Basics

15 reasons why Microsoft Store doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

by Jonathan Dudamel
10 min read

Beginner Windows users often see the Microsoft Store fail to open, download, or update apps — usually because of connectivity, account, configuration, or system-level issues. If you’re wondering why Microsoft Store doesn’t work in Windows 10, this article explains the most common causes and gives clear, step‑by‑step fixes so you can get the Store working again.

You’ll learn 15 frequent reasons the Store fails and exact, beginner-friendly instructions (commands, menus, and tips) to resolve each one.

Contents show

Key Takeaway

Most Microsoft Store problems are caused by simple configuration, connectivity, account, or cached-data issues; run the built-in Store troubleshooter, reset the Store cache with wsreset.exe, ensure Windows is up to date, and reinstall or reset the Store app if problems persist.

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem Quick Solution
1. No or unstable internet connection Check and fix your network (restart router, run network troubleshooter).
2. Incorrect date and time Set correct Date & time or enable Set time automatically.
3. Microsoft account problems Sign out and sign back into your Microsoft account in the Store.
4. Corrupt Store cache Run wsreset.exe to clear the Store cache.
5. Outdated Windows 10 Install pending Windows updates via Windows Update.
6. Damaged Store app package Reset or reinstall the Microsoft Store app with Settings or PowerShell.
7. Required services stopped Start Windows Update, BITS, and Microsoft Store Install Service in services.msc.
8. Proxy, VPN, or firewall blocking Disable proxy/VPN and allow Store through the firewall.
9. Corrupt system files Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
10. Low disk space Free up space on the system drive (remove files or apps).
11. Wrong region or locale settings Set region to your actual country in Settings > Time & Language.
12. Pending/failed app updates Cancel and reattempt updates; reset the Store and restart PC.
13. Antivirus or security software interference Temporarily disable third‑party AV and test the Store.
14. Group Policy or parental controls Disable policies or adjust Family settings that block the Store.
15. Microsoft server outage Check Microsoft service status and wait or try later.

Detailed Fixes for “Microsoft Store doesn’t work in Windows 10”

1. No or unstable internet connection

Why it causes problems
The Microsoft Store requires a stable internet connection to list apps, download, and validate purchases. Intermittent or blocked networks prevent the Store from communicating with Microsoft servers.

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Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet and ensure you are connected.
  2. Run the built-in troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections.
  3. Try a browser to confirm internet access; if the page won’t load, restart your router/modem.
  4. On the PC run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt (search cmd, right‑click, Run as administrator):
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • netsh winsock reset
  5. Restart the PC and test the Store.

Notes: If on public Wi‑Fi, try a private network or tether to a phone to rule out Wi‑Fi restrictions.

2. Incorrect date and time

Why it causes problems
HTTPS connections and account validation depend on correct device time; incorrect clock causes certificate errors.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
  2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
  3. If necessary, click Sync now under Synchronize your clock.
  4. Restart the Store.

Tip: If syncing fails, toggle the automatic options off and on again.

3. Microsoft account problems

Why it causes problems
Store operations (purchases, downloads) require a valid Microsoft account; an authentication problem will block access.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, and choose Sign out.
  2. Close the Store, reopen it, and sign in with the correct Microsoft account.
  3. If sign-in fails, go to Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts, remove the account entry, then add it again.
  4. For account or password issues, verify via https://account.microsoft.com.

Tip: Use the same Microsoft account used for past purchases to avoid licensing issues.

4. Corrupt Store cache

Why it causes problems
The Store caches data locally; corrupted cache prevents the app from starting or loading content.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, then press Enter.
  2. A blank Command Prompt window opens; after a short wait the Store will automatically launch and the cache is cleared.
  3. If problem remains, go to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset.

Note: Resetting will remove some app data but preserves installed apps.

5. Outdated Windows 10

Why it causes problems
The Store and many apps rely on the latest system components; missing updates can create compatibility issues.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install all pending updates.
  3. Restart the PC if prompted and test the Store again.

Tip: Install optional updates and driver updates if available.

6. Damaged Store app package

Why it causes problems
The Store app itself can become corrupted — uninstalling/reinstalling or re-registering often fixes it.

Step-by-step solution (Reset first)

  1. Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Repair, test; if not fixed, click Reset.
    Alternative PowerShell reinstall
  2. Open PowerShell as administrator and run:
    • Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage
  3. Then reinstall (in PowerShell admin):
    • Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  4. Restart PC.

Warning: Removing and reinstalling system apps can have side effects; prefer reset/repair first.

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7. Required services stopped

Why it causes problems
Essential services such as Windows Update and BITS must run for Store updates and downloads.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
  2. Find these services and ensure their Startup Type and state:
    • Windows Update – Manual (Trigger Start) or Automatic; Start if stopped.
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) – Manual; Start if stopped.
    • Microsoft Store Install Service – Manual; start if stopped.
  3. Right‑click a service > Properties to change Startup type, then Start as needed.

Tip: After starting services, retry the Store.

8. Proxy, VPN, or firewall blocking

Why it causes problems
Proxy or VPN routes and firewall rules can block the Store’s outgoing connections.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Disable proxy: Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, turn off Use a proxy server.
  2. Disable VPN or disconnect from third‑party VPN client.
  3. Allow Store through firewall: Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall > Change settings and ensure Microsoft Store is checked.
  4. If using a third‑party firewall, add exceptions for the Store and related services or temporarily disable it.

Note: Re-enable security software after testing.

9. Corrupt system files

Why it causes problems
Damaged Windows files can break app frameworks Store depends on.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt (search cmd, Run as administrator).
  2. Run: sfc /scannow — wait until completion and follow instructions.
  3. If SFC reports issues it cannot fix, run:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again.
  5. Restart the PC.

Tip: These can take time; do not interrupt.

10. Low disk space

Why it causes problems
Installing or updating apps requires free space on the system drive; insufficient space causes failures.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage to view usage.
  2. Run Storage Sense or manually delete temporary files: Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
  3. Uninstall unused applications via Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  4. Consider moving large files to an external drive or cloud storage.

Note: The Store needs some buffer space beyond the app size for temporary files.

11. Wrong region or locale settings

Why it causes problems
Content availability and licensing depend on your region; incorrect locale can prevent purchases and downloads.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Settings > Time & Language > Region.
  2. Set Country or region to your current location.
  3. Also in Settings > Time & Language > Language, ensure display language matches your account preferences.
  4. Restart the Store.

12. Pending or failed app updates

Why it causes problems
Stalled updates can block other downloads and the Store UI.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Open Microsoft Store > click Library (bottom left) > under Downloads and updates, click Get updates.
  2. Cancel any stuck downloads and retry individual app updates.
  3. If stuck, reset the Store (see section 4) and restart the PC.
  4. Clear update queues by rebooting and retrying.

13. Antivirus or security software interference

Why it causes problems
Some AV products block Store processes or network calls by mistake.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus or Internet security suites.
  2. Test the Microsoft Store; if it works, add the Store and WindowsApps folder (C:\Program Files\WindowsApps) as exceptions.
  3. Re-enable AV once adjustments are made.
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Warning: Don’t leave AV disabled permanently.

14. Group Policy or parental controls

Why it causes problems
Group Policy (on Pro/Education/Enterprise) or Family Safety settings can block app store features.

Step-by-step solution

  1. For Family Safety, go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users and review restrictions for child accounts.
  2. For Group Policy (Windows Pro), open gpedit.msc and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store; ensure policies like Turn off the Store application are set to Not Configured or Disabled.
  3. If policies are managed by an organization, contact the admin.

Note: Home editions do not include gpedit; use registry only if comfortable.

15. Microsoft server outage

Why it causes problems
Sometimes the problem is on Microsoft’s side — authentication, licensing, or update servers may be down.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Check official service status: visit https://status.microsoft.com or search for “Microsoft Store outage”.
  2. Check Twitter or DownDetector for reports.
  3. If outage confirmed, wait for Microsoft to resolve it and retry later.

Tip: Outages are usually temporary but can last hours depending on the issue.

Maintenance and prevention (section utile)

  • Keep Windows and drivers updated to avoid compatibility issues: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter periodically: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps.
  • Maintain free disk space (10–15% of system drive recommended).
  • Use a stable, private network connection for downloads and updates.
  • Avoid aggressive third‑party cleaning tools that may remove Store components.

FAQ

What if Microsoft Store still won’t open after trying everything?

Try creating a new Windows user account (Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC) and test the Store there; if it works, your user profile may be corrupted.

Can I reinstall Microsoft Store without losing apps?

Resetting the Store via Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset keeps installed apps; uninstall/reinstall via PowerShell may be more disruptive, so use reset first.

How do I check if a Windows Update broke the Store?

View recent updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history; uninstall a suspect update via Uninstall updates and see if Store functionality returns.

Is there a log where I can see Store errors?

Yes — open Event Viewer (search Event Viewer) and check Windows Logs > Application and Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Store for error entries.

Should I contact Microsoft Support?

If you’ve exhausted the troubleshooting steps and the problem affects account purchases, licensing, or persists across profiles and clean boot, contact Microsoft Support or use the built‑in Get Help app.

Conclusion

Most cases of Microsoft Store doesn’t work in Windows 10 stem from connectivity, account, cache, or service/configuration issues and can be fixed with the Store troubleshooter, cache reset (wsreset.exe), Windows updates, or reinstalling the Store app. Follow the steps above in order — from quick fixes to advanced repairs — to restore Store functionality quickly.

About the author

Jonathan Dudamel

Jonathan Dudamel

I'm Jonathan Dudamel, an experienced IT specialist and network engineer passionate about all things Windows. I have deep expertise in Microsoft project management, virtualization (VMware ESXi and Hyper-V), and Microsoft’s hybrid platform. I'm also skilled with Microsoft O365, Azure ADDS, and Windows Server environments from 2003 through 2022.

My strengths include Microsoft network infrastructure, VMware platforms, CMMS, ERP systems, and server administration (2016/2022).

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