Restoring Microsoft Store on Windows Laptops

Overview

This guide covers all known methods to reinstall or restore the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops if it is missing, broken, or unresponsive.

Method 1: Reset or Repair via Settings (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Open Settings (Windows Key + I).
2. Navigate to Apps → Apps & features (Windows 10) or Installed apps (Windows 11).
3. Locate Microsoft Store, click the menu (three dots), then select Advanced options.
4. Click Repair first. If that doesn't work, click Reset.

Method 2: Clear Cache with WSReset

1. Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter.
2. Wait for the command to finish and the Store to relaunch.

Method 3: PowerShell Methods

Understanding AppX Packages

Microsoft Store is a UWP app distributed as an AppX package. Each package has: - Package Name (e.g., Microsoft.WindowsStore_22202...) - Install Location (where AppxManifest.xml resides) - Publisher and Version info

If the Store is missing, the package may be unregistered, corrupted, or deleted.

Finding the Package

Run:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore

If nothing is returned, the Store is not installed.

PowerShell Restore Commands

A. Re-register for Current User

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

B. Re-register for All Users

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

C. Reinstall All Built-in Apps

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

D. Fresh Install via Winget

winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP

Method 4: Xbox App Method

1. Install the Xbox app from Microsoft.
2. Open it --- if the Store is missing, you may get a prompt to install it.

Method 5: Install via Optional Features (Windows 11)

1. Open Settings → Apps → Optional features.
2. Click Add a feature.
3. Search for Microsoft Store, select it, and click Install.

Method 6: Create a New User Account

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.
2. Add a new user.
3. Sign in --- the Store should be available.

Extra Troubleshooting

• Run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Check you have Administrator privileges.
• Avoid running in Safe Mode (AppX operations are blocked).

Decision Flow

1. Package exists? → Use Re-register commands.
2. Package missing? → Install via Winget or repair install Windows.
3. Still broken? → Create new user or run in-place upgrade.