Occasionally, some users complain that the Microsoft Store application doesn’t work properly on their PCs. Also referred to as Windows Store, this app is an essential component of the Windows system where you can get apps, tools, extensions and more to enhance your experience. So, it’s understandable why many people are frustrated with the issue. In addition to being the biggest marketplace for all things Windows, Microsoft Store is also where you can read user reviews for apps and compare user ratings. Thus, having easy access to it on your PC is definitely a useful convenience.

So, why is Windows Store missing on a computer? It may happen due to a variety of different reasons:

  • The application may have been corrupted or accidentally deleted by the user;
  • It may have become unusable due to an over-cluttered memory cache;
  • The date and time settings on your PC may be out of sync;

Luckily, there are several things you can try to repair or reinstall the Windows Store App. These include:

  • Running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
  • Resetting the Windows Store cache
  • Checking the system’s Data and Time sync
  • Switching off your proxy
  • Uninstalling your VPN
  • Reinstalling your Windows Store
  • Resetting your PC.

Fix One: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

How to repair the Windows store? You can use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter, which will scan your system and identify any issue that might lead to a Microsoft Store failure. If a problem like this is detected, it will be automatically fixed by the program. Here’s how to use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter:

  • Press the Windows button (or click on the Start icon).
  • Click the Settings icon. You can also type settings and press the Enter key.
  • Scroll down and click the Update & Security option.
  • In the Update & Security window, select Troubleshoot.
  • In the Troubleshoot window, select Windows Store.
  • Press the Run the troubleshooter button.
  • The Windows Store Apps window will appear and the problem detecting process will begin. It should not take over several minutes.

If any problems are detected, they will be automatically addressed. If multiple solutions are available, you will be prompted to consider  one of them.

The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter may not resolve all the Windows Store problems but it is a great place to start. If you still can’t use your Windows Store app properly after running the troubleshooter, proceed with the next fix.

Fix Two: Reset the Windows Store Cache

Over time, the Windows Store  app cache may become cluttered and, thus, buggy. In order to fix this, you will need to clear the Windows Store Cache — here’s how to do it:

  • Press the Windows button (or click on the Start icon).
  • Type run and press Enter.
  • In the Run window, type the “wsreset” command.
  • Click OK (or press Enter).
  • An empty command prompt will appear, stay for some time and then disappear.
  • If there are no other problems the Microsoft Store application will be launched.

However, if the problem persists, you will need to move on to the next fix on the list.

Fix Three: Check the System’s Data and Time Sync

It is quite interesting to note that sometimes the Microsoft Store won’t work properly simply because your PC’s date and time are out of sync. Here’s how to check if this is indeed the case:

  • Press the Windows key + I key combo. (Alternatively, you can press the Windows key and click the Settings icon).
  • Scroll down and click the Time & Language option.
  • Select Date & time.
  • Make sure the Time zone is set correctly.
  • Uncheck the Set time automatically box.
  • Give it a few seconds.
  • Check the Set time automatically box back on.,
  • Close the Date & time window.

Your date and time should be back in sync now. Try opening Windows Store again — if the app still won’t open, proceed with the next solution.

Fix Four: Switch off Your Proxy Server

Check your PC’s Proxy Server Settings. If the Use a proxy server option is ON, switch it off. Here are the details:

  • On your keyboard, press the Win + I key. (Alternatively, you can press the Win key and click the Settings icon).
  • In the Windows Settings window, click on the Network & Internet option.
  • Choose the Proxy option from the list.
  • Scroll down and find the Use a proxy server option.
  • Uncheck it.
  • Close the Proxy window.

Fix Five: Uninstall Your VPN

If you are using a VPN on your PC to bypass company web regulations or access geographically-restricted websites, you may need to uninstall it in order for Windows Store to work properly. Here’s how to uninstall your VPN:

  • On your keyboard, use the Win + I key combo. (Alternatively, press the Win key and click the Settings icon).
  • In the Windows Settings window, click Apps.
  • Select VPN and choose Uninstall.
  • Close the window.

Fix Six: Reinstall Windows Store

If none of the above fixes have worked, you may need to reinstall your Windows Store app in order to fix it.  How to reinstall Windows Store if it’s missing in Windows 10?

To reinstall the Windows Store app in Windows 10, just follow the steps below:

  • On your keyboard, press the Win key or click the Start button.
  • Click the Settings icon or type settings and press the Enter key.
  • Scroll down and choose the Apps option.
  • In the Apps window, select the Apps & feature option.
  • In the Apps & features window, find Microsoft Store and click it.
  • Go to Advanced options.
  • In the Microsoft Store window, scroll down and press the Reset button.

There you have it — Windows Store will now be reinstalled with default settings in place.

There is also another way to reinstall the Windows Store application — by using Windows PowerShell. Here’s how:

  • Press the Win key on your keyboard or click Start.
  • Type powershell.
  • Right-click Windows PowerShell and select the Run as administrator option.
  • Press the Yes button.
  • In the Windows PowerShell window, run the following command: Get-Appxpackage –Allusers.
  • Press Enter.
  • You will now see a window with all the application packages.
  • Scroll down and select the Microsoft Store package.
  • Copy it by using the Ctrl+C shortcut.
  • Type the following command:
  • Add-AppxPackage -register “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\XXXX\AppxManifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode
  • Note: Remember to replace “XXXX” with the copied data.
  • Press Enter.
  • Restart your PC.

Fix Seven: Reset Your PC

If none of the solutions above have been successful, you can try resetting your PC. What this procedure will do is refresh your Windows 10 as a new installation. If you are ready to try this option, proceed with the steps below. Note: you have the option to keep your system files intact throughout the process.

  • Press the Win key or click Start.
  • Type reset this PC and press Enter.
  • In the Recovery window, click the Get started button.
  • Choose the Keep my files option.
  • When the process completes, your PC will automatically restart.

There is another way to reset your PC:

  • Press the Win key or click Start.
  • Hold the Shift key and click Restart.
  • Select the Troubleshoot option.
  • In the Troubleshoot window, click Reset this PC.
  • In the Reset this PC window, select the Keep my files option.
  • Your PC will now restart and reset.

There you have it — we hope one of the above solutions has been effective and you now know how to repair Windows Store issues on your PC. Which of the fixes above has worked on your computer?

Just one more thing before you go. If you often experience issues, errors and slow-downs on your PC, these may be caused by an outdated driver. In fact, an outdated driver can be the cause of many problems on your computer.

This is why it is essential to keep your system drivers updated — and there are two methods you can use to do it: manually or automatically.

Updating your drivers manually is more suited for experienced users as it can be quite a time-consuming task that requires advanced knowledge of system processes.

If you’ve never updated your drivers before and don’t feel like taking any risks, you can use specialized software to do work for you. Auslogics Driver Updater, for instance, can run an automatic check-up of your system drivers locating existing and detecting potential issues — and will then have your drivers automatically updated to the latest versions. All in just one click.