8 Best Ways to Fix Microsoft Store Freezing on Windows 10

Microsoft Store is the official source for downloading apps and games on Windows 10. And unfortunately the Store remains a mess and a huge disappointment over the OS. We’ve seen Microsoft Store fail to download major apps and games, or sometimes not open at all. Many users are reporting that Microsoft Store freezes on Windows 10.

The problem mostly occurs when the user selects Settings or clicks on Downloads & updates to check for app updates in the Store.

While Microsoft is aware of the issue, the Microsoft Store is being rebuilt from the ground up in the upcoming Windows 11 OS update. However, due to the specified hardware requirements, Windows 11 will take some time to roll out to everyone.

Until then, you’re stuck with the buggy Microsoft Store on Windows 10. If it freezes or shuts down unexpectedly for you, it’s time to troubleshoot it using the methods below.

1. Use High Speed ​​Internet Connection

The Microsoft Store carries some of the high profile Xbox games. The size of these games varies between 20GB-30GB. First of all, you should make sure that you connect the computer to the internet from the Windows 10 Settings menu.

If your Wi-Fi router supports the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bands, connect the computer to the 5.0 GHz band for best performance.

A major slowdown in internet speed during the download process can increase the estimated download time and freeze the store.

2. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Microsoft Store collects cache in the background to make your store browsing experience faster. So, if you encounter Microsoft Store random freezing, you can clear Store cache.

Here’s how to do it.

Stage 1: Use the Windows + R keys and open the Run menu.

Step 2: Medicine wsreset.exe and hit OK at the bottom.

Stage 3: An empty Command Prompt window will open but don’t worry, the system is clearing the cache in the background.

We recommend running the Microsoft Store Reset Program (wsreset.exe) several times. The tool does not show exactly what is running and the process is happening in the background. Also, we recommend restarting the system after running it.

3. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a handy troubleshooter for most services and default apps in Windows 10. By running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, you can identify and fix Microsoft Store problems in minutes.

Go through the steps below.

Stage 1: On your Windows 10 computer, open the Settings app (use Windows + I keys).

Step 2: Go to the Update & Security menu.

Stage 3: Select Troubleshoot on the left.

Step 4: Click on Additional troubleshooters as shown in the image below.

Step 5: Scroll down, identify Windows Store Apps and click on it.

Step 6: Select Run the troubleshooter and let Windows handle the problem for you.

If the troubleshooter detects any problems, it tries to fix it. Sometimes, he can guide you on how to do it on your own.

Don’t put all your hopes on the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, though. Sometimes, it may not find any problem even if you face freezing in Microsoft Store.

4. Repair Microsoft Store

Microsoft has integrated a dedicated Microsoft Store Repair tool to fix annoying Store related issues. Here’s how to use it.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app menu in Windows 10.

Step 2: Go to Apps > Apps & Features > and select Microsoft Store from the long apps menu.

Stage 3: Click on it and select Advanced options.

Step 4: Scroll down and under the Reset menu you will find the Repair button.

It will close the Microsoft Store and fix things. Don’t worry, you won’t lose any app data in the process.

5. Reset Microsoft Store

Use this trick only if the Microsoft Store freezing issue persists on your computer. You need to be careful with this method as it will completely delete the app data from the Windows 10 device.

Here’s how to use it.

Stage 1: Use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut and open the Settings menu.

Step 2: Go to Apps > Apps & Features > and find Microsoft Store from the long apps menu.

Stage 3: Click on it and select Advanced options.

Step 4: Find the Reset button under the Reset menu and run it.

It will delete all app data for you, meaning you have to sign in again with your account information the next time you try to use Microsoft Store.

6. Check Proxy Settings

Using unstable network settings can cause problems with Microsoft Store. You should check your device’s Proxy settings in Windows Settings > Network and Internet > Proxy and turn off the Use proxy server option on the right.

7. Scan Your Computer with Windows Security

If your Windows 10 computer is affected by malware or corrupt/malicious files, it may affect the performance of essential apps like Microsoft Store.

No need to go ahead and buy any antivirus software for Windows 10. The default Windows Security software is good enough to remove such errors from the device.

Press the Windows key and look for the Windows Security app. Open it and run a quick scan from the Virus & threat protection menu.

8. Try the New Microsoft Store in Windows 11

Microsoft wasn’t kidding when they announced that they would be developing the Microsoft Store from the ground up. The new Microsoft Store, with a beautiful user interface and strong performance, is already live with the Windows 11 beta build.

If your computer is compatible with Windows 11 hardware requirements and you are having trouble with some errors here and there, you can try Windows 11 and start enjoying the new Store experience to download apps and games.

We have a special post on how to properly install Windows 11 on your computer. You can check it out and give Microsoft’s new operating system a spin.

Note: Windows 11 Preview build is for developers only, it can negatively affect performance. You may experience errors and problems. Therefore, install Windows 11 Preview at your own risk. Also, we don’t recommend installing Windows 11 on your host if your workflow relies on specific software.

Get Started with Microsoft Store in Windows 10

Microsoft wants to present the Microsoft Store as the ultimate hub for downloading all kinds of apps and games. Instead of finding apps from unverified sources on the web, you should stick to the Microsoft Store for better security and a smooth update process.

Random freezing of Microsoft Store can spoil the mood. However, the solutions mentioned above may help you troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Next: Having network connection problems on your Windows PC? Read the post below to learn how to fix network connectivity issues in Windows 10.