Is your Microsoft Store missing or not working on your Windows 10 or 11 device? Whether it’s been uninstalled accidentally or it’s just malfunctioning, this guide will show you multiple methods to reinstall and troubleshoot the Microsoft Store. From using UniGetUI to reinstall via the Xbox app, to leveraging Windows PowerShell and other troubleshooting tools, you’ll find everything you need to get the Microsoft Store back up and running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Reinstallation Methods: Reinstall Microsoft Store using UniGetUI or by downloading the Xbox app directly.
- Comprehensive Troubleshooting: Fix Microsoft Store issues with Windows PowerShell and built-in troubleshooting tools.
- Final Resort: Perform an in-place upgrade if other methods don’t restore full functionality.
Method 1: Using UniGetUI to Uninstall and Reinstall the Microsoft Store
If your Microsoft Store is missing or malfunctioning, you can use UniGetUI, a great tool that simplifies package management, to reinstall it without needing the Microsoft Store itself.
Note: WinGetUI was renamed to UniGetUI by the developer, but it’s still the same application.
Steps to Reinstall the Microsoft Store Using UniGetUI
1. Download and Install UniGetUI
- Open your web browser and navigate to the UniGetUI download page.
- Click “Direct Download” to start the download.
- Once downloaded, open the file and follow the installation prompts, selecting your preferred language and settings.
2. Uninstall Microsoft Store and Xbox App (If Necessary)
- Launch UniGetUI and go to the “Installed Packages” tab.
- Search for “Microsoft Store” and uninstall it by right-clicking and selecting “Uninstall as Administrator.”
- Repeat the process for the Xbox App if it’s installed.
3. Reinstall the Xbox App
- Switch to the “Discover Packages” tab in UniGetUI.
- Search for “Xbox” and select the correct Xbox App from the list (verify by checking the package ID and source).
- If you can’t find Xbox in UniGetUI by searching for it, you can click here to be redirected to the Xbox page on the UniGetUI website.
- Click “Install Selected Packages” to reinstall the Xbox App.
4. Reinstall Microsoft Store Using the Xbox App
- Open the Xbox App and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to the “Settings” under your profile icon.
- In the “General” tab, you should see an option to reinstall missing components, including Microsoft Store. Click “Install.”
5. Verify Microsoft Store Installation
- After the installation is complete, check your Start menu under “All Apps” to ensure Microsoft Store is listed.
- Open Microsoft Store to verify it’s working properly.
With the Microsoft Store successfully reinstalled, you can continue to use UniGetUI to manage other apps or choose to uninstall it if no longer needed. This method provides a reliable way to restore the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 system.
Method 2: Using the Xbox App for Windows to Reinstall the Microsoft Store
Uninstalling the Microsoft Store (Optional)
You might need to uninstall the Microsoft Store before you’ll have the option to reinstall it. For detailed instructions, follow my guide on uninstalling the Microsoft Store with HiBit Uninstaller.
Steps to Reinstall the Microsoft Store Using the Xbox App for Windows
1. Download the Xbox App
The first step to reinstalling Microsoft Store is downloading the Xbox App. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the Xbox App for Window downloads page.
- Scroll down the page until you see the button labeled “Download the App.” Click on it to download the Xbox installer.
2. Install the Xbox App
After downloading the installer:
- Open the downloaded file (XboxInstaller.exe).
- Agree to Microsoft’s terms and click “Install.”
- Once the installation is complete, click “Let’s Go” to open the Xbox App.
3. Sign In to Your Microsoft Account
Now that the Xbox App is installed, you need to sign in:
- Choose “Sign In” when prompted by the Xbox App.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
- If this is your first time using the Xbox App, you’ll need to create a gamer tag. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your account setup.
4. Install Missing Apps, Including Microsoft Store
Once you’re signed in, follow these steps to reinstall the Microsoft Store:
- If prompted with a message about missing apps, click on the option to fix them in Settings.
- If you don’t see the prompt, click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the Xbox App, select “Settings,” and then go to the “General” tab.
- From here, you should see a list of missing apps. Look for Microsoft Store and click “Install.”
5. Verify Microsoft Store Installation
Once the installation is complete:
- Open the Start menu and check your “All Apps” list to see if Microsoft Store has been re-added.
- If you find it, click on it to verify that the app is working properly.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Store Issues
If you already have Microsoft Store installed but it’s not working, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try.
1. Run the Troubleshooter
- Open the search bar and type “Troubleshoot.”
- Select “Troubleshoot Settings” and then click on “Additional Troubleshooters.”
- Find the “Windows Store Apps” option and run the troubleshooter.
This tool will check for common issues that might be causing problems with the Microsoft Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply any fixes.
2. Use Windows PowerShell to Reset Microsoft Store
If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve your issue, use PowerShell:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
Alternatively, search for “PowerShell” and run it as an administrator. - Paste the following command into the PowerShell window:
Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} - Press Enter to run the command.
This command reinstalls Microsoft Store for all users on your computer.
Next, reset the store by running this command:
wsreset.exe
If everything goes well, Microsoft Store should open automatically after the reset.
3. Perform an In-Place Upgrade
If none of the above steps work, you might need to perform an in-place upgrade. This process will repair your Windows installation without affecting your files. If you need detailed instructions, follow our guide on how to do an in-place upgrade.
Conclusion
Reinstalling Microsoft Store and troubleshooting any issues is straightforward with the right steps. By following this guide, you should be able to get the Microsoft Store back up and running on your Windows 10 or 11 device. If you encounter persistent problems, an in-place upgrade is a reliable last resort.
FAQs
1. What if I can’t find the Xbox App installer?
Try searching for “Download Xbox App for Windows” directly on Microsoft’s official website. Make sure you’re downloading it from a trusted source.
2. Will reinstalling Microsoft Store delete my apps?
No, reinstalling Microsoft Store will not affect your installed apps. However, if you perform an in-place upgrade, it may repair system files, which could potentially impact app settings.
3. Can I reinstall Microsoft Store without using the Xbox App?
Yes, you can use PowerShell commands to reinstall Microsoft Store directly, as mentioned in the troubleshooting section.
4. What does the WSReset command do?
The WSReset command resets the Microsoft Store without changing your account settings or deleting any installed apps.
5. How long does it take to reinstall Microsoft Store?
The reinstallation process is usually quick, taking only a few minutes. However, it may vary depending on your system’s performance.
