4 Ways to Restore the Microsoft Store in Windows 10

If the Microsoft Store is missing from Windows 10, it usually means the app was removed, disabled, or damaged during an update or system change. In many cases, you can restore it without reinstalling Windows.

This guide walks through four practical fixes, starting with the simplest checks and moving to more advanced repair methods if the Store still does not appear.

Check Whether the Microsoft Store Is Actually Gone

Before trying repair steps, confirm that the Microsoft Store is truly missing rather than just hidden from the Start menu or broken as a shortcut. Try searching for Microsoft Store from the Start menu. You can also open the Run dialog with Windows + R and type ms-windows-store: to see whether the app launches.

1. Run the Microsoft Store Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes built-in troubleshooters that can detect common Store-related problems. This is the easiest fix to try first because it may reset settings or repair permissions automatically.

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
2. Select Troubleshoot, then Additional troubleshooters.
3. Choose Windows Store Apps.
4. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen prompts.

2. Reset or Repair the Microsoft Store App

If the Microsoft Store is installed but not opening correctly, repairing or resetting it can restore the app without affecting the rest of Windows.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Select Apps & features.
3. Find Microsoft Store in the list.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. First try Repair. If that does not help, choose Reset.

3. Re-register the Microsoft Store with PowerShell

If the Store entry is missing from menus or appears corrupted, re-registering the app can restore its Windows app registration. This is especially useful if the app package is still on the system but the shortcut or registration is broken.

1. Right-click the Start button and open Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command: Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Press Enter and wait for the command to finish.
4. Restart the computer only after the command completes if Windows asks you to do so.

4. Repair Windows System Files and Update Components

If the Microsoft Store disappeared because core Windows files or update components are damaged, the Store may not return until Windows itself is repaired. Use System File Checker and DISM to fix common corruption problems.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for the check to complete.
3. If problems remain, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. After the scan finishes, check whether the Microsoft Store is back in Start search or Settings.

If the Store Still Does Not Appear

If none of the four fixes work, the issue may be tied to a removed app package, a restricted company-managed PC, or deeper Windows corruption. On a personal PC, a repair install of Windows 10 is often the next best step because it can restore missing built-in apps without deleting your files.

• Check whether the PC is managed by school or work policies.
• Confirm that Windows 10 is fully updated.
• Look for third-party debloating tools that may have removed Microsoft Store.
• Consider an in-place repair install if the system files remain broken.

Which Fix Should You Try First?

Start with the troubleshooter, then try Repair or Reset in the app settings. If the Store is still missing, re-register it through PowerShell and finish with a Windows system file scan. That order gives you the fastest path from the least invasive fix to the most thorough one.