How to Properly Reset and Re-Register Microsoft Store on Windows 11/10 — Step-by-Step Guide (Using wsreset, PowerShell, Services & More)

If you’re experiencing problems with the Microsoft Store on your Windows 11 or 10 device—such as downloads getting stuck, apps failing to launch, or the Store not opening at all—you’re not alone. The Microsoft Store is deeply integrated into the Windows ecosystem, and when it misbehaves, it can affect app installations and even updates. Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways to reset and re-register the Microsoft Store to fix these issues, using built-in tools like WSReset, PowerShell, and the Services Manager.

TL;DR

To fix a malfunctioning Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or 11, you can try resetting it using the WSReset command, re-registering it via PowerShell, or ensuring required services are running. These methods can resolve common issues such as apps not downloading, the Store not launching, or errors popping up. For most users, starting with WSReset is the easiest fix. More advanced steps like reregistering or reinstalling the app require PowerShell but are highly effective.

Why Reset or Re-Register Microsoft Store?

The Microsoft Store can stop working due to various reasons like corrupt cache, faulty updates, system misconfigurations, or even missing registry entries. Resetting and re-registering the Store essentially gives it a clean slate, eliminating temporary files and restoring default settings. Here are some symptoms that suggest it’s time for a reset:

• Microsoft Store won’t open or crashes shortly after launch
• Apps stuck during download or installation
• Error messages like “Try that again” or “Something went wrong”
• Search within the store doesn’t return results

1. Use WSReset to Clear Cache

One of the quickest ways to fix Store-related problems is by using the WSReset command, which clears the Microsoft Store cache without changing account settings or deleting your installed apps.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Wait for it to close automatically and the Microsoft Store should launch afterward.

If the Store opens correctly after this, your problem is likely resolved. If not, proceed to the next steps.

2. Reset Microsoft Store via Windows Settings

If WSReset doesn’t solve the problem, you can perform a deeper reset from the Settings app which will clear all app data.

1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps (on Windows 11) or Apps & Features (on Windows 10).
3. Search for Microsoft Store in the list.
4. Click on the three-dot menu (Windows 11) or select the app, then click Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Reset.

This will remove all of Microsoft Store’s data and restore it to factory settings. Don’t worry, your installed apps will remain intact, although you might have to sign into the Store again.

3. Re-Register Microsoft Store Using PowerShell

If reset methods don’t work, PowerShell gives you more control to fix the Store by re-registering its system files.

1. Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter:

Add-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode

Note: If you receive an “Access Denied” or “Path not found” error, it may be because the WindowsApps folder is hidden or inaccessible. You’ll need to first take ownership of the folder or find the correct path for your system.

4. Reinstall Microsoft Store Completely

In extreme cases where the Store is completely broken, you may need to uninstall and reinstall it using PowerShell commands.

To uninstall:

Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

This will remove the Microsoft Store from your account. Note that you cannot remove it system-wide, and this is reversible.

To reinstall:

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

After this, reboot your PC and launch the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.

5. Check Essential Services

The Microsoft Store relies on several background services. If any of them are disabled, the Store may not function correctly.

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc.
2. Ensure the following services are running and set to Automatic startup:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
   • DCOM Server Process Launcher
3. Right-click each service and choose Start if not running. Set Startup Type to Automatic in Properties.

Once these services are running properly, try opening the Microsoft Store again.

6. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Microsoft includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically for Microsoft Store apps. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot in Windows 10.
2. Find and run the troubleshooter labeled Windows Store Apps.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes it suggests.

This tool can automatically detect and resolve common inconsistencies with app permissions, cache, and Store functionality.

7. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes the issue lies within your user profile. As a last resort you can create a new user account to check whether the Store works under fresh conditions.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click on Add account under “Other users”.
3. Follow prompts to create a local or Microsoft account.
4. Log into the new account and test the Microsoft Store.

If it works properly in the new account, then your original profile is likely corrupted. You can consider migrating your data to the new account as a permanent fix.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Store is a crucial gateway to apps and updates, and when it falters, it can cause unnecessary frustration. But as we’ve explored, you have a robust set of repair tools at your disposal. Start with the simple WSReset method, move on to Settings resets and PowerShell re-registrations, and, if needed, tamper with services or user profiles. With patience and the right commands, your Store should be back in working order in no time.

Have you tried any of these methods before? Share your success stories or ask questions in the comments below!