Microsoft Store won’t open or keeps crashing, clearing its cache is one of the first fixes you should try. Windows includes a built-in tool called WSReset.exe that clears the Microsoft Store cache without deleting your installed apps, settings, or personal data.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and click OK or press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear while Windows clears the Microsoft Store cache.
4. Wait for the process to finish. It may take a minute or two.
5. The Microsoft Store should open automatically once the cache has been cleared.

If the Store opens normally, the problem was likely caused by corrupted cache files. If nothing happens, or the Microsoft Store still won’t open, restart your computer and proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

6. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store

If clearing the Store cache didn’t help, Windows lets you repair or reset the Microsoft Store without reinstalling the operating system. Repair attempts to fix the app while preserving its data, whereas Reset reinstalls the app and clears its stored data if the repair doesn’t resolve the issue.

Repair the Microsoft Store

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps > Apps & features (Windows 10).
3. Locate Microsoft Store and click the three-dot menu (Windows 11) or select the app (Windows 10).
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Repair.
6. Wait for Windows to complete the repair, then try opening the Microsoft Store.

If the Store still won’t open, continue with the reset option below.

Reset the Microsoft Store

1. Stay on the Advanced options page.
2. Click Reset.
3. Click Reset again to confirm.
4. Wait for the process to finish, then restart your computer.

Open the Microsoft Store and check if it’s working correctly. If the problem persists, move on to the next solution.

7. Restart the Microsoft Store Install Service

The Microsoft Store Install Service is responsible for supporting Microsoft Store installations and updates. If the service is stopped or not running correctly, the Microsoft Store may fail to open or work as expected.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and click OK.
3. In the Services window, locate Microsoft Store Install Service.
4. Double-click the service to open its properties.
5. If the service is stopped, click Start.
6. Set the Startup type to Manual (or Automatic if recommended on your system).
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Restart your computer and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

Note: If you don’t see the Microsoft Store Install Service, don’t worry. Its availability may vary depending on your Windows version. In that case, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

8. Re-register the Microsoft Store Using PowerShell

If the Microsoft Store still won’t open, re-registering the app can repair corrupted or missing registration files. This process reinstalls the Microsoft Store package for your current user without affecting your installed apps or personal files.

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator

1. Click Start and search for PowerShell.
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell (or Terminal on Windows 11) and select Run as administrator.
3. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Run the Re-registration Command

Copy and paste the following command into the PowerShell window, then press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Wait for the command to complete. It may take a few minutes, and you may see some messages displayed in the PowerShell window.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

Once the command finishes, restart your PC and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

Note: If you see a few non-critical red error messages during the process, they can often be ignored as long as the command completes successfully. If the Microsoft Store still doesn’t open after restarting, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

9. Repair Corrupted System Files Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted or missing Windows system files can prevent the Microsoft Store from opening or functioning correctly. Windows includes two built-in tools, System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), that can automatically scan for and repair these problems.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

1. Click Start and search for cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Run the SFC Scan

Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take several minutes. If Windows finds corrupted system files, it will automatically attempt to repair them.

Step 3: Run the DISM Commands

If the Microsoft Store still won’t open after the SFC scan, run the following DISM command

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The RestoreHealth command may take 10–30 minutes, depending on your system and internet connection.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

Once all scans have finished successfully, restart your computer and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

Tip: If SFC reports that it found and repaired corrupted files, but the Microsoft Store still doesn’t work, run the SFC command one more time after the DISM scan to ensure all system files have been repaired.

10. Install Pending Windows Updates

An outdated version of Windows can sometimes cause the Microsoft Store to malfunction, especially if you’re missing important bug fixes, security patches, or component updates. Installing the latest Windows updates may resolve compatibility issues and restore normal Microsoft Store functionality.

On Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update from the left pane.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download and install any available updates.
5. Restart your computer if prompted.

On Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC after the installation completes.

After your computer restarts, open the Microsoft Store and check whether it’s working correctly. If the issue persists, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

11. Create a New User Account

If none of the previous solutions worked, the problem may be related to a corrupted Windows user profile. Creating a new user account helps determine whether the issue is limited to your current profile or affects the entire system.

On Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Other users.
3. Click Add account.
4. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
5. Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Enter a username and password, then click Next.
7. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new account.
8. Open the Microsoft Store and check if it works.

On Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
4. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
5. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
6. Create the new user account and complete the setup.
7. Sign in with the new account and try opening the Microsoft Store.

If the Microsoft Store opens successfully in the new account, your original user profile is likely corrupted. You can continue using the new account or transfer your files and settings from the old profile.

If the issue persists after trying all the fixes, consider performing an in-place repair upgrade before resetting Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)