The Microsoft Store is a vital platform for users to download and update apps and games on their Windows devices. However, it can be frustrating when the Microsoft Store crashes on startup, preventing users from accessing its services. In this article, we will explore some quick and effective fixes to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, allowing users to get back to using the Microsoft Store without any hindrance.
Update Windows And Microsoft Store App
Updating Windows and the Microsoft Store app is an essential step in troubleshooting the issue of the Microsoft Store crashing on startup. Outdated software often leads to compatibility issues, resulting in crashes and errors. By updating Windows and the Microsoft Store app, you ensure that you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
To update Windows, go to the Settings app and navigate to the “Update & Security” section. Click on “Windows Update,” and then select “Check for updates.” If there are any available updates, download and install them.
To update the Microsoft Store app, open the Microsoft Store and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Downloads and updates.” Click on the “Get updates” button to download and install any available updates for the Microsoft Store app.
Updating both Windows and the Microsoft Store app should resolve any issues caused by outdated software and prevent the crashing on startup problem.
Clear Cache And Reset Microsoft Store App
When the Microsoft Store crashes on startup, it could be due to corrupted cache or settings. Clearing the cache and resetting the app can help resolve the issue.
To start, open the “Settings” app on your Windows computer. Then, navigate to the “Apps” section and select “Apps & features.” Scroll down and locate the Microsoft Store app from the list.
Click on the app and select the “Advanced options” link. In the new window, you will find the options to clear the cache and reset the app. Click on the “Reset” button to clear the cache and restore the app to its default settings.
Once the reset process is complete, restart your computer and try launching the Microsoft Store again. Hopefully, the crash issue will be resolved.
Clearing the cache and resetting the Microsoft Store app can fix various common issues, including startup crashes. This step ensures that any corrupted cache or problematic settings are eliminated, allowing for a fresh start of the app.
Disable Proxy Settings And Firewall
Disabling proxy settings and firewall can help resolve issues with the Microsoft Store crashing on startup. Proxy settings may sometimes interfere with the store’s ability to connect to the internet and launch properly. To disable proxy settings, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “inetcpl.cpl” in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Internet Properties window.
3. In the Internet Properties window, go to the Connections tab and click on the “LAN settings” button.
4. Uncheck the box that says “Use a proxy server for your LAN” and click OK to save the changes and close the window.
Similarly, the firewall on your system can also block the Microsoft Store from starting. To disable the firewall temporarily, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Windows Security” from the left-hand side menu.
3. Click on “Firewall & network protection” and then select your currently active network profile.
4. Toggle off the switch under “Windows Defender Firewall” to disable the firewall.
After disabling the proxy settings and firewall, try launching the Microsoft Store again to see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, make sure to analyze the potential risks associated with keeping these settings disabled and consider re-enabling them with the necessary configurations.
Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that can help diagnose and resolve issues with the Microsoft Store app. This troubleshooter can automatically identify and fix common problems that cause the Microsoft Store app to crash on startup.
To run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type “Troubleshoot settings” in the search bar.
2. Click on the “Troubleshoot settings” option.
3. Scroll down and click on the “Windows Store Apps” troubleshooter.
4. Click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow the troubleshooter to scan for issues and apply fixes.
The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter will attempt to identify any problems with the Microsoft Store app and resolve them automatically. It may perform actions such as resetting the app, resetting the cache, or fixing registry settings.
After the troubleshooter completes its process, restart your computer and check if the Microsoft Store app still crashes on startup. If the issue persists, try the other troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article.
Check For System Integrity Issues
One of the possible reasons why Microsoft Store is crashing on startup is due to system integrity issues. These issues can occur when certain system files are corrupted or damaged. To fix this, you can use the System File Checker tool, which is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
To run the System File Checker tool, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. In the command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.
4. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and check if the Microsoft Store still crashes on startup.
Running the System File Checker tool can help fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the issue. If the problem persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from Microsoft Support.
Reinstall Microsoft Store App
If the Microsoft Store app continues to crash on startup even after trying the previous troubleshooting steps, you may need to consider reinstalling the app. Reinstalling the app can help resolve any underlying issues or corruptions that might be causing the crashes.
To reinstall the Microsoft Store app, you can follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “wsreset.exe” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will reset the Microsoft Store app.
3. Once the reset process is complete, restart your computer.
4. Press the Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
5. In the PowerShell window, type the command “Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”” (without quotes) and press Enter.
6. Wait for the command to execute and reinstall the Microsoft Store app.
7. Once the process is complete, restart your computer again.
After reinstalling the Microsoft Store app, check if the crashes are resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to consider contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.
Check For Conflicting Software Or Services
If the Microsoft Store is still crashing on startup after trying the previous troubleshooting steps, it’s possible that there may be conflicting software or services causing the issue. Some antivirus programs or third-party firewalls can interfere with the proper functioning of the Microsoft Store.
To check for conflicting software or services, follow these steps:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Startup” tab and disable any third-party applications that are not necessary for the computer’s operation.
3. Restart the computer and see if the Microsoft Store launches without crashing.
If the issue persists, try temporarily disabling any antivirus or firewall software installed on your system. Disable them one at a time and launch the Microsoft Store after each disabling to determine if any particular software is causing the conflict.
If you discover that a specific software or service is causing the crash, you can either uninstall it, update it to the latest version, or contact the software vendor for further assistance. Resolving the conflict should help resolve the Microsoft Store crashing on startup issue.
Contact Microsoft Support For Further Assistance
If all else fails and you are still experiencing issues with the Microsoft Store crashing on startup, it may be time to seek help from Microsoft Support. They have a team of experts who are trained to handle such issues and can provide guidance and solutions specific to your situation.
To contact Microsoft Support, you can visit the official Microsoft Support website and look for the contact information. Alternatively, you can use the Microsoft Support app, which is available for download from the Microsoft Store. This app allows you to access various support options, including virtual agents, forums, and chat support.
When contacting Microsoft Support, make sure to provide them with detailed information about the problem you are facing, including any error messages or steps you have taken to troubleshoot the issue. The more information you provide, the better equipped they will be to assist you.
Remember, Microsoft Support is there to help, and they will do their best to resolve the issue and ensure that your Microsoft Store app functions properly.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Why does the Microsoft Store keep crashing on startup?
The Microsoft Store can crash on startup due to various reasons. Common causesinclude corrupt system files, issues with the Store cache, incompatible software or drivers, or even problems with your internet connection. It is essential to identify the exact cause to apply the appropriate troubleshooting method.
FAQ 2: How can I fix the Microsoft Store crashing on startup?
There are several quick fixes you can try to resolve the issue. Firstly, you can reset the Microsoft Store cache by running the WSReset.exe command. If that doesn’t work, you can try reinstalling the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell commands. Another option is to update your graphics drivers and ensure you have the latest Windows updates installed. Disabling problematic startup apps or performing a clean boot can also help troubleshoot the issue.
FAQ 3: What can I do if none of the quick fixes work?
If the quick fixes mentioned above do not solve the problem, you can try performing a system restore to a previous stable state. Alternatively, you can consider resetting your PC to its factory settings, which will reinstall Windows but keep your personal files intact. If all else fails, contacting Microsoft Support or seeking assistance from a professional computer technician might be necessary to identify and resolve the underlying cause of the Microsoft Store crashing on startup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are experiencing the frustrating issue of the Microsoft Store crashing on startup, there are several quick fixes you can try. These include updating your Windows, clearing the Store cache, disabling third-party antivirus software, and reinstalling the Microsoft Store app. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and have the Microsoft Store running smoothly again in no time.