Microsoft store missing

Microsoft Store app is a pre-installed app available in Windows 11 where you can download and install apps, and games or update them as well. And with the latest Windows 11, Microsoft has redesigned the store app with new features and support for Android apps. However, some of the users report the Windows store not opening or even that the Microsoft store is missing after upgrade to Windows 11. Few others report store app crashes or not responding. Microsoft Store update glitches or Underlying system file corruption are some common reasons behind this problem, here is how to fix the problem and get the Microsoft Store app back in Windows 11.

Microsoft store missing

Before moving forward restart your computer, which refreshes the operating system clears temporary glitches that may present there and prevents the Windows 11 store from starting.

  1. Press the Windows key + S type Microsoft Store, check if you are able to see it.
  2. Click on Pin to the taskbar so that it doesn’t go away from your eyes ever again.

Check Your PC Time, Date, and Region

  • Right-click the clock at the lower-right corner of the screen and select Adjust date and time.
  • When the Date & Time section of Settings opens, verify the current time and date are correct and verify your time zone

Update windows

In addition, we recommend download and install the latest Windows updates and reboot your computer to apply them.

  • Press the Windows key + I to open the settings page,
  • Click on Windows Update then hit the check for updates button,
  • If new updates are available, it will prompt you to install it click the download now button,
  • Once done, restart your PC to apply the changes and check if the Microsoft store is back on your PC.

windows 11 checking for updates

Run The SFC and the DISM Commands

There are chances system files are corrupted or missing resulting in the Microsoft store missing or not opening. Let’s run the SFC Scannow and the DISM command that service the system image and replace the corrupted system files with the correct ones.

  • Press Windows key + S, type cmd right click on command prompt select run as administrator,
  • Once the command prompt opens, run the below-mentioned commands in succession –
  • sfc /scannow (press Enter and let the scan get over)
  • Dism.exe/online/Cleanup-image/ Restorehealth (press Enter and let the scan get over)
  • Once the scanning process is complete 100% reboot your computer.

Reset store Cache

To fix Microsoft store problems or missing after the Windows 11 update, one of the most effective troubleshooting tools is wsreset. Performing WSreset command reset the Windows store cache and then refresh it. And surprisingly, this tool resolved many serious Microsoft Store issues.

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box
  2. Type the command wsreset and press the enter key,
  3. This will reset the store cache and open the Microsoft store.

wsreset

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Also, you can run the built-in Windows Store apps troubleshooter that automatically detects and fix problems that prevent the Windows Store from opening or the Microsoft Store missing.

  • Press the Windows key + I combination to open the settings app,
  • Go to system, then scroll down and click on Troubleshoot,
  • Click on Other troubleshooters to display all available troubleshooter lists,
  • Scroll down till you find Windows Store Apps, select it then click on the Run button
  • Let the troubleshooter detect and fix problems if found any, and restart your PC.

windows store troubleshooter

Reset Microsoft Store

Also, you can manually reset the Microsoft Store to restore this app, Let’s follow the steps below.

  • Click on the start menu then select Settings,
  • Go to apps then find Microsoft Store and click the 3-dot menu.
  • Next, click on Advanced Options,
  • Here you will get the repair and reset option under the Reset section,
  • First, try to repair the option that helps fix if the app isn’t working, repairing the app won’t affect any data.
  • If the repair option didn’t help then try the reset option that clears app data and makes Microsoft fresh new.

Repair or reset Microsoft store

Reinstall Microsoft Store

Still, need help? Applied all the above solutions and searched everywhere and just can’t seem to find Microsoft Store, you can reinstall it.

  • Press Windows key + S type Powershell, right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator,
  • Type the command below and press enter key to execute the command,
    Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}
  • Once done restart your PC

Create a New User Account

Some users report that creating a new user account helps them get back to the Microsoft store or fix different Windows store problems.

  • Press Windows key + I to open settings,
  • Go to Accounts then family & Other Users,
  • Click Add account under other users.
  • Click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information on the pop-up interface.
  • Next, click Add a user without a Microsoft account on the next page.
  • Enter your user’s name and password.
  • Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account on your computer.

Now restart your PC and this time login with the new user account and password, Check if you can find the Microsoft Store app.

Reset Your PC

If still the Microsoft store is missing then Reset this PC is the only option left for you.

  • Open settings using Windows key + I,
  • Click on Windows Update from the left-hand side
  • Click on Advanced options from the right-hand side, then click on Recovery
  • Under Recovery options, click on the Reset PC button next to Reset this PC
  • Choose whether you want to keep your files or not and follow on-screen instructions to reset your PC default settings,
  • Once done reboot your PC and check the Microsoft store is back on your PC.

Did the above solutions help fix Microsoft Store problems on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments below.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.