To restore the missing Microsoft Store, run a command in Windows PowerShell, the Xbox app, or perform an in-place upgrade.
If you accidentally deleted the Microsoft Store in Windows, fret not! You can always restore it using simple methods and workarounds.
I have been in a similar situation, and managed to get back the missing Microsoft Store on Windows in no time. Here’s what worked for me and should do the trick for you, too!
What can I do if I accidentally deleted the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 or 11?
1. Reinstall Microsoft Store via PowerShell
The easiest fix is to reinstall the Microsoft Store via a PowerShell command. All you need to do is open PowerShell as an administrator and run a quick command. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and click on Run as administrator.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Paste the following command and hit Enter:
Get-AppXPackage WindowsStore -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
- Wait for the Microsoft Store to install, then restart the PC to apply the changes.
Also Read: 101 Useful Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
2. Install Microsoft Store using the Xbox app
An easy workaround and one that worked for many, including me, is to download the Microsoft Store using the Xbox app for Windows. The idea is simple. When the Microsoft Store is missing, Xbox detects it and prompts you to download the component, because it’s vital for Xbox to run. Here are the steps:
- Press the Windows key, type Xbox, and open the app.
- Click on the Profile icon near the top left, and select Settings.
- Go to the App tab, and under Dependencies, click on Install next to Microsoft Store.
Note: Since I have already restored the missing Microsoft Store, you don’t see it listed under “Dependencies.” But if don’t have it yet, a Microsoft Store entry must be there.
For older versions of Windows and the Xbox app, you would have to navigate to the General tab, instead of App. The rest remains the same.
3. Perform an in-place/replace upgrade
If nothing else works, the last option is to perform an in-place or repair upgrade. It’s akin to reinstalling Windows, but you don’t lose the personal files, installed apps, or configured settings. Everything remains the same, except for all Windows-related files, which are replaced.
It’s a time-consuming process. An in-place upgrade takes anywhere between 45 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the extent of corruption within Windows’ files.
That’s it! With one of these solutions, you should have restored the missing Microsoft Store if it was accidentally deleted in Windows 10 or 11. It’s simple, right?
But you shouldn’t have to do this very often. And key to that is not making untoward changes to your Windows PC. Only configure settings that you fully understand and leave the rest until you have had the time to consult an expert.
Before you leave, find out expert-recommended tips to speed up any Windows PC and enjoy faster performance!
With over five years of experience in the tech industry, Kazim excels at simplifying complex topics, making them accessible to tech enthusiasts and general readers alike. He has contributed to several renowned publications worldwide, including WindowsReport and Allthings.how, bringing insightful coverage of key developments in the field.
Kazim has extensively covered the Windows ecosystem, from the early days of Windows 7 to Windows 11. Unlike many in the field, he’s optimistic about Windows 11, calling it the most user-oriented iteration to date.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find Kazim planning weekend getaways or diving into tech verticals beyond his expertise.
