Looking for a way on how to reset Windows Store and its cache in Windows 10? The process is straightforward and in this post, you will find out how to do that.
Several times situation arises when Windows Store start behaving abnormally. Different users face different issues and the only solution to deal with these Windows Store is Windows Store app troubleshooter.
But most of the time it fails to diagnose and fix the issue with Windows Store. In this situation, the last resort is to reset windows store and its cache.
The good thing is when you reset Windows Store and clear its cache; it fixes almost any issue related to Windows Store. Some of the recognized issues are as follow:
- Fails to install apps, games, and theme from Windows Store
- Windows Store fails to Acquire License error
- Windows Store Error 0x80073cf9 when trying to install apps from Windows Store
- Windows Store Error 0x8024600e when trying to update and install apps from Windows Store
- Random Windows Store apps freezes and crashes
- Windows Store not opening on Windows 10
Contents
How to Reset Windows Store and it Cache in Windows 10
In case, you’re facing any of the discussed Windows Store issues or whatever is the reason behind resetting windows store and its cache you can follow any of the way discussed below:
Reset Windows Store via Settings app
In case, you’re running Windows 10 version 1607, or above, then you can reset Windows Store right from the Settings app. Here is how you can do that:
1. Launch Settings app on Windows 10. For that press WIN + I keyboard combination.
2. Click on Apps -> Apps & Features.
3. On the right side scroll down until you see an application named as Windows Store. Click on the link named as Advanced options.
4. This will launch Windows Store details windows here you need to click on the Reset button, and in few seconds it will reset Windows Store.
Pretty easy right? Yes, it is!
In case, you running the old version of Windows 10, then the above method will not work. In this situation, you can try following methods
Reset Windows Store via WSReset.exe
Launch Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 10. In the command terminal type WSReset.exe and press Enter. Wait for few seconds once the process is completed the cursor will move to next line.
Note: This can take time depending on data available on cache and data available on the Windows Store.
Alternatively, navigate to the following directory in Windows 10 C:/Windows/System32. Here search for WSReset.exe file and when it appears, make a right click and Run as administrator.
When UAC dialog box appears, click Yes to continue.
Now a blank command prompt terminal will appear. Do not close the Command prompt terminal until it closes itself. Once done you have successfully reset Windows Store.
That’s it.
Reset Windows Store cache folder in App Directory
The process of clearing cache available in Windows Store cache folder in app directory is also easy. You just need to:
1. Launch File Explore. You can do that by pressing WIN + E keyboard combinations.
2. In the File Explorer address bar, paste following address:
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
In above address replace <username> with the username of your Windows 10 PC. In my case its GeekerMag so the address will come
C:\Users\GeekerMag\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
Note: You will only reach LocalState folder if the option to show hidden item option is enabled. Else you see a warning message.
3. In the LocalState folder, first of all, look for Cache folder if it is available, rename it to Cache.old and create a new folder named as Cache.
In case there is no Cache folder, then create one and name it Cache.
4. Once done close the File Explorer and reboot the system.
That’s it.
Reset Clear Windows Store by Re-registering
In case, you want to reset Windows Store and its cache completely; then you can also reregister Windows store app. For that:
1. Launch Elevated Windows Powershell. For that, Search Windows Powershell in the Start menu search bar and when the same app appears in the search results make a right click and Run as administrator.
When UAC dialog box appears, click Yes to continue.
2. In the Windows Powershell terminal type following command:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\WinStore\AppxManifest.xml
Now, wait until you get the confirmation about the completion of the process.
Check out video tutorial on my YouTube Channel
So these are some of the possible ways on how to Reset Windows Store and it Cache in Windows 10. I hope you find this tutorial useful.
Bonus: These steps will also help in troubleshooting the issue named as Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged in Windows 10.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Himachali, Mechanical Engineer, Snooker Lover, Avid drinker of Scotch, Content Creator, Traveller and Shorter than you (probably).