microsoft store will not open

Question

Microsoft store will not open, I was upgraded to windows 11 in early march, now when I need to use Microsoft store when I click it just a gray screen comes up, when I look in installed apps it is not showing, it was suggested (by someone here I think) to do settings-system recovery-fix problems with windows updates-reinstall now, it did not just came back with error encountered, try again, contact support "this may help (0x80245006) and I have not been able to access any help

I have done all the suggestions by MS AI, still have not found a way to contact an actual person, or just chat with a real person, beyond frustrating

Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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Error 0x80245006 usually indicates that Windows is unable to connect to Microsoft servers or that the update files are corrupted.

To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

• Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? If yes, which one?
• Do you have any VPN software installed? (Even if it's not running at the moment) If yes, which one?

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Also. What is the current "OS Build" of your Windows 11?

• Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

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Looking forward to your reply.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order on Windows 11 to fix Microsoft Store not opening and showing only a gray screen:

1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
   • Press Windows logo key + R to open Run.
   • Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   • A blank Command Prompt window opens; after about 10 seconds it closes and Microsoft Store should open automatically.
2. Make sure Windows is fully updated
   • Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
   • If updates are available, select Install now and restart if required.
3. Check time, date, and region
   • Incorrect time/region can prevent Store from working.
   • Use the Check for Language/Region link from the Store troubleshooting page if needed.
4. Confirm Microsoft Store is present and pinned
   • Select Start, then type Microsoft Store.
   • If it appears in results, select it.
   • Right‑click it and choose Pin to Start so it is easier to find later.
   • If it does not appear in search, make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account, not a local account, because the Store app may not be available with a local account.
5. Repair or reset Microsoft Store and Store apps
   • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • If Microsoft Store appears there, select it > Advanced options.
   • Use Repair first; if that does not help, use Reset.
   • For other Store apps that fail, use the same Repair or Reset options.
6. Reinstall apps from Microsoft Store
   • Open Microsoft Store (once it launches correctly).
   • Select Library.
   • Find the apps needed and select Install to reinstall them.
7. If Microsoft Store still will not launch
   • Use the dedicated article Microsoft Store doesn't open and follow its steps (reset cache, update Windows, check time/location).
   • If the Store app still cannot be found in search and you are on a work device, the Store may have been disabled by an administrator; contact the device admin.

To reach a live Microsoft support agent from Windows 11:

1. Open the Get Help app
   • Select Start, type Get Help, and open it.
2. In Get Help
   • Type Chat with an agent and press Enter.
   • Select Contact support at the bottom.
   • Choose the product (for example, Windows or Microsoft Store).
   • Follow the prompts to connect to a live chat agent or choose Call me back and provide contact details.

This path connects directly to a human support agent for further troubleshooting if the steps above do not resolve the issue.

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References:

• Microsoft Store doesn't open
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Can't find Microsoft Store app
• How to open Microsoft Store on Windows
• How do I get a live person at Microsoft.? - Microsoft Q&A
• I need to talk to someone!! - Microsoft Q&A