How to Reset Microsoft Store Cache in Windows 11
Fix broken app downloads and updates in Windows 11 by clearing the Microsoft Store cache.
The Microsoft Store cache stores temporary files that help the Store load faster, similar to how your web browser saves website data.
When temporary files in the Microsoft Store become mixed up or corrupted, the Store may not work correctly, stopping you from getting new apps or updates.
Resetting the Microsoft Store cache is a common fix for Windows 11 users experiencing Store problems. This step will not delete any apps you have already purchased.
To reset the Microsoft Store cache, close the Store, press Win+R, type WSReset.exe, and press OK. A command prompt will appear briefly, and the Store will then open. This common fix resolves app installation and update problems.
Resetting the Microsoft Store Cache
Method 1For Default Apps
To reset microsoft store cache for default apps, use the built-in WSReset command when downloads freeze or apps fail to update. This quick tool clears temporary files without deleting your installed programs and automatically reopens the Store when it finishes.- Close the Microsoft Store app if it’s open.
- Press the Win+R on your keyboard. This opens a small window called “Run.”
- In the “Open” box, type
WSReset.exeand then click OK. - A black Command Prompt window will appear for a few seconds, then close automatically. The Microsoft Store will then open.
Method 2For Third-Party Apps (Requires Admin Rights)
To reset microsoft store cache for third-party apps, you need administrator rights and Windows PowerShell to clear stored data that the standard tool misses. This advanced fix solves stubborn errors with specific non-Microsoft programs by deleting their corrupted temporary files.
- Close the Microsoft Store app if it’s open.
- Open Windows Terminal. You can usually find this by searching for it in the Start menu . Make sure to select Windows PowerShell from the options.
- Copy the command below and paste it into the PowerShell window. Press Enter. This command shows you a unique ID (called a SID) for each user account on your computer.
- Get-WmiObject win32_useraccount | Select name,sid
- Look at the list and find the username of the account that is having problems. Note down its corresponding SID (it looks like a long number starting with “S-1-5-…”).
- Open the Registry Editor. You can do this by typing
regedit.exein the Windows search bar and pressing Enter. - In the Registry Editor, go to this location in the left-hand pane:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore- Now, follow these steps:
- In the left pane, find and click on the AppxAllUserStore key to expand it.
- Find the key that matches the SID you wrote down earlier.
- Right-click on that SID key and select Delete.
- A confirmation message will appear. Click Yes to confirm you want to delete it.
- Finally, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
References:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/accounts-billing/microsoft-store-doesnt-open
Summary
Use the WSReset.exe tool for general issues, or for specific third-party app problems, you can manually clear their cache data through the Windows Registry. Remember to restart your PC after making registry changes.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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