Microsoft Store App missing in Windows 10 (7 ways to Get it back)

The Microsoft Store app is the main gateway for installing and updating modern apps in Windows 10. If it goes missing or won’t open, you lose access to a lot of features and software. This problem happens more often than you’d think - after Windows updates, broken user profiles, third-party cleanup tools, or even malware infections. Thankfully, you can get the Store back without reinstalling all of Windows. Here are seven reliable ways to restore the Microsoft Store app in Windows 10.

Check for Pending Windows Updates

Before trying anything complex, see if your Windows 10 system needs updates. Sometimes, a missing Microsoft Store app is the result of a half-applied update or a stuck installation. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Let Windows download and install everything, then restart your computer.

If the Store was removed by a previous buggy update, a newer patch may bring it back automatically. This is especially true for feature updates or cumulative patches, which often repair or restore built-in apps. After the restart, look for the Store icon in your Start menu or search bar. If it’s not back, it’s time to try deeper fixes.

Reset the Microsoft Store App Using Settings

Sometimes the app isn’t fully gone - it’s just corrupted or stuck. Windows 10 lets you reset Store data, which can revive the app if it’s installed but malfunctioning or invisible. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll down to Microsoft Store (you might need to search for it or look carefully). Click it, then click Advanced options. In the new window, find and click the Reset button. This will clear the app’s data and cache, but won’t remove your installed apps.

If the Store was only partially broken, this usually brings it back instantly. If you don’t see Microsoft Store listed here, it’s truly missing and you’ll need to reinstall it.

Reinstall Microsoft Store with PowerShell

If the Microsoft Store is actually uninstalled, the most effective way to bring it back is through Windows PowerShell. Click Start, type PowerShell, right-click Windows PowerShell, and choose Run as administrator. In the window, paste this command:

• Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Press Enter. This command reinstalls the Microsoft Store for all accounts, re-registering it from your system’s Windows files. If you see red errors, your Windows installation may have deeper issues. If the command completes successfully, the Store should reappear in the Start menu. You may want to restart your PC to finish the process.

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter for Store apps. It checks for common issues like missing files, damaged permissions, or service problems. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, then click Additional troubleshooters. Scroll to Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter.

Follow the prompts and let the tool scan your system. If it finds something, it will attempt to repair it automatically. Even if it can’t fix the Store, it might give you clues about what’s wrong (such as account problems or missing system files).

Create a New User Profile

Corrupted user accounts can cause built-in apps like Microsoft Store to disappear or stop working. If other fixes haven’t worked, create a new local user profile to check if the problem is account-specific. Use Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, then click Add someone else to this PC. Give the new account a password and sign out of your current profile.

Log into the new user account. If the Store appears here, your original profile is corrupted. You can move your files over or try resetting the broken account. If the Store is missing for all users, the issue is system-wide and you should keep troubleshooting.

Repair System Files with SFC and DISM

Sometimes, system corruption is what’s breaking the Microsoft Store. Two built-in tools can scan and fix missing or damaged Windows files: SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as administrator. First, run:

• sfc /scannow

Let this complete (it may take a while). If it finds and fixes issues, restart your PC and check for the Store app. If SFC reports errors it can’t fix, run:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This checks Windows’ system image for corruption and fixes it using Windows Update. When done, restart again. Many Store issues are resolved this way, especially after failed updates or malware infections.

Install Microsoft Store via App Installer (for Advanced Users)

If standard fixes fail, you can try manually installing the Store app package using Microsoft’s App Installer or PowerShell with a downloaded .appx file. This is more advanced and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable with Windows system files. You’ll need a trusted source for the Microsoft Store app package - the safest is to extract it from another Windows 10 PC that has the same version/build. Copy the Microsoft.WindowsStore folder from C:\Program Files\WindowsApps (you may need to change ownership and permissions), then use PowerShell:

• Add-AppxPackage -Path C:\Path\To\App.appx

This should reinstall the Store. Be careful with packages from the web, as unofficial sources are a security risk. If this feels too risky, consider a Windows repair install instead.

Frequently asked questions