Microsoft Store is the built-in app store for Windows 10 and 11. If it is not working properly, you can reinstall Microsoft Store on your computer with just a few clicks.
As you’d assume, the Microsoft Store makes it easy to search, install, update, manage, and uninstall apps on Windows. All it takes is a single click to install, update, or uninstall. You don’t have to go through third-party installers, updaters, or uninstallers. Most of all, Microsoft Store can automatically update all your apps in the background—no need to do it yourself manually.
To put it simply, Microsoft Store streamlines the entire app installation experience. Though it doesn’t have a lot of apps compared to other app stores, it is still growing. To get you started, I’ve already listed a few best Microsoft Store apps you should try on your Windows computer. Do check out the list.
If you are facing problems with Microsoft Store, reinstalling it is the easiest way to fix it. In this article, I will show you two ways to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows. Follow either of the methods, and it will be done in a jiffy.
Table of contents:
- How to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows
- Reasons for reinstalling Microsoft Store
- Common errors while reinstalling Microsoft Store
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
How to Reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows
There are two ways to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows; I will show both of them. The first one is via the Settings app. The method is beginner friendly and can be done with just a few clicks. The second method requires you to execute a simple one-line PowerShell command. This method is useful if you cannot use the first method or to create custom scripts, or for power users who don’t mind using PowerShell commands.
1.1 Reinstall Windows Store App from Settings App
Microsoft Store is just like any other app on your computer. That means you can reinstall or reset Microsoft Store from the Settings app. The best thing about this method is that you don’t have to mess with the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Moreover, you can reinstall almost any Store app using this method.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to the Apps and then to the Installed Apps page.
- Find the Microsoft Store app.
- Click on the menu icon.
- Select the Advanced options option.
- Press the Reset button.
- Click the Reset button again.
- Close the Settings app.
- Optionally, reboot your computer.
- With that, you’ve reinstalled Microsoft Store on Windows.
First, open the Settings app on your Windows computer. You can do that by pressing the keyboard shortcut Start key + I. Alternatively, you can also open the Settings app by searching for it in the Start Menu or clicking on the “Settings” button in the Quick Settings panel.
Once the Settings app opens, click “Apps” on the sidebar and go to the “Installed Apps” page. Windows 10 users navigate to the “Apps -> Apps & features” page. Here, find the Microsoft Store app, click on the Menu icon (…), and select the Advanced Options option.
Windows 10 users should click on the Microsoft Store entry and then click on the “Advanced Options” link.
The above action will open the Advanced Options page of the Microsoft Store app. Here, scroll down the page and click on the “Reset” button.
The settings page will show a confirmation prompt. Click on the “Reset” button again.
As soon as you click on the reset button, Windows will try to reinstall the store app. It might take a few seconds to complete the process. Once the Microsoft Store is successfully reinstalled, you will see a small checkmark next to the “Reset” button.
1.2 PowerShell command to reinstall Microsoft Store
If, for some reason, the above method did not work for you or if you just want to mess with the command line, you can easily reinstall the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell. All you have to do is execute a single line of command.
Here’s the PowerShell command to reinstall Microsoft Store:
- Right-click on the Start icon on the taskbar.
- Select Terminal (Admin) from the Win + X menu.
- Run the below command in the PowerShell tab in Terminal.
- Close the Terminal window.
- With that, you’ve reinstalled Microsoft Store using PowerShell.
You need administrative privileges to reinstall or reset the store app using PowerShell. So, right-click on the Start icon on the Taskbar and select the “Terminal (Admin)” option. Windows 10 users can search for “PowerShell” in the start menu, right-click on it and select the “Run as Administrator” option.
In the Terminal/PowerShell window, paste the below command and press the Enter key on your keyboard to execute it.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
As soon as you execute the command, PowerShell will initiate the process and reinstalls the Microsoft Store app within a few seconds.
That’s it. You are done reinstalling the store app on Windows.
Command Explanation:
For those who are interested, here is a quick explanation of what the command you just executed is doing.
We are first getting the Microsoft Store package using the Get-AppxPackage applet. Then we are passing it to Add-AppxPackage, which in turn reinstalls the Microsoft store app on your Windows computer for all users. It is that simple.
1.3 Video Guide on Reinstalling Microsoft Store
I made a small YouTube video of the entire process of reinstalling the Microsoft Store on Windows. The guide shows the steps in Windows 10 but will also work in Windows 11.
Reasons for Reinstalling Microsoft Store
There are several reasons why you might want to reset or reinstall the Store in Windows 10 or 11. Here are a few common reasons that you might encounter in your daily usage.
- Microsoft Store is not opening or responding: One of the most common reasons why you might want to reinstall the Microsoft Store is that the app is not opening or responding. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the Store to download and manage your apps.
- Missing or corrupted files: Sometimes, Microsoft Store may be missing certain files or have corrupted files that prevent it from working properly. Reinstalling the app can help replace these files and get the app up and running again.
- Update issues: If you’re having trouble updating apps through Microsoft Store, it might be worth reinstalling the app. This can help fix any issues with the update process and ensure that you have access to the latest versions of your favorite apps.
- Uninstallation: In some cases, users might have accidentally uninstalled Microsoft Store or other built-in Windows apps. Reinstalling the app can help restore it to its default state and ensure that you have access to all its features and functionality.
- Malware or virus infections: If your computer has been infected with malware or viruses, it’s possible that Microsoft Store might be affected as well. Reinstalling the app can help remove any malicious code and ensure that your computer is clean and secure.
Common Errors While Reinstalling Microsoft Store
The methods shown above should work for most people, and the Microsoft store will be reinstalled. However, some might receive errors like the one shown below.
Add-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CF6, Package could not be registered. error 0x80070057: While processing the request, the system failed to register the windows.applyDataExtension extension.
Package could not be registered. Merge Failure : error 0x80070003 : Cannot register the Microsoft.WindowsStore_2015.23.23.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe package because there was a merge failure.
Error 0x80070057: Cannot register the request because the following error was encountered during the registration of the windows.applyDataExtension extension: The parameter is incorrect.
An internal error occurred with error 0x80070002.
In these errors, you have to create a new user account and migrate to it. This is because the Store file might be corrupted and cannot be reset for the current user account. When you create a new user account, Windows installs all the applications from scratch for that new user account; this includes the Microsoft Store app.
Unless you’ve installed user-specific applications, migrating to a new user account on your Windows computer shouldn’t be that much of a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Microsoft Store and its reinstallation process:
You can reset the Microsoft Store app from the Settings app. Open the Settings app with Windows key + I shortcut, go to the Apps and then the Installed Apps page, click on the Microsoft Store option, and then click on the Reset button twice.
No, reinstalling Microsoft Store will not delete your apps. Your installed apps and their data will remain intact.
No, Microsoft Store is only available on Windows 10, so you cannot reinstall it on Windows 7 or 8.
If you uninstall Microsoft Store, you won’t be able to download or update apps from the Store. However, you can still install and update apps using other methods, such as the web or using a third-party app installer.
No, you need administrator privileges on your computer to reinstall Microsoft Store.
While reinstalling Microsoft Store can help fix many issues, it may not fix all issues. If you’re still experiencing problems after reinstalling the app, you may need to try additional troubleshooting steps or seek help from Microsoft support.
No, you cannot reinstall Microsoft Store using Command Prompt. However, you can use PowerShell to reinstall the app.
Reinstalling Microsoft Store on Windows — Conclusion
As you can see, the entire process of reinstalling the Store app on Windows 10 and 11 is pretty easy. You can either use the Settings app or the PowerShell command. The setting app method works for almost all users. If not, you can try and follow the PowerShell command method. This method is useful if you want to be a bit more forceful or create a custom script.
No matter which method you choose, the Microsoft Store will be reinstalled immediately.
—
That is all. It is that simple to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
Below are some other helpful articles to fix different issues in Windows 10 & 11.
So simple… eh? Only neither method works!
1) there is no store to reset
2) no packages found, so nothing installed…
Same
I’ve just tested the same command and it worked for me.
I tried both methods. Neither worked. Now what?
I could not get it work until I used Windows PowerShell ISE instead of Windows PowerShell. My system had both options with the “ISE” listed second. When I right-clicked on Windows PowerShell ISE and selected ‘Run as Administrator’, waited on it to open and load, pasted the command line at the prompt, it immediately started to execute and my Windows Store App was back. Thanks for your help and I hope this tip helps someone else.
Thank you for your comment as I had to do the same and it worked.
I also tried both methods neither worked nor did the ISE from above. Now what?
1. Install TakeOwnership tool
3. Navigate to: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps
4. Right-click on the ‘WindowsApps’ folder and click on ‘Take Ownership’ in the context menu
(This will give you permission to access the WindowsApps folder)
5. Now open the ‘WindowsApps’ folder and find a folder named ‘Microsoft.WindowsStore_11909.1001.7.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe’ and open it
(your folder name may be slightly different)
6. Find the file named ‘AppxManifest.xml’ and right click and copy this file
7. Go to ‘My Computer’ or ‘This PC’ and go to your Local Disk (C:)
8. Paste the ‘AppxManifest.xml’ file directly in your (C:) directory
9. Open and run ‘Command Prompt’ as an ‘Administrator’.
10. Copy and paste the command: PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
11. Copy and paste the command:
$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + '\AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest
12. Close command prompt and open the Run command by pressing ‘Windows Key + R’ and type in WSReset.exe and hit enter
13. Wait for the WSReset command to close and restart your PC.
14. Welcome back to the Windows Store!! 🙂
Guide created by: Luke Jordan.
Note: comment edited by admin to replace the unverified link with the WL post link.
Amazing! Thank you!!!
Add-AppPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CF9, Installation unsuccessful. Turn to software developer (or something similar)
. (A kivétel HRESULT-értéke: 0x80073CF9)
Rejecting a request to register from AppxManifest.xml because the manifest is not in the package root.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] 4e1e46d3-2889-0001-6478-1e4e8928d701 in the Event Log or use th
e command line Get-AppPackageLog -ActivityID 4e1e46d3-2889-0001-6478-1e4e8928d701
At line:1 char:1
+ Add-AppPackage -Register $manifest
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : WriteError: (C:\Program File…ppxManifest.xml:String) [Add-AppxPackage], IOException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.AddAppxPackageCommand
Actually its a question , l would kindly like to ask why are you fazing out windows phone’ apps after the 31 December ???
Thank you, worked fine here.
I have tried this method and i got below message.
Get-AppxPackage : Access is denied.
Access is denied.
At line:1 char:1
+ Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxP …
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : NotSpecified: (:) [Get-AppxPackage], UnauthorizedAccessException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : System.UnauthorizedAccessException,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.GetA
ppxPackageCommand
what are the other option i have? i have uninstalled it already.
Thanks mate. Step 2 powershell command did it for me.
1. My problems began when I couldn’t install the Halo Master Chief pack. The issue pointed to lack of disc space, so I needed to install it on the D: drive instead.
2. Only this wasn’t possible because it couldn’t move all the apps.
3. So I gained control over the windowsapps folder by using the Ubuntu Live DVD and then I had control.
4. Only now Windows store is broken.
5. I tried adding “A” appmanifest file I found to the root of C: but this did not help.
6. I’m now getting this error:
PS C:\Windows\system32> $manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘\AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest
Add-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CF9, Install failed. Please contact your software vendor.
(Exception from HRESULT: 0x80073CF9)
Rejecting a request to register from AppxManifest.xml because the manifest is not in the package root.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] f03bb4bc-28a6-0006-5ac0-3bf0a628d701 in the Event Log or use
the command line Get-AppPackageLog -ActivityID f03bb4bc-28a6-0006-5ac0-3bf0a628d701
At line:1 char:94
+ … fest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manife …
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : WriteError: (C:\AppxManifest.xml:String) [Add-AppxPackage], IOException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.AddAppxPackageCommand
7. Loading the command in the above error provides this:
AppX Deployment operation failed for package with error 0x80070057. The specific error text for this failure is: Rejecting a request to register from AppxManifest.xml because the manifest is not in the package root.
I added it to C: so I don’t get that. How do I know which AppManifest to use and where to get it from?
By default, the AppManifest file will be located at the root of the store app folder (C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_12011.1001.1.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe). The command given in the article automatically gets the root folder location using the Get-AppxPackage cmdlet.
If the command cannot find the manifest file, it might be missing or corrupted. In that case, you have to create a new user account and move to it. If that doesn’t work, you might have to reinstall the OS or restore the system to a known good condition using checkpoints or backups.