Note: the process is sometimes different between Windows 10 and 11, and – where relevant – we include the instructions for both platforms.
Why Is Microsoft Store Not Working?
The following are the main reasons you would find it difficult to work with Microsoft Store.
Network connection blocked by Error code 0x80131500 Incorrect syncing of Microsoft Store time with system time Not “owning” WindowsApps folder as a user Full or damaged Windows Store cache A mismatch between proxy server/VPN IP address and system IP address Untraceable Store problems that won’t go away without reinstallation Pending Windows 11/10 updates Unreliable Internet access.
Getting a blue screen error can be a real drag. Learn how to fix the “Unexpected Store Exception” issue in Windows.
How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Working
Before getting to the proper fixes, there’s a small checklist of things you should confirm:
Windows has no pending updates UAC (User Account Control) is enabled Your video card/GPU drivers are up to date
If these are all in place but Windows Store still isn’t working, proceed with the following fixes.
1. Change Your DNS Address
One of the more common error messages that may crop up when your Windows Store isn’t working is the “0x80131500” error. This can happen if your PC is connecting to the Internet through certain DNS servers, which are automatically assigned by your ISP and/or home networking setup.
Change DNS on Windows 11
You can also try using Google’s public DNS server that has the following IP addresses:
8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
Change DNS on Windows 10
The instructions are much the same for Windows 11, except enter the address 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 in the “Preferred DNS” box.
2. Change the Computer’s Time
One of the more effective yet somewhat strange methods of solving Windows Store crashes is making sure your computer’s clock is accurate. When Windows Store boots up, it tries to get a sync between the store’s time and your own. If the two times are different, the store will sometimes refuse to load. It’s very frustrating but also very easy to fix.
3. Set Yourself as Owner of the WindowsApps Folder
Sometimes the problem lies in the fact that you don’t “own” the WindowsApps file on your computer. It may seem a little odd, but sometimes files are modified to not allow you access to them despite being on your machine and associated with your account. Telling the computer to give you total control over the WindowsApps folder will sometimes allow the store to do its job properly. You will need to perform many security-based actions on the WindowsApps folder. Thankfully, we’ve already published a guide with step-by-step details on how to access your WindowsApps folder, so check it out.
4. Clear the Windows Store Cache
The simplest fix is to reset the Windows Store cache, which may have become cluttered and buggy over time. To do this, hit Win + R, then type wsreset in the Run box and hit Enter. A Command Prompt window should show up, indicating that Windows is resetting the store cache. When the window closes, the job is done, so you can try opening the store again to see if it works properly.
5. Reinstall the Microsoft Store
It may seem radical, but sometimes the best way to fix the problems with Windows Store is to reinstall it. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as just going to your “Apps and Features” list. You’ll need to uninstall the Windows Store through Powershell. Did you know that there’s such a thing as decentralized VPNs? Learn what they can offer compared to normal VPNs.
6. Disable Proxy Servers/VPNs
If you have a proxy server (or VPN for that matter) enabled, then it could be sending your Microsoft Store out of whack, as your PC’s IP address doesn’t correspond with the details on your Windows account. So first, if you have a VPN enabled, switch it off. VPNs usually come with client applications that have a simple on/off switch. Proxy connections, on the other hand, are a bit more sneaky, and you may not even know if you have one switched on.
7. Reset Microsoft Store
As of the Windows 11 22H2 version update, you have the option to reset Windows apps, which will clear their cache and data, essentially making them like new. It’s a little more drastic than the “WS Reset” option, as this will clear all your preferences, login details, settings, and so on. (Don’t worry, you’ll still keep the apps you installed from the Microsoft Store.)
8. Reregister the Windows Store App
Another form of resetting the Windows Store app is to get it to reregister on your PC.
9. Use Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Microsoft recommends using troubleshooters for all untraceable problems in the operating system. You can use a specific troubleshooter in Windows 11 called “Windows Store Apps.”
10. Troubleshoot Your Internet Access
Is your Wi-Fi connection down? Sometimes when we are facing network downtime or slower speeds, it can affect our experience with Microsoft Store (though you can still access its apps on a browser). Resolving Internet problems will put you back on track with the apps inside the Store.
11. Update Windows 11/10 to Its Latest Version
If you haven’t updated your Windows 11/10 operating system in a long time, there might be a few Microsoft Store updates that are pending action from you. Finish them to enjoy a smooth run with installed apps.
Bonus Tip: For Games, Use the Xbox App Instead
Microsoft made a welcome move in the gaming scene by introducing a new game-oriented store and subscription service to PC. The new Xbox app lets you buy and run the same games you’d previously run through the Windows store but with the added perks of friend lists and other gamer-focused features. You can start the Xbox app with a simple Windows search. The Xbox app feels much better to use for gaming, and the optional Xbox Game Pass is easily one of the best value deals in PC gaming, giving you access to a huge rotating library of PC games for a low monthly price. We get the feeling that Microsoft is hoping to move gamers who buy games from their store over to Xbox, so if you’re having problems with Microsoft Store and mainly play games through it, you may as well make the jump rather than stay on what increasingly looks like a sinking ship. Have an Xbox at home? Check out the best accessories that will take your gaming experience to the next level. All screenshots by Sayak Boral. Much of this concerns the store’s stringent need for UWP apps rather than Win32-built ones. UWP apps require whole new expertise from developers, and most companies just aren’t willing to do it properly given how unpopular the Microsoft Store is. But you really don’t have to use Microsoft Store for most things. Most Microsoft Store UWP apps will also be available to download from the Web, while any games you get from the Microsoft Store can be played through the Xbox app instead. There are a few apps you’ll only find on there, like the Xbox Accessories app, but they are few and far between.
