How to Clear Windows Store Cache with WSReset.exe

As many different methods we could find

If the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC starts behaving unusually, resetting the Windows Store cache could make it work again. Here’s how to do that in Windows 11 and 10.

The Microsoft Store app in Windows 11 and 10 is susceptible to various issues. For example, it couldfail to download apps or updates,crash or freeze at startup, orthrow out cryptic store errors. These often stem from an obsolete Microsoft Store cache.

Thankfully, Windows features a built utility called WSReset.exe that can clear the Microsoft Store cache. This tutorial covers all the ways to launch WSReset.exe, some other methods for resetting Microsoft Store to its defaults, and some additional fixes for other Microsoft Store issues.

What Happens When You Run WSReset.exe

When you invoke WSReset.exe, it shuts down the Microsoft Store and reverts all application and account settings to factory defaults. It also clears Window’s Store cache. That helps fix issues caused by outdated or corrupt app data.

The process is straightforward and automatic; you only need to run WSReset.exe. You won’t lose any installed apps and don’t need to sign in with your Microsoft Account again.

WSReset.exe doesn’t feature a graphical user interface. Instead, it shows up as a blank Command Prompt window. It will eventually disappear, and the Microsoft Store app automatically opens soon after to confirm a successful reset.

You can launch WSReset.exe via the Start menu or with a Run, Windows PowerShell, or Command Prompt command. You can even launch it directly via File Explorer.

Additionally, you can clear the Microsoft Store cache using other means such as the Settings app, the Registry Editor, or by deleting the Store folder that holds the cache files.

The quickest way to invoke the WSReset.exe tool is to run it via the Start menu or Windows Search.

Another quick way to get to WSReset.exe is to launch it as a Run command.

If the two methods above fail to launch WSReset, try running it via Windows PowerShell.

It’s also possible to invoke WSReset.exe via the older Command Prompt console.

You can reset the Microsoft Store by running the WSReset.exe utility directly via File Explorer.

C:WindowsSystem32

Other Ways to Reset the Microsoft Store

Sometimes, the WSReset.exe fails to open or generates additional error codes—e.g., “ms-windows-store:PurgeCaches.” Use the following alternative methods to reset the Microsoft Store and clear its cache.

The Settings app in Windows offers a straightforward and user-friendly way to reset the Microsoft Store. You can also repair the application while you’re at it.

You can force the Microsoft Store to reset by deleting your account’s registry keys from your PC. Make sure to back up your system registry before you begin.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Appx>AppxAllUserStore

The following approach lets you delete the Microsoft Store’s cache files directly via File Explorer.

Local Disk (C:) > Users > [Your Username] > Appdata > Local > Packages

Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe

Additional Microsoft Store Fixes to Try Out

If clearing the Microsoft Store cache didn’t help, here are several additional fixes you can try to get the application working again. Some of them are only possible if you can open the Microsoft Store.

Open theStart menu, typeWindows Store Apps, and selectOpen. Then, selectAdvanced>Apply repairs automatically>Nextto detect and fix Microsoft Store-related issues.

Open the Microsoft Store. SelectLibraryat the lower-left corner and chooseUpdatenext toMicrosoft Store.

Open the Microsoft Store. Choose your profile portrait and selectSign outunder your Microsoft Account. Next, restart your PC and sign back into the application.

Right-click theStart button, selectWindows PowerShell/Terminal (Admin), and run the following command:

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

Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console and run the two commands below:

Open theSettingsapp, selectWindows Update, and selectCheck for Update. If you see any pending updates, selectDownload & Install.

Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console. Then,run the System File Checker and the DISM toolone after the other:

Microsoft Store Cache Clear

Using the WSReset.exe tool to clear the Microsoft Store cache is the best way to resolve persistent issues with the application. However, some problems will require additional troubleshooting, and the above fixes are an excellent place to start.

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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How to Clear Windows Store Cache with WSReset.exe#

What Happens When You Run WSReset.exe#

Other Ways to Reset the Microsoft Store#

Additional Microsoft Store Fixes to Try Out#

Microsoft Store Cache Clear#