Microsoft Store / Minecraft Launcher sign-in shows error 0x800704CF on Windows 11

Question

Hello, I’m having trouble signing into apps on Windows 11. When I try to open the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft Launcher, it shows “You’ll need internet for this” with error code 0x800704CF, even though the PC is connected to the internet and browser logins work fine.

I’ve tried:

Resetting Microsoft Store

Network resets (winsock, IP reset)

Repairing services

Reinstalling apps

Nothing seems to fix the issue.

Does anyone know common causes for this error in Windows 11, or steps I can take to troubleshoot it? Any advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for your reply.Download the Windows 11 ISO file using the Media Creation Tool from the link below:

https://www.microsoft.com/zh-cn/software-download/windows11

Once the download is complete, right‑click the ISO file and select “Mount.”

Open This PC, go to the newly mounted virtual drive, and double‑click setup.exe to begin.

When the installation window appears, click Next. When prompted to “Get updates,” it is recommended to choose “Not right now.”

At the “Choose what to keep” step, make sure to select “Keep personal files and apps.”

Click Install to start the repair installation.

Answer 2

Hello,

This might be a network issue. Please go to Settings >> Network & Internet >> Advanced network settings >> Network reset, and select "Reset now".

Then restart your computer to see if that resolves the problem.

If the problem persists, we suggest switching to a different network, such as using a mobile hotspot.

Answer 3

Error 0x800704CF in Microsoft Store and Minecraft Launcher typically indicates that apps cannot reach required Microsoft services, even though general internet access works. On Windows 11, common causes are:

1. Microsoft Store or its services blocked by policy or misconfiguration
2. Required Microsoft Store/Windows Update endpoints blocked by firewall/proxy
3. Microsoft Store being disabled by Group Policy or CSP
4. Corrupted Store cache or app registration (partially addressed by what was already tried)

Based on the available guidance, use these targeted checks and steps:

1. Confirm Microsoft Store can launch and isn’t disabled by policy
   • Open Microsoft Store directly from Start.
   • If a message appears indicating Microsoft Store is blocked or disabled, an admin policy such as RemoveWindowsStore may be in effect.
   • In managed/enterprise environments, contact the administrator to verify that policies or CSPs are not disabling Microsoft Store for the device or user.
2. Verify Microsoft Store isn’t blocked from downloading updates
   • Even if the app opens, firewall or proxy rules can block Store traffic.
   • Ensure that required Windows and Microsoft Store endpoints are not blocked by:
     • Local firewall rules
     • Third‑party security software
     • Network proxy or filtering devices
   • For admins, review the endpoint requirements in Manage connection endpoints for Windows 11 Enterprise and the guidance under Issues related to HTTP/Proxy to confirm Store and Windows Update endpoints are reachable.
3. Reset the Microsoft Store cache again (to ensure a clean state)
   • Press Windows key + R.
   • Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   • A blank Command Prompt opens and closes after a few seconds, then Microsoft Store should open automatically.
   • Try signing in again in Microsoft Store and then in Minecraft Launcher.
4. Check Microsoft Store Install Service
   • Press Windows key + S, type services.msc, and open Services.
   • Locate Microsoft Store Install Service.
   • If Status is Running, right‑click and select Restart.
   • If it is Disabled or Stopped:
     • Double‑click it, set Startup type to Automatic.
     • Select Start, then OK.
   • Retry Microsoft Store and Minecraft Launcher sign‑in.
5. Use winget to validate Store connectivity
   • Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
   • Run:

          winget search Microsoft
     

   • If this fails or hangs, it further confirms Store/Store‑backed services are being blocked at network or policy level.
6. Check for Windows and Store updates
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
   • Open Microsoft Store, select Library > Get updates, and install all app/Store updates.
7. If in S mode, confirm app compatibility
   • On Windows 11 in S mode, only Microsoft Store apps are allowed, and some developer tools or apps with known issues may not work.
   • If Minecraft Launcher or related components are not fully supported in S mode, switching out of S mode may be required (note: switching out is one‑way and cannot be undone).

If, after these steps, Store and winget still cannot communicate while browsers work, the most likely remaining causes are:

• A network‑level block on Microsoft Store/Windows Update endpoints
• An organization policy disabling or restricting Store

In those cases, resolution requires adjusting firewall/proxy rules or Group Policy/CSP settings by an administrator.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft Store app download failures
• Microsoft Store doesn't open
• I can't find or install an app from Microsoft Store
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Modern, Inbox, and Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooting guidance
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ
• Microsoft Store not working – unable to download or update any apps - Microsoft Q&A