Microsoft Store apps not working on Windows 11? 7 fixes to try

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Apps from the Microsoft Store that will not open, close at once or refuse to install usually need an update of the app, of the Store or of Windows itself. If that is not it, Windows can repair a single app without touching the rest.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Close and reopen the app

   Click the X at the top right and start the app again. If it hangs, close it from Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

   Done

2. Update Windows

   Open Start, Settings, Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install what is offered and restart. The steps are in how to check for updates on Windows 11.

   Done

3. Check that the app suits your PC

   On the app's page in the Store, look at the system requirements. Some apps need a newer version of Windows, a certain processor type or more memory.

   Done

4. Update the Store and your apps

   Open the Microsoft Store, click Library at the bottom left and click Get updates. This also updates the Store itself.

   Done

5. Repair the app

   Open Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Click the three dots next to the app and choose Advanced options. Click Repair. The app's data is kept.

   Done

6. Reset the app

   If Repair did not help, click Reset in the same place. This deletes the app's data on this PC, such as sign-in and settings.

   Done

7. Reinstall the app

   Uninstall the app from the same list. Then open the Microsoft Store, click Library, find the app and click Install.

   Done

Good to know

If the Store itself will not open, repair or reset it in the same way: it is listed as Microsoft Store under Installed apps.

A wrong date or time stops the Store from connecting. Check Settings, Time & language, Date & time, Set time automatically.

Games have their own checklist at Microsoft, including the Xbox app and the Gaming Services component.

Programs that did not come from the Store are removed differently: how to uninstall programs on Windows 11.

In short: Reopen, update Windows, check requirements, Store Library and Get updates, Repair, Reset, reinstall.