Microsoft Store missing from Windows 10, can't restore, can't install apps

Thanks for that, Stef -- unfortunately the link doesn't work for me. It just says "access denied". I do not see either the Store or Photos in my app list, so there are no screenshots to provide. If you have a way of downloading that installer and posting it somewhere for download, that would be great.

Hey! I think the link expired, I will generate you a new one: https://we.tl/t-CY8IB20Jl1 NOTE: You will be redirected to WeTransfer so you can download the file. You will have to accept their Terms of Services to use the site

Here is what is happening on my end. I went to this site https://apps.microsoft.com/store/collections/BestProductivityApps?hl=en-us&gl=us just now and there are lots of apps but over on the right side it says for all of them to get them from the store. If you click on that button I get a blank page. You might get something else but just wanted to show you this. It is like that on other sites also. I would think if they were closing it down they would let people know or at the least the support people.

Stef, I appreciate the follow-up. Unfortunately I got the same exact message as at the beginning of the post:

Hey GG. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

I'm sorry you went through all that without resolving your issues which should be fixable since fixes for the Store and Photos app work here every day. The ClipSvc adds a bit of a twist but it is also a fixable issue that's trending right now so let's start with that.

1. First try these fixes for ClipSvc in Windows 10:

https://windowsfreeapps.com/fix-clipsvc-client-...

https://thegeekpage.com/enable-clipsvc/

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-enable-cl...
(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LViKS9fG1GY

2. I'll give you everything possible that works to fix the Store, based on helping to fix it daily for years here. Even if you've tried a step, please do it over in this sequence, as one or more steps will always work, and hopefully you won't need to do more than a few:

a) Try updating Store apps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-bil...

Check also the Windows 10 Version number at Settings > System > About. If less than 1909 skip to Step 11 to upgrade to the latest by the most stable method.

b) Right click on the time and date in the far right corner of the taskbar. Choose Adjust Date and time settings, at the top make sure the time is correct. If it’s wrong, manually adjust it and make sure the sliders for Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are set to on.

c) Re-register the Store app from Option 2 here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

d) Type Services in Search box, run Services app as Administrator, open Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Stop both.

Press “Windows (flag) key + R,” copy and paste C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ press the Enter button.
This folder has all the files related to Windows updates.
Open the “Download” folder, select and delete all the files.

Restart Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services in Services app by opening both and choosing Start.

e) Try running the Windows Store apps Troubleshooter in Windows Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > All Troubleshooters.

f) Type CMD in Search box, Run CMD as administrator, type WSReset.exe and hit Enter. Or in the Search type wsreset.exe select Run as administrator.

7. If that fails to fix the problem go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features to highlight Microsoft Store, choose Advanced Options, then Reset. After it resets, restart PC.

g) If that fails then try everything here:

https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/restore-wind...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If that doesn't fix it then try the Marked Answer here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

And if that fails install the Add Store (first in list) download from here:
https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore

or skip to Step 11 below to reinstall WIndows including the Store while keeping your apps, files and most settings in place..

g) Clear the LocalCache Folder: Open Run by pressing the Windows key + R hotkey.
Copy and paste %localappdata% in Run and click OK.
Open Packages> Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe > LocalCache folder.
Press the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all content within the LocalCache folder.
Press the Delete button.

h) Type services.msc in Search box, choose Run as Administrator, from Services tab ensure that Microsoft Store Install Service is started and set to Manual, if not restart PC.

Alternative methods to work through the above steps here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1fux9Q9O4

i) Next do everything in Step 10 of this checklist:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

j) Try these fixes for Store missing:

https://wethegeek.com/microsoft-store-missing-i...

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-windows-store-missi...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-store-ap...
(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-microsoft-store-m...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGb9TtN5ShI

3. I'll give you all fixes for the Photos app so something will work. Even if you've tried a step please do it over in order as one always works:

https://windows101tricks.com/windows-10-photo-a...

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-windows-photos-app-...

https://www.maketecheasier.com/photos-app-not-w...

https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-reinstall-th...

https://windowsreport.com/photos-app-problems-w... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro ad)

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Reset and Repair Photos app at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Photos app > Advanced Options. Your pictures will be safe in the User Pictures folder.

If that doesn't help try re-registering the Photos app from Option Two here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3175-apps-re...

And if that fails then uninstall the App in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart PC, reinstall from Microsoft Store app > Hub (three dots at top right) > My Library

4. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 17 to test a new Local Admin account. Then if necessary continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

5. Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page. Everything else depends on this.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites

before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Greg,

OK, here how I worked through it........

1. I was able to start ClipSVC without a problem, so I skipped these steps.
2. a) Cannot open Store, so can't get in to update apps

     I have Windows Version 19044.1706, Experience Pack 120.2212.4170.0
   

   b) I set Date/Time to set time zone automatically. I had done this before, but the option seems to get unchecked by itself. c) When doing the first part, I did Option 1 by mistake. The two screenshots below are from that. I got about 100+ responses like this from PowerShell:

    Then, when I ran the reinstallation part, the first 40 or so seemed to work, but from there to the end (100+) got messages similar to this:

    Then I proceeded with Option 2.  Everything else but Photos and Store seemed to work, so I ran those using CMD as Admin:

 d)  I opened Services and both Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service were already stopped.

      Deleted the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\

      Restarted above services successfully.

e)  There was no "All Troubleshooters" option, but I ran the Windows Store apps Troubleshooter.  There was no "Photos" present.

      Clicked Next and got this:

 f)  Ran **WSreset** and got this.  The white box went away as soon as I captured the screenshot:

7. Went to Apps, but Microsoft Store is not present; couldn't take any action:

 g)  Ran PowerShell:

     Followed instructions on **https://store.rg-adguard.net/**

     Had trouble with this one:

     Microsoft.WindowsStore\_12107.1001.15.0\_neutral\_\_\_8wekyb3d8bbwe.AppxBundle

    Tried this one (again, after many times previously -- didn't work):

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-reinstall-microsoft-store-app-in-windows-10/e9d71c80-8399-49d5-9d92-a18add81a4dc

     Ran the XBOX installer, but got this:

       Followed the instructions on GitHub:

       [https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore](https://github.com/kkkgo/LTSC-Add-MicrosoftStore)

     g) Could not clear the LocalCache Folder: 

         Folder not found:

    h)  Checked services:

===============================

I read through the remaining links and instructions. Much of it is repetition of other previously mentioned links and instructions, so I just can't repeat everything....again. I ran sfc /scannow and got:

and then DISM:

I disabled most of the items in the msconfig / Startup, as you suggested. Still no Microsoft Store, unfortunately.......

Reviewing the thread it seems you've tried everything except the Clean Install. Look over this tutorial for a gold standard Clean Install which compiles the best possible Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki... Note that the driver steps are so important they are printed in red.

It is one of life's great learning experiences that will permanently make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to keep it that way.