Microsoft Store missing from Windows 10, can't restore, can't install apps

Hey GG. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

I'm sorry you went through all that without resolving your issues which should be fixable since fixes for the Store and Photos app work here every day. The ClipSvc adds a bit of a twist but it is also a fixable issue that's trending right now so let's start with that.

1. First try these fixes for ClipSvc in Windows 10:

https://windowsfreeapps.com/fix-clipsvc-client-...

https://thegeekpage.com/enable-clipsvc/

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-enable-cl...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LViKS9fG1GY

2. I'll give you everything possible that works to fix the Store, based on helping to fix it daily for years here. Even if you've tried a step, please do it over in this sequence, as one or more steps will always work, and hopefully you won't need to do more than a few:

a) Try updating Store apps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-bil...

Check also the Windows 10 Version number at Settings > System > About. If less than 1909 skip to Step 11 to upgrade to the latest by the most stable method.

b) Right click on the time and date in the far right corner of the taskbar. Choose Adjust Date and time settings, at the top make sure the time is correct. If it’s wrong, manually adjust it and make sure the sliders for Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are set to on.

c) Re-register the Store app from Option 2 here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

d) Type Services in Search box, run Services app as Administrator, open Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Stop both.

Press “Windows (flag) key + R,” copy and paste C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ press the Enter button.

This folder has all the files related to Windows updates.

Open the “Download” folder, select and delete all the files.

Restart Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services in Services app by opening both and choosing Start.

e) Try running the Windows Store apps Troubleshooter in Windows Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > All Troubleshooters.

f) Type CMD in Search box, Run CMD as administrator, type WSReset.exe and hit Enter. Or in the Search type wsreset.exe select Run as administrator.

7. If that fails to fix the problem go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features to highlight Microsoft Store, choose Advanced Options, then Reset. After it resets, restart PC.

g) If that fails then try everything here:

https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/restore-wind...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If that doesn't fix it then try the Marked Answer here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

And if that fails install the Add Store (first in list) download from here:

https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore

or skip to Step 11 below to reinstall WIndows including the Store while keeping your apps, files and most settings in place..

g) Clear the LocalCache Folder: Open Run by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey.

Copy and paste %localappdata% in Run and click OK.

Open Packages> Microsoft.WindowsStore\_8wekyb3d8bbwe > LocalCache folder.

Press the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all content within the LocalCache folder.

Press the Delete button.

h) Type services.msc in Search box, choose Run as Administrator, from Services tab ensure that Microsoft Store Install Service is started and set to Manual, if not restart PC.

Alternative methods to work through the above steps here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1fux9Q9O4

i) Next do everything in Step 10 of this checklist:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

j) Try these fixes for Store missing:

https://wethegeek.com/microsoft-store-missing-i...

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-windows-store-missi...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-store-ap...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-microsoft-store-m...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGb9TtN5ShI

3. I'll give you all fixes for the Photos app so something will work. Even if you've tried a step please do it over in order as one always works:

https://windows101tricks.com/windows-10-photo-a...

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-windows-photos-app-...

https://www.maketecheasier.com/photos-app-not-w...

https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-reinstall-th...

https://windowsreport.com/photos-app-problems-w... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Reset and Repair Photos app at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Photos app > Advanced Options. Your pictures will be safe in the User Pictures folder.

If that doesn't help try re-registering the Photos app from Option Two here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

And if that fails then uninstall the App in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart PC, reinstall from Microsoft Store app > Hub (three dots at top right) > My Library

4. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

5. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page. Everything else depends on this.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hey! Can you tell me if it is the latest version of Windows 10 or LTSB/LTSC (or something like that)? The second version of Windows 10 I mentioned is an older one, without bloatware, including Microsoft Store. If you tried everything that John said, try this:

https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore (For LTSC)

https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSB-Add-MicrosoftStore (For LTSB)!! Pay attention to the version !!

If you can do a screenshot of your Windows Version that would be awesome:
Do Win + R on your keyboard and type "winver". Screenshot that and send it to us!

If you want to try installing the Microsoft Store using the links I provided, scroll down for instructions or search on Google for a YouTube video.

Hello Greengecko,

Thank you for updating me that information and I understand. Since this is an open forum, let's see if other community members have any ideas.

Stay safe and have a great weekend.

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

I have completed a full reinstall of Windows 10 with the full reset option (full disk wipe), and the problem persists -- cannot run Microsoft Store or Microsoft Photos. One of the persistent issues seems to the the ClipSVC service being stopped, and it can't be started manually. It requires a registry fix import before it can even be started, and then it only seems to help Photos run, but not Store.

At this point I'm just going to leave it and live without those two features until some new fix comes out.

Hello Greengecko,

Thank you for updating me with that information. Please try if you can "Reset your PC" with "Remove everything" option first.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rec...

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor