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How do I restore Microsoft Store/WindowsApps?

Anonymous
2023-07-29T23:04:30+00:00

Upon installing "Minecraft: Java and Bedrock Edition for PC" from the Microsoft Store, all of my apps including the store, have become unusable.

Before this I had a number of apps which I previously installed from the app store with no problems:

  • MyPhone
  • Spotify
  • NVIDIA Control Panel
  • Photos
  • Office
  • etc.

Today I installed Minecraft and started it for the first time, it would perpetually load after clicking Microsoft Login. Other users online stated that logging back into the Microsoft Store and repairing the app from there would fix the issue. However, after the Minecraft app was installed I could no longer open the Microsoft Store app.

After investigating this next issue, I ensured that Windows had been updated to the newest version, I restarted my computer, and I attempted to reset and repair the Microsoft Store app from "Apps & Features" to no avail.

Trying to open the Minecraft Launcher or Minecraft: Java Edition from the Start Menu says: Check the Windows Store for more info about (app name).

Trying to open any other app from the Start Menu causes the tile to quickly go dark and a white bar appears at the bottom before returning to normal, but nothing opens, nor is there an error window/prompt.

Trying to open NVIDIA Control Panel from the bottom right icon tray produces an error saying: "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps(exe location) The parameter is incorrect."

Checking the directory outlined by the error shows that the entire file and its sub-files have seemingly been deleted. My recycling bin is not empty and the files are not in there. I was able to confirm immediately after installing Minecraft, that "WindowsApps" still existed as I was attempting to find the .exe for Minecraft. It seems that the file was deleted after updating and restarting Windows. I have also noticed that there's a new file in my C: drive titled XboxGames with two sub-files: "Minecraft- Java Edition" and "Minecraft Launcher".

I cannot reinstall the Microsoft Store from browser or without reinstalling Windows it would seem. I know that there's a PowerShell command for reinstalling/repairing the Microsoft Store, but I'm unable to find it and I do not I know if it would work in this situation. I do not possess any restoration media in order to return to a previous install. Either I find a fix or I attempt to repair Windows from the installation media as my last resort. Please let me know if there's any additional information needed. Any help restoring my apps/store would be appreciated.

Pertinent computer info:

Device name Denver

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7700HQ CPU @ 2.80GHz 2.80 GHz

Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable)

Device ID 66049179-4A7A-4D43-979A-587995C5B0C7

Product ID 00325-96108-90623-AAOEM

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Edition Windows 10 Home

Version 22H2

Installed on ‎6/‎7/‎2023

OS build 19045.3271

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19041.1000.0

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Microsoft Store

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  1. John DeV 162.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-07-30T05:37:24+00:00

    If resetting your computer did not work, you may need to consider performing a Clean Installation of Windows 10.

    Download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows 10". Instructions inside the link.

    Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

    Please try checking the link below for more details.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create...

    Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

    Kindly refer to the link below on how to perform a Clean Installation of Windows by Greg Carmack.

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

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-07-30T05:20:27+00:00

    **Uninstall the Microsoft Store app:

    Done.

    **Uninstall the Xbox app

    Done.

    I downloaded the Xbox installer from the link you sent (https://aka.ms/XboxInstaller). This is what happened:

    1. Accept the Terms and Conditions. Begin installer.
    2. Installer bar smoothly loads from start to finish, takes about 30 seconds. Installer window reads: "Installation is done. Time to play!"
    3. Upon pressing the green button that says, "LET'S GO", a black window opens momentarily before closing. A second one opens and immediately closes.
    4. Xbox Installer window now reads: "Looks like something went wrong. We encountered a problem. (0x80040904)"
    5. After resetting my computer, there is no visible prompt to reinstall the Microsoft Store. Checking the C: drive, WindowsApps still does not exist.

    Inspecting a little further, both the Xbox Networking and Live Auth Manager services are running. Checking Xbox Networking in system settings shows 86ms ping (yikes), but 0% packet loss, positive server connectivity and no issues with Teredo. I've also taken the liberty of going to the Xbox App within Apps & Features to reset and repair it. Attempting to open the Xbox App produces two black windows with a white Xbox emblem in the center which both quickly close, one after the other.

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  3. John DeV 162.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-07-30T01:29:06+00:00

    Please try this if it helps.

    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.

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-07-30T01:01:50+00:00

    Hey John, thank you for your suggestions. These were the outcomes:

    **Reset the Microsoft Store cache
    The prompt ran like you said, but the Microsoft Store did not open after the prompt ran its course.

    **Check the Microsoft Store Install Service
    The service was already running. I restarted it without any issues. No change.

    **Reset the Microsoft Store app in Windows 10

    I conducted the procedures and restarted. No change.

    **Reinstall the Microsoft Store app

    I copy-pasted the command into an Admin PowerShell window and restarted. Still no response when I click the Microsoft Store tile in my Start Menu.

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  5. John DeV 162.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-07-29T23:35:41+00:00

    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.

    If you have a third-party VPN or Antivirus installed, please try to temporarily uninstall it then check if the issue persists.

    Please try changing your Region to United States if it helps.

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

    **Reset the Microsoft Store cache

    Press the Windows Logo Key + R to open the Run dialog box,

    type wsreset.exe - i

    and then select OK.

    Note:

    A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after about ten seconds the window will close and Microsoft Store will open automatically.

    **Check the Microsoft Store Install Service

    Press the Windows Key + S and type in services.msc.

    Find the Microsoft Store Install Service and double click, If the status is Running, right click it then select Restart

    If disabled, change it to Automatic, click Start and click OK.

    **Reset the Microsoft Store app in Windows 10

    Press Start then search Apps and Features

    Find Microsoft Store in the list

    Click it then select Advanced options

    Select Reset then restart your computer

    **Reinstall the Microsoft Store app

    Press Windows key + X

    Click and Run Windows PowerShell (Admin)

    Copy and paste the command below then hit Enter:

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

    Restart your computer

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

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