Microsoft Store doesn't open (same as Windows apps as Xbox)

Question

Hi! Not sure after which event started but Microsoft Store doesn't open. I have reviewed some steps online and I have checked I'm up to date in patches and I have tried to run wsreset.exe but I'm getting an error that the deployment operation was blocked and the something about a Special Profile.
Could you please suggest more things to try?

Answer 1

Hi Wadih Saad,

I’m sorry you’re running into trouble with multiple apps, from Microsoft Store to Xbox. The messages you saw usually mean Windows thinks you are signed into an unusual profile, and Store app deployment is blocked in that state. Here’s what you should try next:

1 - Check whether this is happening only in your current Windows account

• Open Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account
• Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information
• Then Add a user without a Microsoft account
• After creating it > Change account type > set it to Administrator
• Sign out, sign in to that new account, and test Microsoft Store there
• If it opens in the new account, your original profile is corrupted
• In that case, the quickest path is to migrate to the new profile.

2 - Check whether Windows loaded you into a temporary profile

• Press Win + R > type sysdm.cpl > press Enter
• Go to Advanced > User Profiles > Settings
• See whether your profile looks unusual / duplicated
• Also press Win + S > search and open Event Viewer:
  • Check Windows Logs > Application > Applications and Services Logs
  • Microsoft > Windows > AppXDeployment-Server > Operational
  • Share the screenshot here if you’re unsure (hide personal info)

3 - If you use a work/school managed PC

• Check whether Allow deployment operations in special profiles policy is involved.
• If the device is managed by an organization, you would need the admin to review that policy.

If you want, please tell me whether Microsoft Store opens in a newly created local admin account. That will tell us very quickly whether this is a profile issue or a system-wide app deployment issue.

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Answer 2

Try these steps in order, focusing on Windows 11 and Microsoft Store not opening:

1. Run wsreset correctly
   • Press Windows key + R.
   • Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   • A blank Command Prompt should open and close after about 10 seconds, then Microsoft Store should open automatically.
   • If the “deployment operation was blocked” error is tied to a special profile (for example, a temporary or system profile), switch to a normal user profile and run wsreset.exe there.
2. Make sure Windows is fully updated
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • Install all available updates and restart the PC.
3. Check time and location settings
   • Ensure date, time, time zone, and region are correct.
   • Use automatic time and time zone if possible.
4. Repair or reset Microsoft Store
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Microsoft Store, select the three dots, then Advanced options.
   • First choose Repair and test.
   • If it still doesn’t open, choose Reset (this clears Store data but not installed apps themselves) and test again.
5. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter (Windows 10 note, but applicable pattern)
   • Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot (or the troubleshooters section for the OS version).
   • Select Windows Store Apps and then Run the troubleshooter.
6. If other Store apps (like Xbox) also fail to start
   • This can be caused by modified registry or file permissions.
   • Registry and file system permissions must be reverted to a state that allows Microsoft Store apps to function. Only change permissions on keys/folders known to be incorrect, and be cautious: incorrect changes can cause serious problems and can’t easily be rolled back except by reinstalling Windows.
   • If Group Policy was used to change permissions, move the device to a test OU or unjoin from the domain so policies stop reapplying, then correct permissions as per the guidance and update the Group Policy so it no longer breaks modern apps.

If, after these steps, Microsoft Store and Windows apps still do not open and permissions have been heavily customized, the supported remediation path may require restoring default permissions via reformatting and reinstalling the OS.

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References:

• Microsoft Store doesn't open
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Microsoft Store Apps fail to start if default registry or file permissions modified