Common Microsoft Store and App Issues in Windows (With Fixes)

The Microsoft Store is your gateway to downloading apps, games, and essential tools in Windows. But let’s be honest—it doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should. Sometimes apps won’t install, the store won’t open, or updates get stuck for no obvious reason.

Below are the most common Microsoft Store and app issues users face on Windows, along with straightforward fixes that actually work.

1. Microsoft Store Won’t Open

Symptoms:

• Clicking the Store icon does nothing
• Store opens with a blank screen
• Crashes immediately

Fix:

• Reset the Microsoft Store:
  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
  2. Scroll to Microsoft Store, click it, then select Advanced Options
  3. Click Reset
• Use WSReset Command:
  • Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter
  • A blank Command Prompt will pop up, then the Store should launch automatically

2. Apps Not Downloading or Updating

Symptoms:

• Download stuck at 0%
• “Pending” status forever
• Update fails with an error code

Fix:

• Check Your Connection: Make sure you’re online with a stable connection
• Sync Time Settings: Incorrect date/time can cause issues
  • Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time, and turn on Set time automatically
• Clear Microsoft Store Cache using wsreset.exe (as above)
• Re-register the Store with PowerShell:
  Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Error Code 0x80070490 or Similar

These vague error codes usually point to corrupted system files or update problems.

Fix:

• Run the Windows Troubleshooter:
  Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters, then run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
• Use DISM and SFC tools:
  Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow

4. Microsoft Store Is Missing

Symptoms:

• Store is gone from the Start Menu
• Can’t search or launch it at all

Fix:

• Reinstall the Microsoft Store via PowerShell:
  Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• If that doesn’t work, you may need to create a new user profile or perform a system repair.

5. Apps Open and Close Immediately (Crash on Launch)

Fix:

• Check for App Updates
• Uninstall and Reinstall the App
• Reset the App:
  • Go to Settings > Apps, find the app, click Advanced Options, then Reset

If that fails, consider reinstalling using PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage

Then reinstall it from the Store.

Pro Tip: Keep Windows Updated

Outdated versions of Windows can trigger a chain of app problems. Always install the latest updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update, and hit Check for updates

Final Thoughts

Windows apps and the Microsoft Store can be finicky, but most issues have solid fixes that don’t require a full reset or reinstall. Bookmark this post for quick access next time something breaks.

If none of these solutions work, consider running a System Restore or doing an in-place upgrade to repair Windows without losing your files.

Need help with a specific error or fix that’s not listed here? Drop it in the comments—happy to help.