microsoft store fails to initialize

Ryan Henley 0 Reputation points
2026-10-12T22:08:15.64+00:00

i cannot open microsoft store, and also cannot open copilot. all other microsoft office apps open fine. please advise.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Microsoft Store
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  1. Vikki-T 12,080 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-13T08:16:56.7833333+00:00

    Hi Ryan Henley,

    Since Microsoft Store and Copilot both fail to open while your Office apps continue to work, could you please clarify what happens when you try to launch them? For example, do they briefly appear and close, remain stuck on a loading screen, or show an error message or code?

    Please also let me know:

    • When did the issue begin, and did it follow a Windows update or other system change?
    • Can you open Copilot in a browser at Copilot on the web?
    • Does Microsoft Store appear normally when you search for it from the Start menu?
    • Are you signed in to Windows with a Microsoft account or a local account?

    As the previous response already covers repairing and resetting the apps, please first try creating a temporary new Windows user account and test Microsoft Store there. This can help determine whether the problem is limited to your current Windows profile or affects the whole system.

    You can also refer to Microsoft’s official guidance here: Microsoft Store doesn’t open.

    Please share the results, along with the exact Windows version and OS build shown under Settings > System > About, so we can narrow down the next step. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-12T22:09:01.0233333+00:00

    Reset the Microsoft Store cache first, then repair or reset both Microsoft Store and Copilot because both Windows apps fail while the rest of Microsoft 365 still works.

    1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache

    1. Press Windows key + R.
    2. Enter: 
         wsreset.exe
    3. Select OK.
    4. A blank Command Prompt window should appear temporarily, close automatically, and then open Microsoft Store. ^1^
    5. Restart the PC and test both Microsoft Store and Copilot.

    Also check Settings > Time & language > Date & time and Language & region > Country or region, because Microsoft lists incorrect time or location settings among Store launch checks. ^1^

    2. Repair, then reset both apps

    For Microsoft Store:

    1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    2. Find Microsoft Store and select More (…) > Advanced options.
    3. Select Repair and test the Store.
    4. If it still fails, return to the same page and select Reset.

    Repeat those steps for Microsoft Copilot if it appears in Installed apps. Repair retains the app’s data; reset returns the app to its default state and can remove its local app data. These options are not available for every app. ^2^

    Then go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install everything offered, and restart Windows.

    3. Test Copilot connectivity separately

    If the Store now opens but Copilot still does not:

    1. Open Start, search for Get Help, and launch it.
    2. Search for Copilot connectivity troubleshooter.
    3. Run the troubleshooter and apply any recommended changes.

    This checks for firewall rules and other connectivity blockers. If Copilot is missing from eligible Microsoft 365 applications instead of failing to connect, run Copilot License Troubleshooter in Get Help instead. ^3^

    4. Repair Windows components

    If both apps remain broken, open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM before SFC:

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

    Wait for each command to finish; do not close the window before SFC reaches 100%. DISM repairs the Windows component image used by SFC, while SFC checks and replaces damaged protected system files. Restart afterward and test both apps. ^4^

    5. Reinstall Windows without removing apps or files

    If the preceding steps do not resolve the initialization failures:

    1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
    2. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
    3. Keep the computer connected to power and the internet.
    4. Complete the reinstall and restart.

    This reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves apps, files, and settings. The option can be absent on managed devices, Windows versions earlier than the Windows 11 2022 annual update, or systems without the February 2024 optional update or later. ^5^

    References

    1. Microsoft Store doesn't open | Microsoft Support
    2. Repair apps and programs in Windows
    3. Copilot troubleshooters | Microsoft Support
    4. Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files | Microsoft Support
    5. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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