[Article] Troubleshoot Microsoft Store on a Windows 10/11 Machines

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The Microsoft Store is a crucial component of the Windows ecosystem, providing users with access to a wide range of applications, games, and other digital content. It plays a significant role in enhancing the user experience by offering a centralized platform for downloading and updating software. However, various factors such as location, language, and time settings can affect its operations. This article will guide you through troubleshooting steps to resolve issues with the Microsoft Store on Windows 10/11 machines and explain the relationship between Microsoft Security and the Microsoft Store with respect to TPM operations.

 

General Disclaimer: This article includes deep troubleshooting in Windows Environment which may include the registry troubleshooting. We request you to backup all your personal files, bookmarks, and data files on MS Outlook before we proceed with a troubleshooting described. Once the files are deleted, we would not be able to recover them afterwards. The troubleshooting described should be performed precisely, any incorrect troubleshooting step may lead to a fatal in the Windows environment.

Please refer an article mentioned below to troubleshoot Microsoft Store on Commercial Machines.

Microsoft Store Apps fail to start - Microsoft Learn

 

Significance of Microsoft Store

 

• Access to Applications: It provides a secure and reliable source for downloading applications and games.

Updates: Ensures that applications are up to date with the latest features and security patches.

Digital Content: Offers a variety of digital content, including movies, music, and e-books.

 

Impact of Location, Language, and Time Settings: Incorrect location, language, and time settings can lead to issues with the Microsoft Store, such as:

 

Inaccessibility: The store may not open or display content correctly.

Purchase Issues: Transactions may fail due to mismatched regional settings.

Update Problems: Applications may not update properly if the time settings are incorrect.

 

To ensure smooth operation, please make sure your device's location, language, and time settings are accurate and set to automatic.

 

Troubleshooting Steps Using Various Methods

 

1. Run the Troubleshooter: The built-in troubleshooter is a useful tool that can help identify and fix issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can use it:

 

 Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

 Navigate to Update & Security: In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.

Access Troubleshoot: In the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.

Find Windows Store Apps: Scroll down and find the Windows Store Apps option.

Run the Troubleshooter: Click on Windows Store Apps and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

 

This tool will automatically detect and attempt to fix any issues related to the Microsoft Store. It’s a straightforward and effective first step in resolving problems with the store.

 

2. Check Internet Connection: Ensuring a stable internet connection is crucial for the proper functioning of the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can check and troubleshoot your internet connection:

 

Ensure Your Device is Connected to the Internet:

Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network or an Ethernet cable. You can check this by looking at the network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen).

 

Restart the Router:

Sometimes, simply restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues. To do this, unplug the router from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Wait for the router to fully restart and reconnect to the internet.

 

Perform a Ping Test:

 

A Ping Test helps determine if your device can communicate with other devices on the network. Here’s how to perform a Ping test:

 

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type ‘cmd’ and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

In the Command Prompt window, type ping www.msn.com and press Enter.

The results will show if the packets are being sent and received successfully. If you see replies with times (e.g., Reply from 172.217.16.196: bytes=32 time=20ms TTL=54), your internet connection is working. If you see timeouts or errors, there may be an issue with your connection.

 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your device has a stable internet connection, which is essential for the proper functioning of the Microsoft Store. Whether you find an issue with your internet connection, you need to reach out to your Internet Service provider.

 

3. Update Location, Language, and Time Settings: Ensuring that your device's location, language, and time settings are accurate is crucial for the proper functioning of the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can update these settings:

 

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Time & Language: In the Settings window, click on Time & Language.

Update Location Settings:

In the Time & Language section, select Region from the left-hand menu.

Under Country or region, select your current location from the dropdown menu.

Update Language Settings:

In the Time & Language section, select Language from the left-hand menu.

Under Preferred languages, ensure that your preferred language is listed. If not, click on Add a language and select your preferred language from the list.

Update Time Settings:

In the Time & Language section, select Date & time from the left-hand menu.

Ensure that the Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options are turned on. If they are not, toggle them on.

If you prefer to set the time manually, turn off the Set time automatically option and click on Change under Set the date and time manually. Enter the correct date and time and click Change.

 

4. Clear Microsoft Store Cache: Clearing the Microsoft Store cache can help resolve various issues related to the store, such as problems with downloading or updating apps. Here’s how you can clear the cache:

 

Open the Run Dialog Box:

Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard simultaneously. This will open the Run dialog box.

Type the Command:

In the Run dialog box, type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

Wait for the Process to Complete:

A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after a few seconds, it will close automatically. This indicates that the cache has been cleared.

Restart the Microsoft Store:

After the Command Prompt window closes, the Microsoft Store will open automatically. You can now check if the issues you were experiencing have been resolved.

 

5. Repair or Reset Microsoft Store: Repairing or resetting the Microsoft Store can help resolve various issues related to the store, such as problems with downloading or updating apps. Here’s how you can repair or reset the Microsoft Store:

 

Open Settings:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Apps:

In the Settings window, click on Apps.

Access Apps & Features:

In the left-hand menu, select Apps & features.

Find Microsoft Store:

Scroll down and find Microsoft Store in the list of installed apps.

Choose Advanced Options:

Click on Microsoft Store and then click on the Advanced options link.

Repair or Reset the Store:

In the Advanced options window, you will see two options: Repair and Reset.

Repair: This option will attempt to fix the app without affecting its data. Click on the Repair button and follow the onscreen instructions.

Reset: This option will reset the app to its default settings, which may delete the app's data. Click on the Reset button and follow the onscreen instructions.

 

6. Disable Proxy: Disabling proxy settings can help resolve connectivity issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can disable any proxy settings:

 

Open Settings:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Network & Internet:

In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

Access Proxy Settings:

In the left-hand menu, select Proxy.

Disable Proxy Settings:

Under the Manual proxy setup section, turn off the Use a proxy server option by toggling the switch to the Off position.

 

7. Change DNS Settings: Modifying your DNS settings can help resolve connectivity issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can change your DNS settings:

 

Open Control Panel:

Click on the Start menu and type Control Panel in the search bar. Select Control Panel from the search results.

Navigate to Network and Sharing Center:

In the Control Panel window, click on Network and Sharing Center.

Access Network Adapter Settings:

In the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings in the left-hand menu.

Select Your Network Adapter:

Right-click on the network adapter you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

Modify DNS Settings:

In the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.

In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select Use the following DNS server addresses.

Enter the custom DNS configurations:

Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1

  Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
  
     Alternatively, you can use Google's DNS servers:
     
           Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
           
                 Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
                 
                 Click __**OK**__ to save the changes.
                 

Restart Your Device:

Restart your device to apply the new DNS settings.

 

8. Disable IPv6: Disabling IPv6 can help resolve connectivity issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can disable IPv6:

 

Open Control Panel:

Click on the Start menu and type Control Panel in the search bar. Select Control Panel from the search results.

Navigate to Network and Sharing Center:

In the Control Panel window, click on Network and Sharing Center.

Access Network Adapter Settings:

In the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings in the left-hand menu.

Select Your Network Adapter:

Right-click on the network adapter you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6):

In the Properties window, scroll down and find Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

Click OK to save the changes.

 

9. Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP: Enabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP can help resolve network-related issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP:

 

Open Control Panel:

Click on the Start menu and type Control Panel in the search bar. Select Control Panel from the search results.

Navigate to Network and Sharing Center:

In the Control Panel window, click on Network and Sharing Center.

Access Network Adapter Settings:

In the Network and Sharing Center, click on Change adapter settings in the left-hand menu.

Select Your Network Adapter:

Right-click on the network adapter you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.

Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4):

In the Properties window, scroll down and find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select it and click on Properties.

Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP:

In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, click on the Advanced button.

In the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window, go to the WINS tab.

Under NetBIOS setting, select Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

Click OK to save the changes.

 

10. Update Microsoft Store: Ensuring that the Microsoft Store is updated to the latest version can help resolve various issues related to the store, such as problems with downloading or updating apps. Here’s how you can update the Microsoft Store:

 

Open Microsoft Store:

Click on the Start menu and type Microsoft Store in the search bar. Select Microsoft Store from the search results.

Check for Updates:

In the Microsoft Store, click on the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner to open the menu.

Select Downloads and updates from the menu.

Get Updates:

In the Downloads and updates section, click on the Get updates button. This will check for any available updates for the Microsoft Store and other installed apps.

If there are updates available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Restart the Microsoft Store:

After the updates are installed, restart the Microsoft Store to ensure that the changes take effect.

 

11. Uninstall or Reinstall Microsoft Store: Using elevated PowerShell to uninstall or reinstall the Microsoft Store can help resolve various issues related to the store. Here’s how you can do it:

 

Open PowerShell as an Administrator:

Click on the Start menu and type PowerShell in the search bar.

Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results and select Run as administrator. This will open an elevated PowerShell window.

Uninstall Microsoft Store:

In the elevated PowerShell window, type the following command to uninstall the Microsoft Store:

Get-AppxPackage -alluser WindowsStore | Remove-Appxpackage

Press Enter to execute the command. This will remove the Microsoft Store from your device.

Reinstall Microsoft Store:

To reinstall the Microsoft Store, type the following command in the elevated PowerShell window:

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

Press Enter to execute the command. This will reinstall the Microsoft Store on your device.

 

12. Perform Windows Updates: Ensuring that your Windows operating system is up to date is crucial for the proper functioning of the Microsoft Store and other applications. Here’s how you can perform Windows updates:

 

Open Settings:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Update & Security:

In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.

Check for Updates:

In the Update & Security section, select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.

Click on the Check for updates button. Windows will now check for any available updates.

Install Updates:

If updates are found, they will be listed. Click on the Install now button to download and install the updates.

Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Restart Your Device:

After the updates are installed, you may be prompted to restart your device. Click on the Restart now button to restart your device and apply the updates.

 

13. Restart Services: Restarting essential services like BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service), Cryptographic Services, Windows Update, and Windows Installer can help resolve various issues related to the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can restart these services:

 

Open Services:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services window.

Restart BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service):

In the Services window, scroll down and find Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Right-click on it and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.

Restart Cryptographic Services:

In the Services window, scroll down and find Cryptographic Services.

Right-click on it and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.

Restart Windows Update:

In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Update.

Right-click on it and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.

Restart Windows Installer:

In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Installer.

Right-click on it and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.

 

14. Reset TPM: Resetting the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can help resolve various security-related issues and ensure the integrity of the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can reset TPM:

 

Open TPM Management Console:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type tpm.msc and press Enter. This will open the TPM Management Console.

Reset TPM:

In the TPM Management Console, click on Action in the menu bar.

Select Reset TPM from the dropdown menu.

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the reset process. You may be prompted to restart your device.

Reset TPM through Windows Security:

Open Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Update & Security and select Windows Security from the left-hand menu.

Click on Device security and then select Security processor details under the Security processor section.

Click on Security processor troubleshooting and then select Clear TPM. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Reset TPM through BIOS:

Restart your device and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (such as F2, F10, Delete, or Esc) during the boot process. The key may vary depending on your device manufacturer.

In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Security or Advanced tab.

Look for an option related to TPM (such as TPM Configuration or Security Chip).

Select the option to Clear or Reset the TPM. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

 

15. Uninstall Antivirus and Disable VPN: Temporarily uninstalling antivirus software and disabling VPN can help resolve connectivity issues with the Microsoft Store. Here’s how you can do it:

 

Uninstall Antivirus Software:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Apps: In the Settings window, click on Apps.

Access Apps & Features: In the left-hand menu, select Apps & features.

Find Your Antivirus Software: Scroll down and find your antivirus software in the list of installed apps.

Uninstall: Click on your antivirus software and then click on the Uninstall button. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Disable VPN:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Network & Internet: In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

Access VPN Settings: In the left-hand menu, select VPN.

Disable VPN: Find your VPN connection and click on it. Then click on the Disconnect button to disable the VPN.

 

16. Change Group Policy: Changing the Group Policy settings can help resolve issues with the Microsoft Store by ensuring that the policy 'Turn Off Store Application' is set to Not Configured or Disabled. Here’s how you can do it:

 

Open Group Policy Editor:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type ‘gpedit.msc’ and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.

Navigate to the Store Policy:

In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Store

Check the Policy Setting:

In the Store folder, find the policy named Turn Off Store Application.

Double-click on the policy to open its settings.

Set the Policy to Not Configured or Disabled:

In the policy settings window, ensure that the policy is set to Not Configured or Disabled.

Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

 

17. Modify Local Security Policy: Modifying the Local Security Policy can help resolve issues with the Microsoft Store by ensuring that the appropriate rules are set for the application. Here’s how you can do it:

 

Open Local Security Policy:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type secpol.msc and press Enter. This will open the Local Security Policy window.

Navigate to Application Control Policies:

In the Local Security Policy window, expand Application Control Policies in the left-hand menu.

Click on AppLocker to expand its options.

Access Package App Rules:

Under AppLocker, click on Package App Rules.

Modify Rules for Microsoft.WindowsStore:

Look for any rules related to Microsoft.WindowsStore.

Right-click on the rule and select Delete to remove it. Alternatively, you can double-click on the rule, check Allow and click OK to enable it.

 

18. Modify Software Restriction Policies: Modifying the Software Restriction Policies can help resolve issues with the Microsoft Store by ensuring that any restrictions on the store are removed. Here’s how you can do it:

 

Open Local Security Policy:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type secpol.msc and press Enter. This will open the Local Security Policy window.

Navigate to Software Restriction Policies:

In the Local Security Policy window, expand Software Restriction Policies in the left-hand menu.

If no policies are defined, you may need to create a new policy by right-clicking on Software Restriction Policies and selecting New Software Restriction Policies.

Access Additional Rules:

Under Software Restriction Policies, click on Additional Rules.

Look for Microsoft.WindowsStore or %programfiles%\WindowsApp\Microsoft.WindowsStore:

In the Additional Rules section, look for any rules related to Microsoft.WindowsStore or %programfiles%\WindowsApp\Microsoft.WindowsStore.

Delete the Rule:

Right-click on the rule and select Delete to remove it. This will ensure that there are no restrictions preventing the Microsoft Store from functioning properly.

 

19. Perform an In-place/Repair Upgrade: An In-place or Repair upgrade can help resolve various issues with the Microsoft Store by reinstalling the Windows operating system without affecting your personal files, settings, and installed applications. Here’s how you can perform an in-place/repair upgrade:

 

Download the Windows Installation Media:

Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10/11 Installation Media Creation Tool. This tool will help you create installation media for Windows 10/11.

Run the Installation Media Creation Tool:

Open the downloaded tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Follow the onscreen instructions to create the installation media.

Start the Upgrade Process:

Insert the installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) into your device.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the installation media. Double-click on setup.exe to start the upgrade process.

Choose Upgrade Options:

When prompted, select Upgrade this PC now. This option will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files, settings, and installed applications intact.

Follow Onscreen Instructions:

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the upgrade process. Your device will restart several times during the process.

Complete the Upgrade:

Once the upgrade is complete, your device will boot into the newly installed Windows operating system. Check if the issues with the Microsoft Store have been resolved.

 

Relationship Between Microsoft Security and Microsoft Store with TPM Operations

 

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware-based security feature that enhances the security of your device. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the Microsoft Store by:

 

Data Encryption: TPM provides hardware-based encryption to protect sensitive data.

Secure Boot: Ensures that the device boots using only trusted software.

Software Integrity: TPM helps in verifying the integrity of the software installed from the Microsoft Store.

 

Precautions for Healthy Microsoft Store Operations

 

To maintain a healthy Microsoft Store, follow these precautions:

 

Regular Updates: Keep your Windows operating system and Microsoft Store updated.

Accurate Settings: Ensure your location, language, and time settings are correct.

Security Software: Use reliable antivirus software and keep it updated.

Backup Data: Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of issues.

 

By following these troubleshooting steps and precautions, you can ensure smooth and secure operations of the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10/11 machines.

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If you find it hard to perform above mentioned troubleshooting and need assistance, please refer a link mentioned below. We have not mentioned a process of Clean Installation above, we recommend you, to contact Microsoft Support before performing such operation.

Contact Us - Microsoft Support

This article was published on Monday, October 14th, 2024, 1245 Indian Standard Time.