Understanding the Microsoft Store Cache and Why It Causes Problems

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to know what you’re fixing. The Microsoft Store cache is a collection of temporary files stored locally on your PC. These files are designed to speed up your experience by remembering information like app listings, images, and your browsing history, so they don’t have to be downloaded fresh every time. The `WSReset.exe` tool and other reset commands work by clearing out this temporary data, forcing the Store to rebuild it from scratch, which can resolve inconsistencies.

However, cache isn’t the only component. The Microsoft Store is built as a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app. Its functionality also depends on its own app data, license information, and its integration with system services. A true “reset” addresses more than just the cache; it can also clear local app data and restore default settings, which is necessary for more stubborn issues.

Common Symptoms of a Corrupted Microsoft Store

You should consider resetting the Microsoft Store cache if you encounter any of the following persistent problems:

Download or Installation Failures: Apps get stuck at “Pending,” show error codes like 0x80073CF9, 0x80070005, or 0x80070020, or fail to install completely.
Store App Won’t Open or Load: The Store app crashes immediately on launch, freezes, or remains a blank white/gray screen.
Missing or Outdated Content: App pages won’t load details, images are missing, or you cannot see the latest app updates and listings despite knowing they exist.
Performance Issues: The Store is unusually slow to navigate, browse, or respond to clicks.
Account or Payment Issues: The Store fails to recognize your login, displays incorrect account info, or prevents you from completing purchases.

Method 1: The WSReset Tool (The Quick Cache Clear)

The `WSReset.exe` tool is the fastest and most well-known method to clear the Microsoft Store’s basic cache. It’s a built-in Windows utility with one job. When you run it, it silently closes the Store app, clears the temporary cache files, and then reopens the Store. You won’t see a command prompt window; it happens in the background.

To use it, press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter or click OK. A blank command prompt window will appear briefly and then close. After a few moments, the Microsoft Store will automatically launch. This indicates the process is complete. Try your download or operation again.

Best For: This is your ideal first step for minor glitches like slow performance, temporary download hangs, or content not displaying correctly. It’s quick, safe, and requires no technical knowledge.

Limitations: WSReset primarily clears the local cache. It does not reset the app’s data or fix deeper corruption within the Store’s application package. If WSReset doesn’t solve your problem, you need to try a more thorough method.

Method 2: Reset via Windows Settings (The Standard Fix)

For more comprehensive troubleshooting, use the App Reset feature built into Windows Settings. This action does two things: it repairs the app (which can fix minor corruption) and, if that fails, it resets the app to its default, freshly installed state. A reset via Settings clears the app’s cache, deletes its local data (like preferences), and reinstalls the app without affecting your Windows account or other apps.

Open Settings (Windows Key + I).
Navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
In the app list, find and click on Microsoft Store.
Click on Advanced options (you may need to scroll down).
On the Advanced options page, first, click the Terminate button to ensure the app is fully closed.
Next, click the Repair button. Wait for it to complete. This step may resolve the issue without deleting your data.
If the problem persists, click the Reset button. A warning will appear stating that your app data will be deleted. Click “Reset” to confirm.

After the reset, open the Microsoft Store. It may take slightly longer to start as it configures itself. You will need to sign in again with your Microsoft account.

Best For: This is the recommended next step after WSReset fails. It’s essential for fixing issues like constant crashes, login problems, and persistent download errors (e.g., 0x80073CF0). It’s a balanced approach that fixes most problems without needing command-line tools.

Method 3: Re-register the Store via PowerShell (The Advanced Repair)

When Settings reset fails, the next line of defense is using Windows PowerShell to re-register the Microsoft Store app package with the system. This process effectively reinstalls the Store app for all users on the PC while preserving user data and correcting deeper registration errors that other methods can’t touch. You must run PowerShell with administrator privileges for this to work.

Press the Windows Key, type “PowerShell,” right-click on Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal, and select Run as administrator. In the new window, carefully type or paste the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.Name -eq “Microsoft.WindowsStore”} | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

You will see a stream of output in the PowerShell window as the command executes. Once it finishes and returns to the prompt (showing a path like `PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>`), the process is complete. Close PowerShell and launch the Store.

Best For: Use this method for severe corruption, especially after major Windows updates, or when the Store app is completely missing from your system. It’s a powerful repair that often resolves errors other methods cannot.

Method 4: Manual Cache Deletion (The Direct Approach)

If you prefer a hands-on approach or suspect the automated tools aren’t fully clearing the cache, you can manually delete the cache folders. This method ensures every temporary file is removed. First, ensure the Microsoft Store app is completely closed (check Task Manager).

Press Windows Key + R, type the following exact path, and press Enter:

%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe

This opens the main folder for the Microsoft Store app in File Explorer. Look for and open the LocalState subfolder. This folder contains the cache. You can safely delete all files and folders inside the LocalState folder. Do not delete the `LocalState` folder itself. Once deleted, restart your computer to ensure all system processes are cleared, then open the Store.

Important Note: The alphanumeric string `8wekyb3d8bbwe` is the package family name for the Microsoft Store and is consistent across all standard Windows 10/11 installations. Deleting files only from the `LocalState` folder is safe; avoid deleting files from the root folder or other subfolders unless you are certain of their purpose.

Method 5: Using the Windows Troubleshooter (The Automated Diagnostician)

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically find and fix common problems. The Windows Store Apps troubleshooter can detect and resolve issues with app licensing, cache, and installation.

Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot (in Windows 10) or System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (in Windows 11).
Find and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to apply fixes automatically.

This is a good, non-destructive first step that can sometimes resolve issues without any manual intervention.

Pro Tips for Power Users and Persistent Problems

Sometimes, Store issues are part of a larger system problem. Here are advanced strategies for the most stubborn cases.

Reset All Cache-Related Services

The Microsoft Store relies on several background services. If they are stopped or misconfigured, the Store will fail. Ensure these services are running and set to start automatically:

Windows Update Service (wuauserv): The Store uses this for app downloads and updates.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS): Manages file transfers, including Store downloads.
Microsoft Store Install Service (InstallService): Handles the installation and update of Store apps.

To check them, type “services.msc” in the Run dialog (Win+R), find each service, right-click, select Properties, and ensure the Startup type is set to “Automatic” and the Service status is “Running.”

Check Date, Time, and Region Settings

Incorrect date, time, or region settings can break secure connections to the Store servers. Go to Settings > Time & Language and ensure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are turned ON. Also, verify your region in the “Region” section matches your actual location.

Use the DISM and SFC Scan Commands

Underlying Windows system file corruption can affect the Store. Running these command-line tools in an administrator Command Prompt can repair the system image.

SFC (System File Checker): Scans and repairs protected system files. Run: sfc /scannow
DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool): Repairs the Windows system image. First, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth. If issues are found, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after these commands complete. This can resolve deep-seated system issues causing Store malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will clearing the Store cache delete my installed apps or personal files?

No. Clearing the cache or resetting the Microsoft Store app only affects temporary files and data specific to the Store application itself. Your downloaded and installed apps, games, and personal documents are stored separately and will not be touched. You may need to sign back into the Store app, but your app library remains intact.

How often should I clear the Microsoft Store cache?

There’s no need for regular scheduled clearing. Only perform a cache reset when you are actively experiencing problems with the Store’s functionality, such as download errors or the app not loading. Clearing cache unnecessarily offers no performance benefit and can make the Store slightly slower the next time you open it as it rebuilds the cache.

What’s the difference between “Repair” and “Reset” in Windows Settings?

Repair: Attempts to fix the app’s files and settings without deleting your personal data within the app (like sign-in info or preferences). It’s a low-impact first step. Reset: Uninstalls the app completely and then reinstalls it from the system files. This deletes all the app’s data on your device (cache, settings, login tokens) and is more effective for serious problems. Always try “Repair” first.

I get an error when trying to run WSReset or use PowerShell. What now?

If you receive an “Access Denied” error, you are not running the tool with administrator rights. Always right-click on PowerShell or Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.” If the command itself fails, it may indicate severe system corruption, and you should proceed with the DISM and SFC scans described in the Pro Tips section.

The Store app is completely missing from my PC. How do I get it back?

If the Microsoft Store app icon is gone and you cannot find it by searching, the app package is likely corrupted or unregistered. Use Method 3: Re-register the Store via PowerShell (detailed above). This command reinstalls the Store for all users on the system and will restore the missing app.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning Microsoft Store can be a significant hindrance in Windows 10 and 11, but it is almost always fixable. The key is to apply troubleshooting methods in a logical progression, starting with the simplest solutions. Begin with the quick WSReset tool or the Windows Troubleshooter for minor issues. If problems persist, the Reset function in Windows Settings provides a more thorough repair. For deep-seated corruption or a missing Store app, the PowerShell re-registration command is a powerful remedy, while manual cache deletion offers direct control. Finally, for systemic issues, tools like SFC and DISM can repair the underlying Windows environment. By understanding and applying these methods, you can confidently resolve Microsoft Store errors, ensuring seamless access to your apps and digital content.