Microsoft Store Apps not uninstalling correctly and still showing in the start menu

Question

My problem is two parts.

1. If I right click a Microsoft Store app in the start menu and click "Uninstall" nothing happens. They only way I can uninstall them is through "Add/Remove Programs" or using Appx in PowerShell.
2. Once I do get the program removed, it no longer shows up in Add/Remove programs, and the Microsoft Store does not show it as installed, but it still shows up in the Windows start menu. Clicking it just opens the "Library" page in Microsoft Store.

This appears to be happening with all of my Microsoft Store apps. Any suggestion on how to fix this?

I have already tried the following:

• Restarting computer
• Re-Installing and then Un-installing app again
• Running wsreset
• Running sfc /scannow
• Running DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Running troubleshooter for Windows Store Apps (it did not find any problems)

If I create a new user account they do not show up. But obviously moving my current user account to a new one is a far from ideal solution.

My Windows version is 21H1 Build 19044.1387. The problem was occurring on Windows version is 21H1, I tried updating to 21H2 but that did not change anything.

UPDATE: I also just discovered that if I install an app that is not already in the start menu, it adds the icon to the start menu but clicking it does not open the app (it just opens the Microsoft Store) and uninstalling the new apps removes it from the start menu but does not uninstall it.

Answer 1

Hello MM7890,

Thank you for updating me with that information. I apologize that this did not resolve the issue.

Please try this.

Login to the new user account

Open File explorer then Under View > Show hidden items

Navigate to this folder

C:\Users<username of the main account>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Search_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings

Delete all files inside

Once deleted, Restart your computer then login to your main account.

If this does not work, please do the same in the following paths below

C:\Users<username of the main account>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings

C:\Users<username of the main account>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\Settings

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

Answer 2

Removing the files from the first settings folder you mention solved the problem.

Thanks for you help,

Answer 3

Thanks for your quick reply,

Brink's tutorial does not apply to my issue. His tutorial is for adding/removing items to regular programs in the start menu. My problem is with Windows Store apps, shortcuts for those apps do not exist in the location mentioned in his tutorial and can only be removed by uninstalling the app. The problems is when I uninstall them the items do not get removed from the menu.

Answer 4

Hello MM7890,

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 check and try Shawn Brink's tutorial guide below on How to Add or Remove Items in All apps in Windows 10 Start menu.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/10529-add-r...

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

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

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