Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 App Store Crashes at Launch’ Issue
A longtime fan of desktop apps, I was initially wary of the Microsoft Store. But after trying it out, I now prefer the Store version for its easy installation and automatic updates. While not perfect, the Windows 10 App Store has been a great experience overall.
I recently encountered an issue with the Store app on my PC, where it would crash on launch. Even when it was stable, searching for an app caused the problem to resurface. Fortunately, I was able to resolve this by clearing the Store cache.
If you’re having trouble with the Store app, here’s how to clear its cache. If that doesn’t work, there are other troubleshooting tips to try.
Troubleshooting methods won’t affect apps downloaded from the Windows Store.
1. Clear the Store App Cache
Clearing the cache may be the solution if Windows Store crashes on startup or during regular activities like searching. Outdated or unnecessary data is likely to blame.
Two methods exist to clear the cache: running the Windows Store Reset command or manually deleting the files. If the former fails, opt for manual deletion.
To reset the Windows Store, open the Start menu, type “wsreset” and click Open.
A command prompt window should appear, and should be allowed to run for a minute.
If the Windows Store fails to appear after clearing the cache, wait up to five minutes for a command prompt console to appear. If it does not, follow the remaining steps.
Exit the command prompt console and open the Run box by pressing Windows + R.
Enter the file path “C:\Users[username]\Documents” into the box, replacing “[username]” with your Windows user account.
Open the LocalCache folder to complete the process.
Clear the LocalCache folder: all content must go.
Users can now launch the Store app without any issues, thanks to a cache-clearing fix. If this doesn’t solve the problem, other solutions should be explored.
2. Reset and reinstall the Store app
The Windows Store on Windows 10 can be easily reset to fix any malfunctioning, with the procedure also removing and reinstalling the app. Corrupt files are automatically repaired during the reset process.
To access settings, open the Action Center and click “All Settings.”
Head to Windows Settings and select Apps for the next step.
Navigate to the Microsoft Store, then select Advanced options from the list of apps.
End all running processes related to the Store app, then reset it to its default settings.
After the procedure, the Microsoft Store icon may no longer appear on the taskbar. To access it, open it from the Start menu or use the Pin it taskbar option to pin it back.
Resetting the Store app should fix any crashing issues and won’t require you to sign in again. However, your preferences will be reset to their default settings, which can be changed from the app’s Settings panel (click the three-dot icon> Settings).
3. Update Windows
Checking for new Windows 10 updates is the next step to take if clearing the cache or resetting the app doesn’t solve persistent issues.
Be aware: Installing certain Windows updates can consume significant time and bandwidth.
Search for Windows Update in the Start menu to access it.
Click “Check for updates” to install any new ones detected.
Having trouble installing updates? Our troubleshooting guide can help you resolve the issue.
Verify that the Store app is functioning properly after updating; if it continues to crash, follow the steps outlined below.
Do not use tools such as the Windows Upgrade Assistant to update Windows 10, as Microsoft only releases updates after they have been thoroughly tested for compatibility with your PC’s hardware. Installing them prematurely can cause damage.
4. Register Windows Store again
If you’re having trouble with the Windows Store, re-registering the app may be the solution. It’s a quick and easy fix that only takes a few seconds.
To open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges, open the Start menu and type “command prompt,” then select “Run as administrator.”
Run the command to proceed.
Run the PowerShell command “Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted” followed by “Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register (Get-AppxPackage WindowsStore).InstallLocation + ‘AppxManifest.xml’” to re-register Windows Store apps.
If the app still won’t start after re-registering with the Windows Store, try another solution.
5. Set the correct time
If your PC’s time is out of sync with the Microsoft servers, you may experience issues with the Store crashing. To avoid this, make sure to set your system time correctly.
Right-clicking the clock in the system tray and selecting ‘Adjust Date / Time’ is the first step to take.
Enable the “Set time automatically” switch and select the correct time zone if unsure.
It’s recommended to let the operating system set the time automatically, as this is less prone to errors than manually setting it yourself.
If your PC’s time is incorrect despite the Set time automatically switch being on and the correct time zone set, toggle the switch off and back on again to fix it.
Windows Store not launching? Here’s what to try next.
6. Install Media Feature Pack
Users of non-standard Windows 10 editions without media features may find that installing missing features helps their Windows Store apps run smoothly.
Installing the Media Feature Package from Microsoft is easy and hassle-free, so you don’t have to worry about doing your best.
The Windows 10 October 2020 Update is now available, and with it comes the Media Feature Pack, allowing users to download media-related features such as Windows Media Player.
Users should ensure they select the right version of Windows 10 when downloading from the page.
Download the media Feature Pack and follow the onscreen instructions to install it.
To find out which version of Windows 10 you have, type “winver” in the Start menu and press Enter. A popup box will appear with your Windows 10 version.
7. Run SFC scan
After numerous repairs, if the Windows Store continues to crash on startup, running an SFC scan may be the solution. The System File Checker scans the entire system for underlying issues and can fix problems that cannot be resolved through other means.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing it into the Start menu and selecting “Run as administrator.”
Press Enter after typing the command: “Type this command.”
The SFC scan may take some time, but restarting your PC after it’s done could help fix any issues that were preventing the Store app from working.
Now is the time
The Windows 10 Store provides a straightforward way to install apps, such as iTunes, without the hassle of complicated setup processes. Ensuring it functions correctly is essential for optimal performance.
Microsoft is continually striving to make Windows 10 an exceptional operating system through its Insider Preview updates, yet the Store app has been largely overlooked. I hope that future updates will address any lingering issues with the app.
Ready to take your Windows Store experience for a spin? Check out these five RSS readers that are easy to install and use.
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Final note
If you’re having trouble launching the Windows 10 App Store, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word!
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