The Windows Store cache stores information like downloads, updates, and temporary files to speed up operations in the Microsoft Store app. Over time, issues like slow downloads, installation problems, or error messages may indicate the cache is corrupted or filled with useless files. Resetting the Windows Store cache can often fix these types of issues by deleting the existing cache and forcing Windows to rebuild it from scratch.
Resetting the cache is a simple process that involves using Windows settings or editing the registry. This article will walk through multiple methods to reset the Store cache, as well as additional tips for troubleshooting Store problems.
When to Reset the Windows Store Cache
Trying a cache reset should be one of the first solutions you attempt if you experience any of the following issues:
– Downloads from the Microsoft Store are slow or frequently fail before completing.
– You receive error messages when trying to launch or update apps from the Microsoft Store.
– Newly installed apps are not working correctly or fail to open.
– The Microsoft Store itself will not open or load properly.
– You cannot install app updates or new apps from the Microsoft Store.
Resetting eliminates any corrupted files or outdated data from the cache so it can be rebuilt from scratch. This commonly resolves the types of Windows Store issues listed above.
Clear the Windows Store Cache in Settings
The easiest way to reset the Store cache is by using the Clear Store Cache option in Windows Settings:
1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
2. On the right side, locate and select Microsoft Store.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Click Reset under Reset the Microsoft Store application.
5. Click Reset to confirm.
This will immediately clear out the existing Store cache and require it to be rebuilt. You may need to restart your PC to fully clear it out. After resetting the cache, try whatever Store operation was failing again to see if the issues are resolved.
Use the WSReset Utility
Another simple way is using the wsreset.exe utility in Command Prompt:
1. Open Command Prompt as admin. You can right-click the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type in wsreset.exe and hit Enter.
3. The Store cache will be reset. You may need to restart the computer afterwards.
Wsreset is a built-in utility for resetting the Windows Store. It will stop all Store services, clear out the cache, then restart the services. This can resolve many issues with the Store and installed apps.
Delete the Store Cache Folders
You can also manually locate and delete the folders where the Store cache is kept. To do this:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Caches. AppData is a hidden folder, so you’ll need to set File Explorer to Show Hidden Files first.
2. Look for folders like WindowsStoreCache and PackageCache. Delete these folders.
3. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\ClipSVC\ClipSVC and delete any files and folders you find here.
4. Restart your computer when finished.
This will wipe the main Windows Store cache folders and force them to be recreated. Check if the Store works better afterwards.
Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides an automated troubleshooter that can detect and fix common Store issues:
1. Type Control Panel into the Start menu then click to open it.
2. Click the Troubleshooting icon.
3. Click View All on the left panel.
4. Click Windows Store Apps.
5. The troubleshooter will automatically detect and attempt repairs.
6. Restart your PC after it completes.
The Windows Store Troubleshooter tries resetting the cache as well as other fixes for errors, updates failures, and slowdowns. Run through it first before trying more advanced solutions.
Reset Permissions for the Store Folders
Permission issues can sometimes stop the Store from updating or modifying the cache folders. You may be able to resolve some problems by resetting the permissions:
1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.
2. Right-click WindowsApps and go to Properties > Security.
3. Click Advanced then Disable Inheritance. Click Convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions on this object.
4. Remove ALL permissions for all groups and users. Make sure the list is empty.
5. Click Add > Select Principal. Enter your username then check Full Control under Allow.
6. Click OK and Yes to accept the changes. Repeat for the Windows Update folder here.
7. Restart your computer. The permissions will be reset, allowing the Store full access again.
Run SFC and DISM
System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) can check for and replace corrupted Windows files. Running them may resolve Store errors caused by system file damage.
To run SFC:
1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
2. Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. SFC will scan Windows and repair files. Restart your PC afterwards.
To run DISM:
1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. DISM will scan and fix system image corruption. Allow it to complete then restart.
SFC checks for corruption in protected Windows files while DISM works with the overall Windows image. Using both provides a comprehensive scan that can repair many potential causes of Store problems.
Reset Microsoft Store with PowerShell
This PowerShell command will reset the Store cache and services:
1. Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
3. Hit Enter. PowerShell will run the command to reset the Microsoft Store apps.
4. Restart your PC when it finishes.
This is an advanced command but often fixes issues not resolved by other methods. It essentially re-registers the entire Store app package. The cache gets cleared and the Store is started from a fresh state.
Remove Problematic Apps
Sometimes issues with a particular app can cause problems for the entire Store. If you consistently have issues after installing or updating a specific app:
1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find the problematic app and click the three dots next to it.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Confirm the uninstall then restart your PC.
Removing the app will delete all associated files and registry entries during the standard uninstallation process. This can resolve conflicts with that particular app interfering with the Store.
Refresh the System
If Windows system files become damaged, a refresh can reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files and apps.
To refresh your PC:
1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
3. Choose Keep my files to refresh Windows while preserving your data.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows.
A system refresh will replace system files like the Store components while preserving your user account and data. It’s an advanced fix but can repair errors that other solutions cannot.
Reset Windows Completely
If refreshing does not solve the problems, the nuclear option is resetting Windows 10 entirely:
1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
3. Choose Remove everything to fully reinstall Windows.
4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall. Cloud is easier; local keeps nothing.
5. Finish the reset steps. You’ll need to reconfigure Windows and reinstall apps.
Resetting Windows 10 reinstalls Windows from scratch, including a clean slate for the Store. This is guaranteed to solve any Windows Store issues, with the tradeoff of losing apps and settings. Only use it when all else fails.
Conclusion
The Windows Store cache helps the Store run quickly, but can cause problems if it becomes bloated or corrupted. Resetting the cache makes Windows rebuild it from scratch, often resolving slowdowns, failures, or errors. There are multiple methods available, from simple settings to advanced commands.
Try resetting the Store cache before anything else when troubleshooting Store issues. This one step fixes a majority of common problems users experience. If resetting the cache does not help, further techniques like scanning for system file corruption or refreshing the Windows installation may be required. In most cases the cache reset resolves matters, saving you from more complex solutions.
Summary
– Reset the Windows Store cache to fix slow downloads, installation issues, missing apps, and other Store problems.
– Easiest method is using the Reset option in the Advanced settings for the Store app.
– Can also reset cache with wsreset utility, deleting folders manually, running the troubleshooter, or using PowerShell.
– Further steps like reinstalling apps, refreshing Windows, or full reset may help for serious issues.
