Microsoft Store failing to load or opening incorrectly can be quite frustrating. In Windows 11, this is a common issue experienced by users. Here is a detailed guide covering all possible solutions to resolve this issue effectively.
Quick Checklist Before Proceeding:
- Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated.
- Verify internet connectivity (switch between networks if possible).
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or third-party firewall software, as they might sometimes block the Microsoft Store.
- Restart your PC once before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Detailed Troubleshooting
✔️ Method 1: Reset or Repair Microsoft Store App
Resetting or repairing the app generally fixes most issues.
- Press
Windows key + Ito open Settings. - Choose Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll down or use the search bar to locate Microsoft Store.
- Click the three dots (
⋯) next to it and choose "Advanced options". - Scroll down to find the options Repair and Reset:
- First, select Repair → this doesn’t delete app data.
- Check if issue persists; if yes, click Reset → (this removes app data and logs you out).
IMPORTANT: Resetting removes your log-in data and settings but usually solves the problem.
✔️ Method 2: Run the Built-in Microsoft Store Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters specifically for Microsoft Store apps, solving random issues automatically.
- Open Settings by pressing
Windows key + I. - Click System, then choose Troubleshoot.
- Select the option Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps → Click Run button to run diagnostics automatically.
- Follow instructions displayed on the screen and apply recommendations.
✔️ Method 3: Check and Update Date, Time, and Region
Incorrect date/time settings or region settings will frequently cause Microsoft Store connection errors.
- Right-click your Date and Time on the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
- Toggle on options:
- Set time automatically
- Set time zone automatically
- Next, open Settings → Time & language → Region.
- Ensure the proper region and country is selected.
✔️ Method 4: Clear Microsoft Store Cache
Corrupted cache files can cause problems. Here’s how to reset it:
- Press the shortcut keys
Windows key + R, opening the Run dialog. - Type
wsreset.exeand press Enter. - Wait for a Command Prompt window to appear and the cache reset operation to complete.
- Microsoft Store will automatically open after cache clearing completes.
✔️ Method 5: Re-register / Reinstall Microsoft Store via PowerShell
Corrupt installation files can prevent Microsoft Store from loading properly.
- Search PowerShell in the Start menu.
- Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
-
Paste the following command and press Enter:
powershell
Get-AppXPackage WindowsStore -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} - Wait for the procedure to finish, then restart your device.
✔️ Method 6: Check Windows Update & Install Latest Updates
Microsoft regularly publishes updates for Windows 11 which fix known issues.
- Press
Windows key + Ito open Settings. - Click on Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install any available updates. Restart your computer if asked.
✔️ Method 7: Modify DNS Settings
Sometimes DNS-related connectivity issues might cause Microsoft Store to become unreachable.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → click Advanced network settings.
- Select Network adapter options under "More Settings".
- Right-click on your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) → Select Properties.
- Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Check "Use the following DNS server addresses" option and use the following values:
- Preferred DNS Server:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS Server:
8.8.4.4(Google DNS servers)
- Preferred DNS Server:
- Click OK to confirm.
✔️ Method 8: Verify Microsoft Account Login
Make sure your Microsoft account is correctly signed in and authenticated.
- Open the Settings app, then click Accounts.
- Check your account details under Your info.
- Ensure the account you use with Microsoft Store is an active Microsoft account.
- Try logging out and logging back in within Microsoft Store directly.
✔️ Method 9: SFC and DISM scan (System file scan & repairs)
System file corruption can block the functionality of built-in apps including Microsoft Store.
- Type
cmdin the Start menu, then choose Run as administrator. -
Run the System File Checker:
cmd
sfc /scannow -
After it finishes, perform a DISM scan:
cmd
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your PC afterward to apply changes.
✔️ Method 10: Check Storage Space Available
Lack of disc space could cause Microsoft Store download and loading issues.
- Open File Explorer → Check the available disk space on your installation drive (generally C:).
- Ensure at least 5 GB free is available.
✔️ Method 11: Perform System Restore (if recent issue)
If the issue started happening recently after a certain update or software installation, restoring your system can be a useful approach.
- Type
Recoveryin the Windows search bar. - Select Recovery → System Restore.
- Follow the wizard to select a restore point made before problems arise, and proceed with the restore.
Final Steps:
After each method, restart your computer and test the Microsoft Store app. Often, rebooting your computer after applying the fixes ensures effective troubleshooting.
⚠️ If your issue still persists after trying everything above:
- Contact Microsoft Support via the official website.
- Check the Microsoft Community Forum to see if others are facing similar issues and if solutions are available.
▶️ Conclusion:
Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is typically robust, but occasional glitches occur. Hopefully, one of the aforementioned solutions helps you resolve the issue. Always ensure your system remains up to date to minimize future instances of such issues.
Good luck and happy troubleshooting!
