error in updating to 8.1 and lacking packages to install apps and lagging when trying to enter microsoft store

Question

my laptop is outdated its windows 8 and i tried downloading it but failed and store fails to open every time i want to enter it.Chat gpt recomended updating but it fails every time when its complete help !

Answer 1

Hi john paul,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A!

I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, Windows 8 systems that can’t reach the Store or upgrade to 8.1 are a valid end‑of‑life scenario, sometimes expected on unpatched systems.

Please note that Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are no longer supported. The Microsoft Store and upgrade packages depend on specific Windows updates, which are missing from your system due to its out‑of‑support status. Your options at this point are very limited:

1 - Fully update Windows 8 first

• This, unfortunately, only works if Update still functions.
• You can still check Control Panel > Windows Update
• Install all Important and Recommended updates
• Restart and repeat until no updates remain.

2 - Clean install newer Windows version

• Download Windows 8.1 .iso > create a bootable USB
• Boot it to your PC and install fresh. This means:
  • All your data will be wiped (back up first)
  • Applications and programs must be reinstalled
• Another option is Windows 10, since your hardware might support it.

Disclaimer: Microsoft no longer provides Installation Image for both versions (8.1 and 10) so you would need to rely on third-party sources. Thoroughly research before you decide to download anything. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for what you receive from the third-party sites or any support related to technology.

Currently, Windows 11 is the only officially available ISO, but it’s unlikely to be supported on your hardware. You can still check whether your device meets the Windows 11 system requirements - Microsoft Support. If it's suitable, consider the option.

Overall, your issue is caused by missing Windows 8 updates, which the Store and the 8.1 version upgrade depend on. At this point, clean install is the best course of action. It will clear your system but will get your PC back on track again.

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Answer 2

For a Windows 8 PC that cannot upgrade properly to 8.1 and where the Store will not open or install apps, the supported fixes in the context are Windows updates that repair known Store and app issues. The practical path is:

1. Fully update Windows 8 first

• Run Windows Update repeatedly until there are no more important or recommended updates left.
• This is required because several Store and app fixes are delivered as update rollups and depend on earlier updates.

2. Install the Windows 8.1 upgrade and related reliability updates

• For systems upgrading via the Store, Microsoft provides updates that improve the upgrade and Store experience:
  • Install update 2880312, which “will improve the user experience when you upgrade to the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 8.1 when it is released. After the update is applied, download failures and installation issues will be reduced when you upgrade through the Windows Store.” This is obtained through Windows Update.
• After the upgrade to Windows 8.1 completes, install the additional rollups and fixes that address Store and app problems:
  • Install update rollup 2887595 for Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2. This specifically fixes the 0x80240017 error when installing Windows Store apps and missing packages that prevent app installation.

3. Fix Store not opening or apps crashing on Windows 8.1 Once on Windows 8.1, if the Store still will not open or apps crash:

• Install the update that fixes “Can’t open Windows Store applications in Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2.”
  • This update is available as a Recommended update through Windows Update.
  • Alternatively, for Windows 8.1 x86/x64, download the package from the Microsoft Download Center as listed in the article.
  • Prerequisite: the April 2014 update rollup 2919355 must already be installed.
• Install the update that fixes Windows Store app instability in Windows 8.1 Preview (2866537) if the system was on the Preview path.
• Install the update that fixes Windows Store apps crashing in Windows 8.1 / Windows RT 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2 via Windows Update.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store cache (after you are on 8.1) If the Store opens but cannot find or install apps correctly:

• Press Windows key + R.
• Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
• A blank command prompt opens, then closes after a few seconds, and the Store reopens.
• Try installing or updating apps again.

If, after applying all Windows Updates (including 2880312, 2887595, 2919355 and the Store/app fixes) the upgrade to 8.1 still fails or the Store still will not open, an in-place repair or clean installation of a supported Windows version would be required, but that procedure is not covered in the provided context.

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References:

• Update improves Windows 8.1 upgrade experience
• "0x80240017" error when you try to install a Windows Store app in Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2
• Can't open Windows Store applications in Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows Store app instability after an app update in Windows 8.1 Preview
• Windows Store apps may crash in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1
• I can't find or install an app from Microsoft Store