Microsoft Store Won't Open or Closes Immediately in Windows 11? Fix It in Order

You click Microsoft Store and it either does nothing, flashes open and vanishes, or shows a blank window before closing.

Why: the Store keeps a local cache and registration that can get corrupted — usually after an update, a disk-cleanup, or a profile change. The fix is to refresh those, from lightest touch to heaviest. Work down the list.

Fix 1: Reset the Microsoft Store cache (wsreset.exe)

This is the fastest fix and resolves most “opens and closes” cases.

1. Press Windows logo key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
3. A blank Command Prompt window appears. Leave it alone — after about ten seconds it closes by itself and Microsoft Store opens automatically.

If the Store opens and stays open, you’re done.

Fix 2: Make sure Windows is up to date

A pending update can break the Store until you install it.

• Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, install everything offered, then restart and try the Store again.

Fix 3: Repair, then reset, the Store app

If it still won’t stay open, refresh the app itself:

1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Find Microsoft Store, select the More (⋯) icon next to it → Advanced options.
3. Select Repair first (this keeps your data). Test the Store.
4. If Repair isn’t available or doesn’t help, select Reset (this clears the app’s data and signs it out).

Fix 4: Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

Let Windows detect and fix the problem automatically:

• Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Store Apps → Run.

Fix 5: Re-register the Store with PowerShell

If nothing above works, re-register the Store package for your account:

1. Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) (or Windows PowerShell as administrator).

2. Run:

   Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Restart the PC and open the Store.

FAQ

The wsreset window stayed open for a long time — is that normal? It can take a little while on a slow disk. As long as it eventually closes and the Store opens, it worked.

Does Reset delete my installed apps? No. Resetting the Store app only clears the Store’s own cache and signs you out — your installed games and apps stay.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Microsoft Store doesn’t open · Microsoft Support — Repair apps and programs in Windows