How to Fix Microsoft Store Missing in Windows 10?

In this guide, we aim to assist you in resolving the ‘Microsoft Store Missing’ issue on your Windows 10 PC. Originally known as Windows Store, the Microsoft Store app is a pre-installed feature of the Windows 10 Operating System. It serves as a comprehensive hub, hosting a vast array of apps, games, and software from various categories, and has significantly simplified the process of acquiring new applications—with a single click facilitating the download of your chosen apps and games.

However, the experience hasn’t been seamless for all users. A substantial number of complaints have been lodged on Microsoft Forums about the Microsoft Store either being missing or unavailable. If you’re encountering this frustrating issue, it’s time to rectify it permanently. This guide will enumerate five distinct methods that can aid you in fixing the ‘Microsoft Store Missing’ problem on your Windows 10 PC. Read on for detailed instructions to regain access to your Microsoft Store swiftly and efficiently.

Reason Why is the Microsoft Store Missing in Windows 10?

The absence of the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 could be attributed to several reasons, each varying in its complexity and solution. Here are several possible causes:

1. Corrupted System Files:

Corrupted or missing system files can lead to the Microsoft Store app disappearing, as these files are essential for running the app properly.

2. Accidental Deletion:

Sometimes users might inadvertently remove essential components or the entire Microsoft Store app while optimizing their systems or removing other apps.

3. Outdated Windows:

Running an outdated version of Windows 10 can cause compatibility issues with apps, including the Microsoft Store, potentially making it unavailable.

4. User Profile Issues:

Occasionally, the Microsoft Store might be missing due to problems with the user profile, such as corruption or misconfiguration, affecting the availability of apps on the profile.

5. Windows Update Glitches:

Glitches or bugs in specific Windows updates might remove the Microsoft Store or render it inaccessible until a subsequent update fixes the issue.

6. Group Policy Restrictions:

In some instances, especially in organizational settings, group policy settings might restrict access to the Microsoft Store.

7. System Configuration:

Incorrect system settings or configurations might hinder the Microsoft Store app’s visibility or availability on Windows 10.

How to Fix Microsoft Store Missing in Windows 10?

There isn’t any universal fix as such for this issue. You will have to try out all the tweaks below until you succeed. So, with that said, let’s get on with the guide.

Fix 1: Using Windows 10 Troubleshooter

Microsoft incorporates a versatile troubleshooter application designed to address a variety of domains, including a dedicated function for the Microsoft Store. Your role is simply to initiate this application; the troubleshooter autonomously diagnoses underlying problems and subsequently offers corresponding solutions. Below are the steps to efficiently utilize this application:

1. Utilize the shortcut keys Windows+I to open the Settings page.
2. Navigate to ‘Update and Security’ and choose ‘Troubleshooter’ from the left-side menu.
3. Find and select ‘Microsoft Store Apps,’ then click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button.
4. The troubleshooter will identify any issues and suggest solutions. Apply the recommended fix and restart your PC.
5. After your PC has rebooted, verify if the solution has resolved the ‘Microsoft Store Missing’ issue on your Windows 10 system.

Fix 2: Reset Windows Reset Cache

Accumulation of extensive temporary data can potentially interfere with the smooth operation of an app; hence, periodic cache clearing is advisable. Regarding purging the cache for the Microsoft Store, it can be accomplished via the Command Prompt window, as detailed below:

1. Open the Start menu and enter “wsreset”.
2. Choose the “Run as administrator” option.
3. This action will open the Command Prompt window, and the “wsreset” command will be executed automatically.
4. Upon completion, the Microsoft Store should launch automatically.

If access is restored, then the issue is resolved. If not, try rebooting your PC and check again to see if the ‘Microsoft Store Missing’ issue on your Windows 10 system has been rectified.

Fix 3: Reinstall Microsoft Store

If the app’s data or its associated system resources are corrupted or missing essential files, simply resetting the cache will not suffice. In such instances, reinstalling the app is usually the recommended solution. However, since the Microsoft Store is a pre-installed application, a standard uninstall and reinstall process is not applicable. Instead, you will need to employ an elevated Command Prompt window, as outlined below:

1. Head over to the Start menu search for the Command prompt and launch it as an administrator.
2. Now copy-paste the below command in the CMD window and hit Enter:

   PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore*).InstallLocation + '\AppxManifest.xml' ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}"

3. After running the aforementioned command, please reboot your PC. Check if this resolves the ‘Microsoft Store Missing’ issue on your Windows 10 system.

Fix 4: Using the DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool scans for issues related to the system files and fixes the underlying critical issues. In that case, running the DISM Tool to scan the health of system files and then restoring the affected ones should work out. Here is how you could use this tool:

1. Go to the Start menu and search for CMD. Then, launch the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Once the command window opens, execute the below two commands, one at a time.:

   DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once the process is completed (which might take some time), restart your PC. After this step, check if the Microsoft Store shows up on your Windows 10.

Fix 5: Reset the PC

If none of the above methods achieved the desirable result, you might have to take the nuclear route. This involves resetting your PC back to its factory default state. Doing so will reinstall the OS and the pre-installed apps (including the Store). However, you keep all your data safe by instructing it not to delete those files. Here are the required instructions for the same:

1. Use the Windows+I shortcut key combinations to open the Settings page.
2. Then go to Update and Security and select Recovery from the left menu bar.
3.  Click on the Get Started button under the Reset this PC section.
4. Then click on Keep My files’ option and proceed with the on-screen instructions to reset your PC.
5. Once the process is complete, the issue will have been rectified.

So, with this, we conclude the guide on how to fix the missing Microsoft Store issue on Windows 10. We have shared five different methods for the same. do let us know in the comments which one worked out in your favor. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks you should also check out.