Have you ever encountered issues with the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 device? Perhaps you’re experiencing problems with app downloads, updates, or installations. In such cases, resetting the Microsoft Store can be a viable solution. But, what exactly happens when you reset Microsoft Store? Will you lose your installed apps, and how do you reinstall them? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of resetting the Microsoft Store, exploring the effects on your device and providing step-by-step guides on how to reinstall your favorite apps.
What Happens When You Reset Microsoft Store?
When you reset the Microsoft Store, it essentially returns to its default state, removing all customizations, settings, and cached data. This process is also known as “resetting Microsoft Store to its default state” or “clearing Microsoft Store cache.” Here’s what you can expect to happen:
- All cached data will be deleted: Microsoft Store stores temporary files, including app installation packages, updates, and other data, in its cache. Resetting the Store will remove these files, freeing up storage space on your device.
- App installation history will be erased: Your device’s app installation history, including successful and failed installations, will be deleted.
- Microsoft Store settings will be restored to default: Any customizations you’ve made to the Microsoft Store, such as app update settings or notification preferences, will be reverted to their default values.
It’s essential to note that resetting the Microsoft Store does not affect:
- Installed apps: Your installed apps will remain intact, and you can continue using them as usual.
- App data and settings: The data and settings of your installed apps will not be affected by resetting the Microsoft Store.
- Windows 10 system files: The operating system’s core files and settings will not be altered during the resetting process.
Why Reset Microsoft Store?
You may want to reset the Microsoft Store in the following scenarios:
- App installation or update issues: If you’re experiencing problems with app downloads, installations, or updates, resetting the Store can help resolve these issues.
- Microsoft Store not launching: If the Microsoft Store app is not opening or is stuck on a blank screen, resetting it can help fix the problem.
- Excessive storage usage: If you notice that the Microsoft Store is consuming a substantial amount of storage space, resetting it can help free up space on your device.
How to Reset Microsoft Store in Windows 10
Resetting the Microsoft Store is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Apps” (in Windows 10 version 2004 or later) or “System” (in Windows 10 version 1909 or earlier).
- Click on “Apps & features” (in Windows 10 version 2004 or later) or “Microsoft Store” (in Windows 10 version 1909 or earlier).
- Click on the “Advanced options” link.
- Click on the “Reset” button.
- Click on “Reset” again to confirm.
Alternatively, you can use the Windows PowerShell to reset the Microsoft Store. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)}
Reinstalling Apps After Resetting Microsoft Store
After resetting the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to reinstall your apps. Here’s how:
Reinstalling Apps from the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Click on the “Library” icon (represented by a downward-facing arrow) in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Click on “My Library” to view your library of installed apps.
- Click on the “Install” button next to each app you want to reinstall.
Reinstalling Apps from External Sources
If you’ve installed apps from external sources, such as the app’s official website or a third-party store, you’ll need to reinstall them from those sources.
- Visit the app’s official website or the source from which you originally downloaded the app.
- Click on the “Download” or “Install” button to begin the reinstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Conclusion
Resetting the Microsoft Store can be a helpful troubleshooting step when dealing with app installation or update issues. By understanding what happens when you reset the Store and following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily reinstall your favorite apps and get back to using your device as usual. Remember to always backup your important data and settings before attempting to reset the Microsoft Store.
Remember, if you’re still experiencing issues with the Microsoft Store or its apps, you may want to consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support or a Windows 10 expert.
What happens to my installed apps when I reset the Microsoft Store?
When you reset the Microsoft Store, all your installed apps will be removed from your device. This means you won’t be able to access or use them until you reinstall them from the Store. However, your app data and settings will not be deleted, so you won’t lose any progress or customizations you’ve made.
After the reset, you’ll need to reinstall each app individually to get them back on your device. You can do this by signing back into the Microsoft Store with your account and downloading the apps again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space on your device before reinstalling your apps.
Will I lose my app data and settings after resetting the Microsoft Store?
No, resetting the Microsoft Store will not delete your app data and settings. These are stored separately from the Store itself, so they will remain intact even after the reset. This means you won’t lose any progress, customizations, or saved data in your apps.
However, if you’re using a Microsoft account to sign in to the Store, you may need to sign back in after the reset to restore access to your app data and settings. Make sure you remember your login credentials to avoid any issues.
How do I reinstall apps after resetting the Microsoft Store?
To reinstall apps after resetting the Microsoft Store, sign back into the Store with your Microsoft account. Then, click on the “Library” or “My Library” tab at the top of the Store window. This will show you a list of all the apps you’ve previously installed or purchased.
Click on each app you want to reinstall, and then click the “Install” or “Download” button to download and install it on your device again. You may need to agree to the app’s terms and conditions or sign in with your account credentials to complete the installation process.
Will resetting the Microsoft Store affect my Windows 10 operating system?
Resetting the Microsoft Store will not affect your Windows 10 operating system or any other installed apps on your device. The Store is a separate entity from the OS, so resetting it won’t cause any system-wide changes or issues.
However, if you’re experiencing problems with the Store that are related to other system components, resetting the Store may not completely resolve the issue. In such cases, you may need to troubleshoot or reinstall other system components to fully resolve the problem.
Can I reset the Microsoft Store on a Windows 10 device that’s not connected to the internet?
Yes, you can reset the Microsoft Store even if your Windows 10 device is not connected to the internet. The reset process itself does not require an internet connection.
However, after the reset, you won’t be able to reinstall apps or access the Store until you establish an internet connection. You’ll need to connect to the internet to sign back into the Store and download your apps again.
How long does it take to reset the Microsoft Store?
The time it takes to reset the Microsoft Store can vary depending on the speed of your device and the amount of data that needs to be reset. Typically, the process takes only a few minutes.
After initiating the reset, the Store will close, and you’ll see a progress bar indicating the reset process. Wait for the process to complete, and then you can sign back into the Store to reinstall your apps.
Is resetting the Microsoft Store a safe and secure process?
Yes, resetting the Microsoft Store is a safe and secure process. The reset process is a built-in feature of Windows 10, designed to help you troubleshooting issues with the Store.
The reset process does not delete any system files or folders, and it does not compromise your device’s security or privacy. However, as with any troubleshooting step, make sure you have a backup of your important data and files before proceeding, just in case.