You click on Microsoft Store but the app won't open, or when it does it throws an error like 0x80131500 or just sits on a blank screen. Usually the problem is a corrupted cache, an incorrect date/time, or your network settings. Here is the step-by-step fix.
Why Won't the Store Open?
Microsoft Store needs the correct date/time, a healthy internet connection, and an intact app cache to work. The most common causes are: a corrupted Store cache, an incorrect system time/region, a proxy/DNS that blocks the connection, a damaged Store app, and corrupted system files.
Fix 1: Reset the Store Cache (wsreset)
The most effective first step is clearing the cache. Open Win + R and run the following:
wsreset.exe
An empty command window stays open for a few seconds, then the Store opens on its own. This resolves most issues caused by a corrupted cache.
Fix 2: Check the Date, Time and Region
An incorrect system time prevents the Store from establishing a secure connection with the servers. Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time, turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically, then click Sync now.
Fix 3: Store Troubleshooter and App Repair
Run the Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Then go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Store, open Advanced options, and first click Repair; if that doesn't fix it, click Reset. Repair keeps your data, while Reset reinstalls the app from scratch.
Fix 4: Reset Network and DNS Settings
For connection-related issues, reset the network in an administrator Terminal:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
Restart the computer after running the commands. If you use a proxy, turn it off from Settings > Network & internet > Proxy and try again.
Fix 5: Re-register the Store with PowerShell
If the Store still won't open, re-register the app. Open PowerShell as administrator and run this command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Restart once the process finishes. This command re-registers the Store app on the system and repairs broken installations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does wsreset do, does it delete data?
wsreset only clears the Store's cache; it does not delete your installed apps or your account. It is the fastest fix for launch problems caused by a corrupted cache.
What exactly does error 0x80131500 indicate?
It usually indicates that the Store can't connect to the server; the cause is most often an incorrect date/time, DNS, or proxy issue. Fixing these resolves the error.
What if none of the methods work?
Create a new local user account and try the Store there; if the problem is a corrupted profile, this solves it. As a last resort, you can refresh the system with "Reset this PC".
Conclusion
If Microsoft Store won't open, the cause is usually a corrupted cache, an incorrect time, or a network setting. wsreset, fixing the date/time, and repairing the app resolve most cases. For stubborn situations, re-registering the Store with PowerShell delivers a definitive result.