15 Ways to Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80131500

A cryptic error difficult to decipher

Do you keep running into an 0x80131500 error while attempting to open the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 or 10? We’ll show you all the possible ways to fix that.

The Microsoft Store’s 0x80131500 error code can show up for several reasons. For example, you might be dealing with a buggy Microsoft Store installation, conflicting network settings, or user profile corruption.

Work through the fixes below to fix the Microsoft Store error code 0x80131500 in Windows 11 and 10.

1. Enable the Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Native Windows apps use a background service called Background Intelligent Transfer Service (or BITS) to handle uploads and downloads. If BITS crashes or fails to run automatically at startup, it may trigger the Windows Store error 0x80131500. Check its properties and perform the following actions if needed.

  1. PressWindowsKey+Rto open theRunbox. Then, typeservices.mscand pressEnter.

  2. Locate and double-click theBackground Intelligent Transfer Service.

  3. SetStartup typetoAutomaticandService statustoRunning(selectStart). Save your changes and reboot Windows.

2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Program

If you use a third-party antivirus utility, briefly disable it and check if that makes the Microsoft Store error 0x80131500 disappear. If that helps, add theWinStore.App.exefile under the following location into the program’s exceptions list:

Local Disk (C:)>Program Files>WindowsApps>Microsoft.WindowsStore_[Windows Build Number]_8wekyb3d8bbwe

3. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter in Windows 11 or 10 helps resolve underlying issues preventing the Microsoft Store from working. To get to it:

  1. Open theStart menuand selectSettings.

  2. Select theSystemcategory.

  3. SelectTroubleshoot.

  4. SelectOthertroubleshooters(orAdditional troubleshootersif you use Windows 10).

  5. Locate theWindows Store Appstroubleshooter and selectRun/Run the troubleshooter.

4. Repair the Microsoft Store App

The following fix involves repairing the Microsoft Store. Don’t worry—it’s quick and straightforward.

  1. Right-click theStartbuttonand selectApps and Features.

  2. SelectMicrosoft Store>Advanced options.

  3. SelectTerminate>Repair.

5. Reset the Windows Store

If repairing the app doesn’t help, try resetting the Windows Store. That clears the Store cache and reverts the app to factory defaults.

To do that, repeat the steps above but selectTerminate>Resetin step3. Alternatively, typeWSReset.exeinto theStart menuand pressEnter.

6. Change Your Network’s DNS Servers

Change the DNS (Domain Name System) servers for your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to Google DNS. That improves the Microsoft Store’s chances of locating and communicating with the correct servers. You might want toclear the DNS cache in Windowsbefore you begin.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and select theNetwork& Internetcategory.

  2. SelectPropertiesnext to your wireless or Ethernet network connection.

  3. SelectEditnext toDNS server assignment.

  4. SelectEditnetworkDNS settingsto manual and turn on the switch next toIPv4(Internet Protocol version 4). Then, fill the empty fields as follows and save your changes:

PreferredDNS Server: 8.8.8.8

AlternateDNS Server: 8.8.4.4

7. Disable Your Computer’s Proxy Settings

If the Microsoft Store’s 0x80131500 error persists, stop your computer fromlooking for or connecting to any proxy serversand try opening the app again.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectNetwork & internet>Proxy.

  2. Disable the switch next toAutomatically detect settingsand check again. Also, set theUse setup scriptandUse a proxy serveroption toOffif active.

8. Update Windows to the Latest Version

System-related bugs can play a factor behind the Microsoft Store’s 0x80131500 error. The best way to rule that out is to update Windows to its latest version.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectWindows Update.

  2. SelectCheck for updatesand install all pending operating system updates.

9. Configure Your Internet Options

Microsoft’s forum chatter indicates setting your network to use only the TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 cryptographic protocols as another likely fix for the Microsoft Store 0x80131500 error. Here’s how to do that:

  1. TypeInternet Optionsinto theStart menuorWindows Searchand pressEnter.

  2. Switch to theAdvancedtab and clear theUse SSL 3.0,UseTLS1.0, andUseTLS1.1boxes. Then, enableUseTLS1.2andUseTLS1.3, save your changes, and reboot your computer.

10. Check the Time, Date, and Region

An incorrect time, date, or region on your computer can create communication rifts between apps and servers. Double-check the relevant settings and make adjustments if needed.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectTime & language.

  2. SelectDate & time.

  3. Manually set the correct time and time zone or sync the clock with an internet time server.

  4. Head back to the previous screen. Then, selectLanguage & regionto reveal Windows’ region settings.

  5. Open the drop-down menu next toCountry or regionand pick the correct region.

Note: If you use avirtual private network (VPN), disable it to ensure that the Microsoft Store connects to servers from the correct region.

11. Re-register the Microsoft Store With Windows

Use an elevatedWindows PowerShellconsole to re-register the Microsoft Store with Windows.

  1. Right-click theStart buttonand selectWindows Terminal (Admin).

  2. SelectYeson the User Account Control pop-up.

  3. Execute the following command:

Get-AppXPackage WindowsStore -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

12. Uninstall and Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If re-registering the Microsoft Store doesn’t fix the 0x80131500 error, try reinstalling it. Again, open an elevated Windows PowerShell console. Then, run the following commands one after the other:

13. Perform an SFC and DISM Scan

Run theSystem File Checker and DISM command-line toolsto fix possible file corruption in Windows.

  1. Open an elevated Windows PowerShellconsole. Or, launch theCommand Promptwith administrative privileges (open theStart menu, typecmd, and pressEnter). Then, run the System File Checker:

sfc/scannow

  1. Follow up with the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

14. Reset the Network Settings in Windows

Continue byresetting your computer’s TCP/IP stack and network settings. You must manually reconnect to any Wi-Fi networks after that.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectNetwork & internet>Advanced network settings.

  2. SelectNetwork reset.

  3. SelectReset now.

15. Create a New Windows User Profile

If you made it all the way here, the Microsoft Store error 0x80131500 could be due to a corrupt Windows user profile. Confirm by creating a new user account.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectAccounts.

  2. SelectFamily & other users.

  3. SelectAdd accountunderOther users.

  4. SelectI don’t have this person’s sign-in information>Add a user without a Microsoft account.

  5. Name the new Windows profile and selectNext.

  6. Open theStart menuand switch to the new user account.

If the Microsoft Store opens,migrate your data to the new accountanddelete your old profile.

Microsoft Store Error 0x80131500 Fixed

The Microsoft Store error 0x80131500’s cryptic nature makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason. If none of the fixes above help, the next logical step is toreset Windows to factory defaults. Make sure toback up your personal databefore you do that.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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