Microsoft Store

One of the best things about Windows 10 is the Microsoft Store which can be used to download apps, games, music, movies, TV shows and books. Users can download apps and games without the fear of any malware. But what if the Microsoft Store stops working or goes missing from Windows 10. The users are left with no option but to download from 3rd party websites. But this would make the PC  susceptible to virus and malware attacks.

Microsoft Store app missing in Windows 10

This is exactly what happened to several users after updating Windows. This happens because after updating Windows, some files regarding the Store gets corrupted. So without further ado, let’s get to the various steps to bring back the Microsoft Store.

Solution 1

Use Windows Store Troubleshooter

  1. If you don’t have the Windows Store App Troubleshooter then click here to download it.
  2. Install and Run the Troubleshooter by double-clicking the downloaded file. Windos Store Apps Troubleshooter
  3. Click on the Advanced option and make sure the Checkmark is present on the “Apply Repair Automatically” option.
  4. Now, Run the Troubleshooter and let it fix.
  5. Then you should go to the Windows Search bar and type in “Troubleshooting”. Then click on the Troubleshooting option.
  6. Select View all from the left window.
  7. Then a list of all the programs will show up. From there select Windows Store Apps.
  8. Now, just follow the instructions and let the Troubleshooter do its job;
  9. Restart the PC and then try to install the apps from the Windows Store.

Solution 2

Create a New User Account in Windows

  1. Open Settings from the app list or by pressing the Windows Key and I together. From the Settings open Accounts. Windows Settings
  2. From Accounts, you can find an option called Family and Other People from the left side. At the bottom, there is an option to Add someone else to this PC. Click it.Family and others
  3. At the bottom of this window, there is an option called I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. Click it. I don't have this person's sign in info
  4. From the new window that opens, there is an option to Add a user without a Microsoft account at the bottom. Click it Add a user without a Microsoft account
  5. The next thing to do is to type in a new username and password of your choice and then click Next.                create an account for this PC

Sign in using this account and then check whether your Microsoft Store is working or not. [f it works then there was some problem with your old account. Transfer your files from the old account to the new account and delete the old account.

Solution 3

Reset the Windows Store Cache

This is a simple method.

  1. Open the Run option by Windows by pressing the Windows key + R and type “wsreset.exe”. Now press Enter. Run option
  2. After pressing enter, the command will run and will reset the cache in the Windows Store.
  3. Restart the PC. Then check if the Microsoft Store can be used or not.

Solution 4

Run DISM command

  1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows K + X. Click Command Prompt(Admin)

2. Type in the following commands in the Command Prompt and press enter after each command.

  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Run the DISM command. If the above command doesn’t work on your device, use this alternative command.

  • Dism /Image:C:\offline /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:c:\test\mount\windows
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:c:\test\mount\windows /LimitAccess

Restart your PC to save the changes and check if the Microsoft Store issue is fixed or not.

Solution 5

Register once again on the Windows Store

  1. Type Powershell on the Windows Search.Right-click and select Run as administrator.        powershell
  2. Type in the following command in the Powershell
  3. Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  4. Restart your PC after this process ends.

Solution 6

Run System Restore command

  1. Open Run option by pressing Windows Key + R and type in ”sysdm.cpl”. Press Enter.
  2. From the window, select System Protection and click System Restore.
  3. Click Next and choose your required System Restore Point.
  4. Follow the instructions shown and this will complete the process
  5. Finally, the system restarts and the Microsoft Store will be fixed.

Solution 7

Manually Repair Windows Store

  1. First, download this ZIP file by clicking here.
  2. Paste this zip file in C:\Users\Your_Username\Desktop and replace Your_Username with your actual account username.
  3. From the Windows search type Powershell. Right-click and select Run as administrator
  4. Now, type the following commands and hit Enter after each command.
  5. Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted (press Y and Enter if the program asks you to change the execution policy)cd C:\Users\Your_Username\Desktop (change Your_Username to your actual username).\reinstall-preinstalledApps.ps1 *Microsoft.WindowsStore* 
  6. Now reset the Windows Store Cache.
  7. Now type this command into PowerShell and press Enter:Set-ExecutionPolicy AllSigned
  8. Restart your PC.

About The Author

Abhijith M B

Abhijith was a former contributing editor for Windows Latest. At Windows Latest, he has written on numerous topics, ranging from Windows to Microsoft Edge. Abhijith holds a degree in Bachelor's of Technology, with a strong focus on Electronics and Communications Engineering. His passion for Windows is evident in his journalism journey, including his articles that decoded complex PowerShell scripts.