How to Restore Microsoft Store and Essential Windows Apps

A Guide to Restoring the Microsoft Store

We’ve all been there – tinkering with Windows settings trying to eke out a little more performance, only to break something fundamental. For many Windows users, issues uninstalling the Microsoft store top the list of headaches. But don’t panic! While the problem can feel daunting, restoring access to the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 is totally doable with a few simple tricks.

Figure Out Why the Microsoft Store Disappeared

Before attempting to restore the Microsoft Store app, first take a moment to understand what caused it to vanish in the first place. Some common culprits include:

• Using debloating or decrapifying tools that are overly aggressive.
• Tampering with services and background processes related to Windows updates.
• Uninstalling cache and data folders associated with the Store.
• Corrupted system files from incomplete Windows updates.

Pinpointing the cause will help you avoid similar issues down the road. Now let’s look at your options for revival.

How to reset Microsoft Store Windows 10?

When it comes down to resetting the Microsoft Store, you only need to fire up the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I. From there, click on Apps > Apps & Features, then scroll down until you come across Microsoft Store in the list. Click on the three-dotted button, then select Advanced Options.

How do I Reset my Windows Store cache?

Reset the Microsoft Store cache: Press the Windows Logo Key + R to open the Run dialog box, type wsreset.exe , and then select OK. Note: A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after about ten seconds the window will close and Microsoft Store will open automatically. Make sure Windows has the latest update.

Attempt the Built-In Troubleshooter

Windows includes a troubleshooting tool specifically designed to detect and repair Microsoft Store problems, including missing or corrupted files. It’s always worth a shot before pulling out the big guns.

Here’s how to run it:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security >Troubleshoot.
2. Select “Windows Store apps” from the list.
3. Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the prompts.

If you’re lucky, this automated process will identify and correct the problem for you.

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes clearing the Store’s locally cached files is all you need to get back up and running. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Run command by pressing Windows Key + R.
2. Type “wsreset.exe” and hit Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt will open briefly before the Store launches.

This resets the Microsoft Store’s application data, often resolving minor corruptions.

Completely Uninstall and Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If you need more aggressive action, completely removing the Microsoft Store and reinstalling a fresh copy is an option.

To uninstall:

How to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11?

Here is how to reinstall Store and other apps on Windows 10/11. Step 1: On Windows 10/11, navigate to Settings app > Apps > Apps & features. Step 2: If you are on Windows 10, locate the Microsoft Store entry and click on it to reveal the Advanced options link. Click the Advanced options link.

How do I access Microsoft Store on Windows 10?

Step 1: Ensure that the Store app is closed. If open, please close it before proceeding further. Step 2: Open the Windows 10/11 Settings app. In Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & features page. In Windows 11, jump to Apps > Installed apps page. Step 3: Here, look for the Microsoft Store entry.

How do I Reset my Microsoft Store cache?

Reset the Microsoft Store cache: Press the Windows Logo Key + R to open the Run dialog box, type wsreset.exe , and then select OK. Note: A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after about ten seconds the window will close and Microsoft Store will open automatically. Make sure Windows has the latest update.

1. Open an elevated PowerShell prompt.
2. Run the command:Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Then to reinstall:

1. Reboot your PC.
2. Reopen an elevated PowerShell prompt.
3. Run:Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This completely resets the Store’s core files, while retaining your preferences and downloaded apps.

Repair Corrupted System Files

Sometimes the Microsoft Store relies on damaged Windows system files. Running the System File Checker can scan for and replace these corrupted files.

To run it:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Typesfc /scannowand hit Enter.
3. Let the scan run to completion and restart your PC.

This repairs crucial operating system files that may resolve Microsoft Store functionality.

Create a New User Account

If all else fails, creating a new user profile often clears up stubborn Microsoft Store issues.

Here’s how to set up a new account:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Accounts >Family & other users.
2. Under “Other users” select “Add someone else to this PC.”
3. Click “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” and proceed to create the new local account.

Log into the fresh account and test if the Microsoft Store now works properly. If so, the problem lies within your original user profile and you can choose to migrate over.

How do I Reset my Windows 10 app?

Follow these steps to reset the app via Settings. Press Win + I to open Settings. In the right pane, click on Apps & Features. You can scroll through the app list or use the search bar to locate the Microsoft Store app. Then, click the Three-dots menu next to Microsoft Store and select Advanced options. Scroll down to the Reset section.

What happens if I Reset my Windows Store?

All the cache files in Windows Store will be cleared if you perform a reset or the cache files of Windows Store. To answer your question, it will permanently delete the app’s data on your device including your sign-in details. Go to Settings > System > Apps & features > Click Store > Advanced options > Reset.

How do I reinstall a Windows 10 app?

If you’ve removed a Windows 10 app you purchased or downloaded from the Microsoft Store and you need to run it again, reinstalling the app is easy. You can install the app on other PCs you sign into with the same Microsoft account, too. Here’s how. First, open the Microsoft Store.

What if Windows Store cache is damaged?

Windows 10’s Microsoft Store offers a convenient place to grab and automatically update apps, but it also tends to go wrong. If your store is throwing up “ Windows Store cache may be damaged” errors in the troubleshooter, you’ll need to perform a Microsoft Store reset or clear the Windows Store cache to resume. What is the Windows Store cache?

Refresh Your Windows Installation

As a last resort, you can reset Windows, removing all apps and settings but retaining your personal files.

1. Go to Settings >Update & Security >Recovery.
2. Under “Reset this PC” select “Get started.”
3. Choose “Keep my files” to refresh Windows while preserving your data.

This will reinstall a clean working version of the Microsoft Store and other Windows apps. Just make sure to backup your files first!

Enjoy Your Restored Microsoft Store!

While a missing Microsoft Store can be alarming, usually it can be fixed with a few simple steps. Just run through these solutions systematically until you get your Store functionality back. And remember to avoid aggressive debloating tools in the future that can occasionally wreak havoc.

We hope these tips allow you to once again access the apps and games you enjoy on the Microsoft Store platform. Let us know if you have any other issues getting your Windows system back on track!

References

1. https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/reinstall-microsoft-store/
2. https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-reinstall-microsoft-store-in-windows/

How do I reinstall Microsoft Store?

Another way to reinstall the Microsoft Store is to remove it via Windows PowerShell, but add the program back using the latest application package files from the Microsoft servers. However, the only way to generate the download links is through a third-party download portal.

Can the Microsoft Store app be reset or repaired?

If you have issues with the Microsoft Store app, you can consider repairing or resetting it. Yes, the Store app in Windows 10/11 can be reset or repaired with ease. This guide shows you how to reset or repair the Store app in Windows 10/11. NOTE: You might have to sign in to the Store app all over again after the reset job.