A faulty Microsoft Store cache may prohibit you from downloading files or even accessing the Store at all. Thankfully, there are 5 Ways to Fix a Damaged Microsoft Store Cache.
The Microsoft Store is an essential component of Windows. Unfortunately, troubles with store apps or the Store itself are not commonplace; for example, you may see a common error stating that “the Microsoft Store cache may be destroyed.”
When this happens, you will be unable to download new apps or update existing ones from the Microsoft Store. In rare situations, you may be unable to launch the Microsoft Store app at all. It can be really aggravating, so let’s look at what you can do if you see this issue.
How to Begin Repairing the Microsoft Store Damaged Cache Error
When you find a problem with Windows, the first action should be to restart the device. Restarting your computer may provide the clean slate required to get the Microsoft Store back on track.
Whether that doesn’t work, try closing all Microsoft apps and re-accessing the Store to see if the error persists. Finally, try closing all other applications (particularly third-party ones) and rechecking the Microsoft Store.
1. Launch the Windows Store Troubleshooter application (Fix method 01 for Damaged Microsoft Store Cache)
Windows contains built-in troubleshooters for many apps and functions that assist you in identifying and occasionally resolving problems. As a result, you can use the Windows Store troubleshooter as a first step in resolving any Microsoft Store-related issues.
This is how you can do it:
- Launch the Windows Settings application.
- Navigate to the Update and Security tabs.
- In the left-sidebar, select Troubleshoot.
- In the right pane, select Additional troubleshooters.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Windows Store Apps.
- Click Execute the troubleshooter.
Wait for the troubleshooter to identify and resolve issues in your Store. As soon as the operation is completed, restart your Microsoft shop. You can start downloading and updating games if it’s easily available. If it isn’t, try resetting the Microsoft Store.
2. Reset the Microsoft Store (Fix method 02 for Damaged Microsoft Store Cache)
Microsoft provides the WSReset tool to consumers in order to reset the Microsoft shop while leaving their apps and settings intact. Aside from that, resetting the Microsoft Store requires updating account settings and keeping all existing programs.
The WSReset tool is located in the C:/Windows/System32 folder in Windows 10, but you may also get it directly by searching for WSReset in the Windows search. A command window will open when you tap on the WSReset command in the search results.
The command window may appear to accomplish nothing at first, with no execution of codes or commands, but it really resets the Microsoft Store in the backend. Allow the window to close automatically and wait for the Microsoft Store to launch on its own.
Microsoft’s appearance implies that the reset process has been completed. Check that it is working properly after the reset. If not, ensure sure nothing is left in the Microsoft Store Cache folder (called Local state).
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalStateDon’t do anything if this folder is already empty. If something is within, delete all of the files. Restart your computer and try accessing the Microsoft Store again.
In some circumstances, resetting the Store may not work. If this is the case, keep applying the following fixes.
3. Update Date and Language Settings (Fix method 03 for Damaged Microsoft Store Cache)
Have you ever had issues with app stores on mobile because the date and language settings were incorrect? You most likely have. The same can say about the Microsoft Store on Windows.
Windows is intelligent enough to adapt the time and date based on your location. If any of these are not appropriately configured, expect problems with Windows services such as Microsoft Store.
Changing these options is as easy as this:
- Launch the Windows Settings application.
- Go to the Time and Language settings.
- In the left-sidebar, select Region.
- Check that the correct area or country is chosen.
By changing the region, you will get the right time for your location. However, if the date or time is still inaccurate, you should make the necessary changes.
In the left sidebar, select Date & Time. Disable the Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically toggles. Then, just below Set the date and time manually, click the Change button. Change the Date and Time by entering the right values. After that, you can toggle both toggles above once more.
4. Update the Microsoft Store App (Fix method 04 for Damaged Microsoft Store Cache)
If the issue persists, update the Microsoft Store apps. This workaround, however, is only available if you have access to the Microsoft Store.
It is possible that some of your apps are out of current and are not being automatically updated, causing issues with the store cache.
Store apps may have been updated previously, especially if you have Windows auto-update enabled at all times. If not, follow these steps to check for updates:
- Launch the Microsoft Store.
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner.
- Navigate to Downloads and Updates.
- Then select Get updates.
If upgrading Store apps does not address the cache problem, run Microsoft Scan to rule out malware. Disable antivirus first to confirm that it is not the culprit.
5. Disable Your Antivirus (Fix method 05 for Damaged Microsoft Store Cache)
Do you still have trouble downloading or updating programs from the Microsoft Store? If this is the case, consider removing any antivirus products that are currently operating in the background.Uninstall them temporarily if feasible.
Check to see if your Microsoft Store is still operational after you have turned off your antivirus program. If not, login in with a separate Microsoft account to ensure that no process is preventing your Store from functioning regularly.
If changing accounts addresses the problem, something is wrong with your other account, the one with Store difficulties. Then, either restore it to a prior point in time or reset your operating system settings.
Fixing Microsoft Store Errors
Hopefully, one or more of these fixes will assist you in resolving the Microsoft Store issue. If nothing seems to be working, you may force to reinstall Windows. Before you do that, delete a couple of the built-in Microsoft Store apps, though this isn’t suggested because you may have to reinstall them from start.
Have you checked out the new Microsoft Store? It was previously only available for Windows 11, but it is now also available for Windows 10.