How to Install Missing Microsoft Store on Windows 11 & 10 (Easiest Method)

Have you ever found yourself with a missing Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC? Maybe you accidentally removed it, or perhaps you’re using a special version of Windows like LTSC that doesn’t include it by default. Whatever the reason, I’ve got you covered with what I believe is the most reliable method to get the Microsoft Store back on your system.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use WinGet (the official Windows Package Manager) to easily reinstall the Microsoft Store. I’ll also demonstrate how my Windows enhancement utility, Winhance, can do this for you with a simple graphical interface if you prefer to avoid command lines.

I’ve covered other methods to install the missing Microsoft Store before, but the approach I’m sharing today is even more straightforward and works consistently across different Windows versions.

Key Takeaways

• WinGet can reinstall the Microsoft Store with a single command on both Windows 10 and 11
• For Windows 10 users, WinGet may need to be installed first (I’ll show you how)
• Winhance provides a GUI alternative that handles everything automatically, including installing WinGet if needed

Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
• Administrator access
• Internet connection
• PowerShell or Windows Terminal (for command line method)
• Alternatively, Winhance utility (for GUI method)

Why Install the Missing Microsoft Store?

The Microsoft Store is essential for accessing thousands of apps, games, and entertainment options on Windows. Without it, you’ll miss out on exclusive Microsoft apps, easy updates, and the security benefits of verified applications. Many built-in Windows features also rely on the Store being present and functional.

Note: This method works even on special Windows editions like IoT and LTSC versions where the Microsoft Store isn’t included by default.

Using WinGet to Install the Missing Microsoft Store

WinGet is Microsoft’s official package manager for Windows, and it’s the most reliable tool for reinstalling the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Check if WinGet is Already Installed

On Windows 11, WinGet is typically pre-installed. On Windows 10, you might need to install it first.

To check if WinGet is installed, open PowerShell and type:

winget

If you see information about WinGet commands, it’s already installed. If you get an error saying it’s not recognized, you’ll need to install it first.

Step 2: Install WinGet (Windows 10 Only)

If you’re on Windows 10 and WinGet isn’t installed, you can install it with this PowerShell command provided by Microsoft on the official WinGet Learn page:

$progressPreference = 'silentlyContinue'
Write-Host "Installing WinGet PowerShell module from PSGallery..."
Install-PackageProvider -Name NuGet -Force | Out-Null
Install-Module -Name Microsoft.WinGet.Client -Force -Repository PSGallery | Out-Null
Write-Host "Using Repair-WinGetPackageManager cmdlet to bootstrap WinGet..."
Repair-WinGetPackageManager
Write-Host "Done."

Step 3: Install the Microsoft Store Using WinGet

Now that WinGet is installed, you can use it to reinstall the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the Start button
2. Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
3. Copy and paste the following command:

winget install 9WZDNCRFJBMP

When prompted to accept the package agreements, type “Y” and press Enter.

The installation will begin, and after a few moments, you should see a message indicating that the Microsoft Store was successfully installed.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Once the installation is complete, check your Start menu. You should now see the Microsoft Store app listed. Click on it to open and verify that it works correctly.

Using Winhance to Install the Microsoft Store (GUI Method)

If you prefer not to use command lines, my Windows enhancement utility, Winhance, provides a simple graphical interface to reinstall the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Download and Install Winhance

1. Visit the Winhance website and click the download button
2. Run the installer once downloaded
3. Follow the installation prompts

Note: If you see a SmartScreen warning, click “Run anyway.” The application will be digitally signed in the future, but it’s completely safe to use.

Step 2: Launch Winhance and Install the Microsoft Store

1. Open Winhance from your Desktop
2. Navigate to the “Windows apps and features” section
3. Find “Microsoft Store” in the list (it will have a red indicator if not installed)
4. Select it and click “Install Selected Items”
5. Click “Yes” to confirm

Winhance will automatically install WinGet if needed (on Windows 10) and then use it to install the Microsoft Store. You don’t need to do anything else – it handles everything for you.

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Once Winhance completes the installation, the status indicator will turn green, showing that the Microsoft Store is now installed. You can find the Microsoft Store in your Start menu.

Windows 10 Special Considerations

Windows 10 requires a few extra steps compared to Windows 11 because WinGet isn’t pre-installed. However, both the manual method and Winhance method described above will handle this automatically.

If you’re using the manual method, you’ll need to install WinGet first using the PowerShell command I provided. If you’re using Winhance, it will detect that WinGet is missing and install it for you before proceeding with the Microsoft Store installation.

Conclusion

Installing or reinstalling the missing Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is now easier than ever with WinGet. Whether you prefer using PowerShell commands or a graphical interface like Winhance, you can have the Microsoft Store back on your system in just a few minutes.

This method is particularly valuable because it works on all versions of Windows, including special editions like LTSC where the Microsoft Store isn’t included by default.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will this method work on Windows 10 LTSC/LTSB editions?

Yes, this method works on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 editions, including LTSC/LTSB versions where the Microsoft Store isn’t included by default.

Do I need to restart my computer after installing the Microsoft Store?

No, a restart is not required. The Microsoft Store should be available immediately after installation completes.

Will installing the Microsoft Store this way affect my existing Windows installation?

No, this method uses official Microsoft tools and packages to install the Microsoft Store. It won’t negatively impact your Windows installation or other applications.

What if WinGet fails to install on my Windows 10 system?

If you encounter issues installing WinGet manually, using Winhance is recommended as it handles the WinGet installation process automatically with proper error handling.

Can I use this method to update an existing Microsoft Store installation?

Yes, if you already have the Microsoft Store installed but it’s not working correctly, this method can effectively reinstall it and resolve many common issues.