ByWorking smoothly in the Microsoft Store is essential for a better user experience. If apps in the store are not downloading or updating, errors occur frequently, or performance is slow, the most likely cause is a corrupted or overloaded Microsoft Store cache. Below, we will discuss in detail the 7 Best Ways to clear the Microsoft Store Cache in Windows 11.
1. Use WSReset Command
WSReset.exe is the easiest and official way to clear the Microsoft Store Cache.
How to:
1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type `wsreset.exe` and press Enter.
3. A black screen will open for a few seconds, and then the Microsoft Store will open automatically.
This method resets the temporary files of the Store without any data loss.
2. Reset Microsoft Store from Settings
Windows 11 Settings has an option to reset the Microsoft Store app manually.
How to:
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for “Microsoft Store” and click on it.
3. Go to Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
This method also deletes all the app data of the Store, along with the cache.
3. Clean up temporary files
Temporary files accumulated in Windows can also interfere with the functioning of the Microsoft Store.
How to:
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
2. Select unwanted files such as temporary files, thumbnails, and Delivery Optimization Files.
3. Click on the Remove files button.
This process makes the entire system lighter, allowing the Microsoft Store to perform better.
4. Register the Microsoft Store with PowerShell
If the problem persists despite clearing the cache, it may be beneficial to re-register the Store.
How to:
1. Type PowerShell in Windows Search.
2. Click on Run as administrator.
3. Copy and paste the command given below:
“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
“`
This command reinstalls and registers the Microsoft Store, which also fixes cache-related problems.
5. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
Sometimes, the cache issue in the Microsoft Store is also related to Windows Updates.
How to do it:
1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Go to Windows Update and click on the Run button.
This tool finds Windows-related problems and fixes them automatically.
6. Restart the Dependency Services of the Microsoft Store
For the Microsoft Store to work properly, it is necessary to keep some background services running.
How to do it:
1. Press Windows + R and type `services.msc` and press Enter.
2. Find these services:
Windows Update
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Cryptographic Services
3. Right-click on them and select the Restart option.
Many problems related to the Microsoft Store can be eliminated if these services are running smoothly.
7. Create a new user account and check
If the cache is not getting cleared even with all the methods given above, then you should create a new user account and check.
How to do:
1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
2. Click Add account and enter the new user credentials.
3. Log in with the new user and open the Microsoft Store.
This method ensures that the problem is limited to the current user profile only.
Additional Tips: How to Prevent Store Cache Problems
Always keep Windows 11 updated to avoid old bugs.
Check Antivirus or Firewall settings that may block Microsoft Store connectivity.
Do not let the Storage get full, as the cache uses temporary space.
Conclusion
Microsoft Store Cache problems are common, but the above 7 methods can help you solve them easily. Whether you use the WSReset command, reset the app, or register via PowerShell, each method is effective in its way. Choosing the right solution depends on the severity of the problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): How to Clear the Microsoft Store Cache in Windows 11
Q.1: What is the Microsoft Store Cache?
Answer: The Microsoft Store Cache is temporary data that Store applications store locally to make them work faster. It includes a user’s search history, app download information, and other temporary files. Over time, this data can become corrupted or overloaded, affecting the functionality of the Store.
Q. 2: What problems in Store can be fixed by clearing the cache?
Answer: Clearing the cache can fix the following problems:
Apps not downloading or updating
Store takes longer to open
Unexpected error codes (like 0x80070422, 0x80073D0A, etc.)
UI glitches or navigation errors
Q. 3: Does using WSReset.exe delete any data?
Answer: No, the WSReset.exe command only clears the cache of the Microsoft Store and does not affect any personal data or installed apps.
Q. 4: What is the difference between resetting the Store and WSReset.exe?
Answer: WSReset.exe only resets the cache, while resetting the Store from Settings removes all app data, settings, and cache. The Full Reset option comes into effect if simple cache clearing is not sufficient.
Q. 5: Is it safe to register the Store from PowerShell?
Answer: Yes, this process uses the official administrative command available within Windows to re-register the Store. It is recommended for advanced users looking for solutions to serious Microsoft Store-related issues.
Q. 6: How often should I clear the Microsoft Store cache?
Answer: This is usually only needed when Store-related performance issues occur. It is not necessary to clear the cache unnecessarily frequently.
Q. 7: Can creating a new user account solve the Cache issue?
Answer: Yes, if the problem is tied to a specific user profile, a new account provides a clean and corruption-free user environment that allows the Microsoft Store to function as expected.
