Alex Ruben
How To Clear the Cache of Microsoft Windows Store in Windows
If the Microsoft Store is acting up—say, apps won’t download, update errors pop up, or it just feels sluggish—sometimes clearing the cache can help. It’s like giving the app a fresh reset without going through a full reinstall. This guide walks through a few tried-and-true methods to clear that stubborn cache and get things moving smoothly again. Expect fewer error messages and a more responsive store afterward, at least most of the time.
How to Fix Microsoft Store Cache Issues in Windows
Use the WSReset Command
This is a quick and dirty way to clear out the Store’s cache. It’s basically a built-in command that resets the cache without messing with your settings or account. If you’ve been having download or install hiccups, it’s worth trying this first. Sometimes it just works, no fuss. On some machines, this fails the first time, then works after a reboot, so don’t give up if it looks like nothing is happening at first.
- Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key.
- Type
wsreset.exein the search bar and hit Enter. - A small black command prompt window will pop up, run for a few seconds, then close. The Store will automatically open after.
This forces the Store to reset itself and clear cached data. It usually helps with errors like “Try again later” or weird download issues.
Access and Repair the Microsoft Store App Settings
If clearing the cache with WSReset didn’t do the trick, then checking the app’s settings can be helpful. Sometimes, corrupt files or misconfigured settings cause weird behavior, and repairing or terminating the app can fix that. It’s a good step before going for the full reset.
- Open the Start menu and type Microsoft Store.
- Right-click on the app icon, then select App settings from the menu.
- Within the Settings window, scroll down to find the Terminate button—click that to force close the Store completely. This helps if it’s hanging or not responding.
- Next, click on Repair. This option will attempt to fix any corrupted files associated with the app.
This method is useful if the Store is crashing or not opening properly but still responds to clicks. It’s kind of surprising how often this fixes weird glitches without a full reset.
Reset the Microsoft Store Completely
As a last resort, resetting the Store will basically wipe it back to factory default, refreshing all its files. Keep in mind, this signs you out and resets settings, so have your login credentials handy. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. This step works well if the app is completely frozen or corrupted.
- Open the Start menu, type Microsoft Store, right-click, and select App settings.
- Scroll down to find the Reset button. Click it.
- Windows will prompt you that the app will be reset—confirm that you want to proceed. It’s a quick fix but can fix stubborn issues like stuck downloads or persistent errors.
After resetting, you’ll need to sign back into your Microsoft account, so make sure you remember your login details. Sometimes, this step makes a surprising difference, especially if the cache clearing or repair didn’t help.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
To keep the Store running smoothly after all that fuss:
- Double-check that Windows is up to date. Sometimes, an update can fix underlying issues trying to mess with the Store.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable—no point clearing cache if the network is flaky.
- If you’re running antivirus software, consider disabling it temporarily. Some security tools might interfere with Store operations, especially during downloads or updates.
Summary
- Try wsreset.exe first—fast and usually effective.
- Check the App settings for repairs or termination if issues persist.
- Reset the app if everything else fails, sign back in, and see if that helps.
Wrap-up
Clearing the Microsoft Store cache isn’t exactly a magic fix, but it often gets rid of those nagging errors that won’t go away otherwise. It’s one of those stepping stones — a quick, simple fix that can save a ton of frustration. If problems keep cropping up, honestly, it might be worth checking for Windows updates or even reinstalling the Store via PowerShell. Fingers crossed this helps someone out there get back to downloading without fuss. Worked for me — hope it works for you, too.