ByThis guide explains why Microsoft Store issues in Windows 11—like stuck downloads, failed updates, or apps not opening—are often caused by a corrupted cache. It offers seven tested methods, from WSReset to Reset, Troubleshooter, services restart, manual deletion, and re-registration, that can fix the Store in just minutes. Starting with simple steps and gradually progressing to advanced fixes, the problem is resolved quickly in most cases.
The Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is great… until it suddenly stops working.
Apps refuse to download.
Updates stay stuck.
You see weird error codes.
Or the Store simply won’t open.
Frustrating, right?
I’ve faced this multiple times while installing games and productivity apps on different PCs. In most cases, the real troublemaker turned out to be corrupted cache files.
The good news?
You can fix it in minutes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 7 practical ways I’ve personally used to clear the Microsoft Store cache and bring it back to normal.
No technical drama. Just working solutions.
First, What Does “Cache” Even Mean?
Cache is temporary data that the Store saves to load faster.
But when this data becomes outdated or damaged, it can cause:
- download failures
- login problems
- update errors
- Store not opening
Clearing the cache forces Windows to create fresh files.
Think of it like giving the app a clean start.
Method 1 – Use WSReset (Fastest & Official Fix)
Whenever someone asks me for a quick solution, this is the first thing I suggest. It’s built directly into Windows.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type wsreset.exe
- Hit Enter
A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to close automatically.
The Store will reopen with a cleaned cache.
Simple. No risk.
I’ve used this dozens of times, and honestly, it solves the issue in most cases.
Method 2 – Reset Microsoft Store from Settings
If WSReset doesn’t work, this is the next powerful option.
Here’s how:
Open Settings
Go to Apps → Installed Apps
- Find Microsoft Store
- Click Advanced options
- Press Reset
This removes cache, login info, and temporary glitches.
You may need to sign in again later.
From my experience, this is extremely effective when downloads are frozen.
Also read: Pop-Up Alerts Won’t Stop on iPhone? Effective Ways to Fix Them Completely
Method 3 – Clear Cache Using Windows Troubleshooter
Windows includes automatic repair tools. Many people ignore them, but they can surprise you.
Steps:
Open Settings
Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Run Windows Store Apps
Let it scan and apply fixes.
Sometimes it repairs permissions along with cache, which manual methods miss.
Method 4 – Restart Important Store Services
The Store depends on background services. If they hang, clearing cache alone may not help.
Here’s what I usually do on older laptops.
Steps:
Press Windows + R
Type services.msc
Find:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Windows Update
Right-click → Restart
Now reopen the Store.
This often fixes slow or stuck downloads.
Method 5 – Delete Local Cache Files Manually (Advanced but Effective)
I’ll be honest.
Most users won’t need this.
But when nothing else works, this method has saved me more than once.
Steps:
Press Windows + R
Paste:
%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache
Delete everything inside the folder.
Restart your PC.
You are basically removing leftover garbage files.
Also read: How to View Apps by Battery Usage on iPhone – A Complete and Accurate Guide
Method 6 – Re-register Microsoft Store
If the app feels broken, missing, or crashing, re-registering refreshes its connection with Windows.
It sounds technical, but it’s easy.
Steps:
Right-click Start
Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
Paste:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml”}
Press Enter.
Give it a minute.
I’ve used this when the Store refused to launch at all. Worked like magic.
Method 7 – Create a New User Profile
Yes, this sounds unrelated.
But trust me.
Sometimes the problem isn’t the Store — it’s your user account cache.
Create a new profile and open the Store there.
If it works, your old profile has corrupted data.
You can then move files and switch permanently.
I had to do this once on a client PC, and it fixed weeks of headaches.
Extra Tips From My Personal Experience
After dealing with Store errors on many systems, here’s what I’ve learned:
Keep Windows updated
Avoid aggressive registry cleaners
Restart after major updates
Don’t interrupt downloads midway
Small habits prevent big issues.
When Should You Clear Cache?
Do it when:
apps won’t install
updates fail
Store crashes
pages load blank
You see random error codes
If everything is working fine, leave it alone.
No need to fix what isn’t broken.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Store problems look scary, but most are temporary.
In real life, WSReset or Reset from Settings fixes things quickly. The deeper methods are backup options.
Start simple. Move step by step.
You’ll save time and avoid unnecessary stress.
FAQ – Microsoft Store Cache Clear in Windows 11
1) What does clearing the Microsoft Store cache delete?
Clearing the cache removes temporary files that are created to make apps run faster. Your installed apps are not deleted. Login may sometimes be logged out, but you simply need to sign in again.
2) Does clearing the cache fix download problems?
In most cases, yes.
If a download is stuck, shows pending, or is encountering an error, the Store will restart fresh once the cache is refreshed, and the problem will be resolved.
3) What is the difference between WSReset and Reset?
WSReset is a mild refresh – it clears the temporary cache.
Reset is a bit stronger – it can also clear cache, app data, and login information.
If WSReset doesn’t work, it’s best to try Reset.
4) Is it safe to repeatedly clear the cache?
Yes, it is safe.
But only do this when necessary. There’s no need to do it every day.
5) Why does a blank window open after running WSReset?
That’s normal. Windows are being cleaned in the background.
Wait a bit, the window will close automatically, and the Store will open.
6) The Store still won’t open after clearing the cache. What should I do?
Then try the next steps:
Store Reset
Troubleshooter Run
Services Restart
Re-register Command
Usually, one of these methods works.
7) Does the internet connection have an impact?
Absolutely. Slow or unstable internet can also cause Store errors.
After clearing the cache, it’s a good idea to restart Wi-Fi and check again.
8) Is the problem caused by a virus or another cleaner tool?
Yes, many third-party cleaner apps tamper with Store files.
I’ve personally seen cases where the issue resolved itself after removing the cleaner.
9) How long does it take to clear the cache?
Typically, 10 seconds to 2 minutes.
If it takes longer, restart your PC and try again.
10) Can this slow down Windows?
No. On the contrary, performance may improve after clearing the corrupted cache.
