Microsoft Store initialise failed cannot open

I encountered this on a few occasions on windows 10,

In my case I looked at event viewer: Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Store > Operational, and saw some error with Source Store-SDK, event ID 2, Task Category StorefrontClient. It says TaskScheduler.UnobservedTaskException: "Error for <some https://storeedge.microsoft.com URL>"

Exception Details: WinStore.Network.TransportException

I think I was able to access that URL last time I encountered the issue, but seems like you just get 403 now. But anyway, I recalled that settings in Internet Options weirdly affects many internet accessing components in Windows even though internet explorer is long deprecated. And indeed, the Use TLS 1.1 1.2 1.3 options are all unchecked under Advanced tab under Security.

I think SSL 3.0 TLS1.0 TLS1.1 are all vulnerable and deprecated. So just uncheck those and check TLS1.2, and windows store does indeed start working.

Not sure if it's some sus software that's changing the settings, i got a virus, or windows update somehow flipped those settings.

Summary:

If you are seeing some error in event viewer under Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Store > Operational that says Exception Details: WinStore.Network.TransportException

Search for and open Internet Options. That should open a window called Internet Properties.

Go to Advanced tab. You should see Use TLS 1.2 is not checked, under the Security heading.

Check Use TLS 1.2 and uncheck Use SSL 3.0, Use TLS 1.0, Use TLS 1.1 (those are no longer secure)

Windows store should start working

Hi, good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

Please let me know if you have tried the methods below.

• Please try changing your Region to United States
• Please make sure to uninstall the Microsoft Store and Xbox app first.

Uninstall the Microsoft Store app:

Press Windows key + X

Click and Run Windows PowerShell as Administrator. Copy and paste the command below then press Enter.

get-appxpackage WindowsStore | remove-appxpackage

Uninstall the Xbox app

Open Settings then select Apps

Under Apps and Features, find Xbox app

Click it then Uninstall

Once the two apps are uninstalled, install the Xbox app from the link below

https://aka.ms/XboxInstaller

Restart your computer then open the Xbox app

This will prompt to install the Microsoft Store app

Please check if the issue persists.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed.

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

It sounds like your Microsoft Store is acting up after a recent Windows 11 update, showing an "initialize failed" error. This is a common issue that updates can sometimes cause, but there are several effective ways to troubleshoot it.

Let's go through some steps to get your Microsoft Store working again:

1. Basic Troubleshooting - Start Simple!

Restart Your PC: This is always the first step for any Windows issue after an update. A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches.

Check Date and Time Settings: Incorrect system time or time zone can sometimes interfere with the Store's connection to Microsoft servers.

Right-click the Start button and go to Settings.

Select Time & language > Date & time.

Ensure "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are both toggled On.

Restart your computer and try the Store again.

Check Your Internet Connection: While it might seem obvious, ensure you have a stable internet connection. The Store needs to connect to Microsoft's servers.

2. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted cache files are a frequent cause of Store issues.

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.

Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

A blank Command Prompt window will appear for a few moments. Do not close it. It will automatically close and the Microsoft Store should open once the cache is reset.

3. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App

Windows 11 has built-in options to repair or reset apps.

Right-click the Start button and go to Settings.

Select Apps > Installed apps.

Scroll down or use the search bar to find Microsoft Store.

Click the three dots (...) next to "Microsoft Store" and select Advanced options.

Under the "Reset" section:

First, try clicking Repair. This attempts to fix minor issues without deleting data.

If Repair doesn't work, click Reset. This will clear the app's data and effectively reinstall it, which can often resolve more stubborn problems.

4. Re-register the Microsoft Store App (PowerShell)

If the above steps don't work, re-registering the app using PowerShell can resolve deeper corruption.

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

Code snippet

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

You might see some red text (errors) during this process; often, these can be ignored.

Close PowerShell and restart your computer. Then try opening the Store again.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

Corrupted system files can affect various Windows components, including the Store.

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

First, run the System File Checker:

Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete (it can take some time).

Once SFC is done, run the DISM commands:

Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter.

Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.

Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. (This command can also take a while and requires an internet connection).

After all commands have finished, restart your PC and check the Store.

6. Check Important Services

Ensure that the services essential for the Microsoft Store are running.

Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Check the status of the following services. Make sure they are set to "Automatic" and are "Running":

Windows Update

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Microsoft Store Install Service

Cryptographic Services

If any are not running or not set to Automatic, double-click on them, change "Startup type" to "Automatic," click "Start" if the service isn't running, and then click "OK."

7. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/VPN

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software or VPNs can interfere with the Microsoft Store's connection. Temporarily disable them and then try opening the Store. If it works, you may need to add an exception for the Microsoft Store in your security software or VPN settings.

8. Create a New User Account

In rare cases, your current user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new local user account and checking if the Store works there can help diagnose if the issue is profile-specific.

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."

Create a new local account, then sign in to it and test the Store.

Hopefully, one of these steps will resolve the "initialize failed" error for your Microsoft Store! Please let me know which steps you've tried and what happens.