When the Microsoft Store stops downloading apps, throws error codes, or behaves inconsistently, a corrupted cache is usually responsible. Clearing it resets the Store's temporary data without deleting your installed apps or account settings. There are three ways to do it on Windows 11, and the first one takes under thirty seconds.
Why the Cache Causes Problems
The Microsoft Store saves temporary files locally to speed up browsing and downloads. Over time, these cached files can become corrupted or outdated, causing the Store to malfunction. Common symptoms include apps failing to download, the Store crashing on launch, update errors, and the search bar not responding.
Clearing the cache forces the Store to rebuild its temporary files from scratch, which resolves most of these issues without requiring a full app reset or reinstallation.
Method 1: WSReset.exe (Fastest and Recommended)
WSReset is a built-in Windows utility designed specifically for clearing the Microsoft Store cache. It does not remove your installed apps, change your account settings, or delete your sign-in information.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog
Press Windows and R together. The Run dialog opens in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Run WSReset
Type wsreset.exe into the Run field and press Enter or click OK.
A blank Command Prompt window opens. This is normal. The tool runs silently in the background while the window is open. Do not close it manually.
After approximately ten to thirty seconds, the Command Prompt window closes automatically and the Microsoft Store opens. The cache has been cleared. Test whether the issue you were experiencing is resolved.
Alternatively, you can run WSReset without the Run dialog. Press the Windows key and type wsreset in the search bar. Click the first result. The same process runs automatically.
Method 2: Reset Through Windows Settings
If WSReset does not resolve the issue, resetting the Store through Settings performs a more thorough clear. This method deletes all cached data along with the app's local data, which means you will need to sign back into your Microsoft account after it completes.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows and I together to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Installed apps on the right side of the screen.
Step 3: Find Microsoft Store
In the search bar within the Installed apps list, type Microsoft Store. When it appears in the results, click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Advanced options.
Step 4: Reset
Scroll down to the Reset section. You see two options: Repair and Reset.
Click Repair first. This attempts to fix the Store without deleting any data. If the problem persists after repairing, return to this screen and click Reset. Confirm the action when prompted.
After the reset completes, open the Microsoft Store and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Method 3: Manually Clear the LocalCache Folder
This method deletes the cache files directly from the file system. Use it when the first two methods do not resolve the issue.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog
Press Windows and R together.
Step 2: Navigate to the LocalCache Folder
Type the following into the Run field and press Enter:
%localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCacheFile Explorer opens directly inside the LocalCache folder, which contains the Microsoft Store's temporary files.
Step 3: Delete the Contents
Press Ctrl and A to select all files inside the folder. Press Delete to remove them. Confirm if prompted.
Do not delete the LocalCache folder itself, only the contents inside it.
Restart your PC after clearing the folder, then open the Microsoft Store to confirm the issue is resolved.
Which Method to Use
Start with WSReset. It is the fastest option and handles the majority of cache-related issues without affecting any data. If that does not work, use the Settings reset. Reserve the manual LocalCache method for persistent problems that the first two approaches cannot fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing the Microsoft Store cache delete my installed apps?
No. WSReset and the manual LocalCache method do not remove any installed apps. The Settings reset also keeps your installed apps but clears local app data, which may log you out of the Microsoft Store and require you to sign in again.
How long does WSReset take to run?
Typically ten to thirty seconds. The blank Command Prompt window stays open for the duration and closes automatically when the process finishes. The Microsoft Store then opens on its own. If the window stays open for more than two minutes, try restarting the PC and running WSReset again.
Does clearing the cache fix Microsoft Store error codes?
It resolves most common error codes related to corrupted temporary data, including errors such as 0x80072EFD, 0x80073CF9, and 0x80131500. Error codes related to network issues, account problems, or Windows Update require different troubleshooting steps beyond cache clearing.
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