Microsoft Store Not Working – Troubleshooting Guide

Your entire user experience may suffer if you are unable to download and update apps from the Microsoft Store on your Windows device. Especially for Windows 11 users, this troubleshooting guide is meant to assist you in navigating through frequent problems and errors, like “You might need to take action in another Windows.” The procedures listed in this post can help you find a solution on Microsoft store not working, regardless of whether you’re seeing particular error codes like 0x80073D21 or are having trouble accessing the shop altogether.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Using Windows Troubleshooter

When encountering issues with the Microsoft Store, the built-in Windows Troubleshooter can be an effective first step. It’s designed to automatically detect and fix problems with various Windows apps, including the Microsoft Store.

To use the troubleshooter:

1. Type troubleshoot in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
2. Navigate to ‘Additional troubleshooters’ or ‘Other troubleshooters’.
3. Locate ‘Windows Store Apps’ from the list.
4. Click on it and choose ‘Run the troubleshooter’ or ‘Run’.
5. Allow the troubleshooter to scan for issues and apply any recommended fixes.

If the troubleshooter identifies any problems, it will attempt to resolve them automatically or provide guidance on further steps to take.

Remember, if the Microsoft Store is still not functioning correctly after using the troubleshooter, you may need to explore additional troubleshooting methods, such as resetting the store cache or checking for Windows updates.

Microsoft Store Not Working – Checking for Windows Updates

Ensuring your Windows operating system is up-to-date is a critical step in resolving Microsoft Store not working issues. Check for any pending Windows updates that might include important fixes for the Store functionality. Follow these steps to update your Windows:

• Select the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click on ‘Check for updates’ to see if any updates are available.
• If updates are found, install them and restart your computer.

Remember, some updates may require a restart to complete the installation process. After updating, verify if the Microsoft Store problem persists.

It’s essential to keep your system updated not only for the Microsoft Store but also for the overall security and performance of your computer.

Running Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the Microsoft Store not working and is still not functioning correctly after initial troubleshooting, the Windows Update Troubleshooter can help resolve issues related to Windows updates that may affect the Store’s operation. To run the troubleshooter:

1. Type troubleshoot in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
2. Navigate to ‘Additional troubleshooters’ or ‘Other troubleshooters’.
3. Locate ‘Windows Store Apps’ and click on it.
4. Choose ‘Run the troubleshooter’ or simply ‘Run’.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

Remember, it’s crucial to ensure that all Microsoft services are visible during this process. Hidden services can prevent the troubleshooter from detecting and fixing certain issues.

In some cases, the troubleshooter may not work or be unable to update. If this happens, ensure that you have disabled all non-Microsoft services and startup items through the System Configuration utility and Task Manager respectively.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Resetting Microsoft Store Cache

One effective method to troubleshoot issues with the Microsoft Store is to reset its cache. This process can resolve problems such as apps not updating or the store failing to load. To begin, simply press the Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter. A command prompt window will appear and after a few moments, it will close indicating that the cache has been cleared.

Resetting the cache does not affect your installed apps or settings but can significantly improve the Microsoft Store’s performance.

After the reset, the Microsoft Store should open automatically. If it does not, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. Remember, this is a non-destructive operation and your installed applications will remain intact.

Using PowerShell to Repair Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store not working correctly, using PowerShell to repair it can be an effective solution. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges by right-clicking the Start button and selecting ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin)’. Once opened, you can execute specific commands to repair or reset the Microsoft Store.

To begin the repair process, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This command will re-register the Microsoft Store app and can resolve many common issues. If the problem persists, you might consider resetting the Microsoft Store. To do this, use the command:

wsreset.exe

Resetting the Microsoft Store clears the cache and can often fix problems related to app updates or installations.

Remember to restart your computer after performing these steps to ensure that all changes take effect. If these steps do not resolve the issue, further troubleshooting may be required.

Enabling User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) is a critical security component in Windows that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system. If UAC is turned off, applications may install without seeking permission, potentially leading to issues. Re-enabling UAC is a recommended step in troubleshooting the Microsoft Store.

To enable UAC, follow these steps:

1. Open the Search menu and type “UAC”.
2. Click on “Change User Account Settings“.
3. Adjust the slider to your preferred security level; the default level is usually sufficient.
4. Click OK to confirm and apply the changes.

By reactivating UAC, you ensure that applications request permission before altering your computer, thus safeguarding your system’s integrity.

In some cases, especially within corporate networks, you might need to consider different UAC settings. For personal use, keeping UAC at its default level is typically advised. If you encounter difficulties with UAC in remote environments, you may need to adjust remote restrictions through the Windows Registry.

Updating Microsoft Store and Apps

How to Update Microsoft Store Manually

Keeping the Microsoft Store app up-to-date is crucial for security, performance, and access to the latest features. To manually update the Microsoft Store, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu or search for it using Windows + S.
2. Navigate to the three-dot menu at the top-right corner and select ‘Downloads and updates’.
3. Click on ‘Get updates‘ to check for available updates.

If updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed without further intervention. It’s important to note that if you’re in a standalone environment or on a computer that cannot connect to the Microsoft Store site, you can use alternative methods such as the Windows Package Manager (winget) to update your apps.

Remember, regular updates can prevent many common issues with the Microsoft Store and its apps.

In case you encounter any issues during the update process, refer to the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide or seek assistance from Microsoft support.

Troubleshooting App Installation Issues

When Microsoft Store is not updating applications or even downloading new ones, it’s essential to start with the basics. Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter. This can resolve issues related to the Microsoft Store not functioning correctly.

If the troubleshooter doesn’t fix the problem, consider reinstalling the affected app. Corrupted installation files often prevent proper operation, and a fresh install can eliminate these issues. To do this:

1. Open the Settings app with Win + I.
2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Locate the problematic app and select Uninstall.
4. Reopen Microsoft Store and search for the app.
5. Reinstall the app and check if the issue persists.

If none of the methods listed above have fixed the issue, the problem may lie with the app itself. In such cases, reinstalling from the official source is recommended.

Ensuring Apps are Compatible with Windows 11

When dealing with applications on Windows 11, compatibility is key to a smooth user experience. Ensuring that each app is up-to-date is crucial, as running an older version may lead to apps not opening or functioning properly. It’s recommended to update apps as soon as a new version is launched to avoid such issues.

An older version of the app is installed

• Critical services not running
• Presence of malware or virus

These factors can contribute to the erratic behavior of apps on Windows 11. Many users have reported apps not opening, which can often be traced back to compatibility issues with the operating system. To troubleshoot, start by checking the ‘Windows 11, version 21H2 known issues and notifications’ for any known compatibility problems. If you’re experiencing difficulty with a specific application, follow the steps outlined for troubleshooting compatibility issues with older applications on Windows 11.

Before making any changes to your system, it’s advisable to create a restore point. This allows you to revert back to a previous state if any issues arise during the troubleshooting process.

Dealing with Specific Error Codes

Understanding Error 0x80073D21

The 0x80073D21 error is often encountered by users when attempting to download or update apps, particularly through the Xbox app. This error typically prompts a message instructing to “Change where you install apps,” indicating a need to adjust storage settings.

To address this issue, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click on “Change where new content is saved.”
3. Select your system drive as the new location for app installation.
4. Retry the app installation or update.

If the error persists, additional troubleshooting may be necessary, such as clearing the Windows Store cache, running troubleshooters, or resetting the Microsoft Store and Xbox apps. Our guide provides a detailed walkthrough of these solutions.

It can be frustrating not to be able to access new features or updates for your apps. The 0x80073D21 error can also pose a security risk by preventing software updates, making it crucial to resolve promptly.

Steps to Resolve Common Microsoft Store Errors

When you encounter issues with the Microsoft Store, it’s essential to follow a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Start by running the built-in troubleshooter to identify and fix common problems. To do this, type ‘troubleshoot’ in the Windows search bar, select ‘Additional troubleshooters’, and then choose ‘Windows Store Apps’ to run the troubleshooter.

If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, consider resetting the Microsoft Store cache. This can be done by pressing the Windows key + R, typing wsreset.exe, and clicking OK. This step often resolves problems related to app functionality and performance.

In some cases, enabling User Account Control (UAC) can help prevent unauthorized changes that might affect the Microsoft Store’s operation. To adjust UAC settings, search for ‘UAC’ in the Windows search bar and modify the settings as needed.

Remember, keeping your Windows and Microsoft Store up to date is crucial for the smooth functioning of apps. Always check for updates in the ‘Windows Update’ section of your settings.

Lastly, if you’re still experiencing issues, consider performing an in-place upgrade or resetting the Microsoft Store app. Navigate to ‘Apps & Features’, find Microsoft Store, select ‘Advanced options’, and use the ‘Terminate and Repair’ or ‘Reset’ options.

Conclusion

Navigating through the complexities of the Microsoft Store when it encounters errors can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting guide provided, you should be equipped to tackle common issues such as error 0x80073D21 or the ‘You might need to take action in another Windows’ message. Starting with the built-in troubleshooter, checking for Windows updates, ensuring the Microsoft Store app is up-to-date, resetting the store cache, and enabling User Account Control are all effective strategies.

Remember, these steps are designed to resolve a variety of problems, and it’s crucial to follow them systematically for the best results. If you’ve exhausted all the options in this guide and still face issues, seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional technician may be the next course of action. We hope this guide has been helpful in restoring the functionality of your Microsoft Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix ‘You might need to take action in another Windows’ error in Microsoft Store?

To fix this issue, check for Windows updates and ensure your Microsoft Store app is up to date. You may also try resetting the Microsoft Store cache by pressing the Windows key + R, typing ‘wsreset.exe’, and clicking OK. Additionally, enabling User Account Control (UAC) can help prevent unauthorized changes that might affect the Store’s functionality.

What steps should I take to troubleshoot Microsoft Store errors?

Begin by using the built-in Windows Troubleshooter: type ‘troubleshoot’ in the Windows search, hit Enter, and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. If issues persist, try resetting the Microsoft Store cache or running the Windows update troubleshooter for further analysis.

How do I reset the Microsoft Store cache?

To reset the cache, press the Windows key + R, type ‘wsreset.exe’, and click OK. The Microsoft Store settings window should open automatically once the reset is complete.

How can I manually update the Microsoft Store?

Open the Microsoft Store app, click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner, and select ‘Downloads and updates’. From there, click ‘Get updates’ to manually check for and install any available updates for the Store and your apps.

What should I do if I encounter Microsoft Store error 0x80073D21?

Error 0x80073D21 can often be resolved by ensuring your Windows is up to date and checking the installation path for apps. If the problem persists, seek further troubleshooting steps specific to this error code, such as checking app compatibility or permissions.

Where can I find additional help if Microsoft Store issues continue?

If you continue to experience issues, consider consulting Xbox support articles for game installation troubleshooting, or contact Microsoft Support directly for more personalized assistance.