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How to Block, Install and Uninstall the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 and Windows 10

We show you how to uninstall, block and reinstall the Microsoft Store using PowerShell, Group Policy, the Windows Registry and appx package files.

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While the Store offers a range of applications and services, certain scenarios may necessitate its removal. For instance, users seeking a more streamlined or customized system might find the Store's functions redundant. Others may encounter issues with the Store that can only be resolved through uninstallation. It's crucial to understand, however, that Microsoft does not officially support the removal of the Store due to its integral role in the operating system's functionality. Uninstalling it could lead to unforeseen complications, and thus, should be approached with caution.

Despite Microsoft's stance, there are various ways to disable or remove the . This guide will show all available methods to remove the Microsoft Store tailored for both beginners and advanced users.

If you find yourself unable to uninstall Microsoft Store apps or the Store itself, it might be necessary to check your user account permissions or perform a system restart. In some cases, resetting the Microsoft Store app or using system restore points may be required.

⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in as it is in . However, bear in mind that we'll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different. We'll point out any changes you need to be aware of as they come up.

How to Remove the Microsoft Store via PowerShell

This method shows how to use specific cmdlets to target and uninstall the Store package as it cannot be removed like other non-system apps.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
     
    Search for ‘PowerShell‘ in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select ‘Run as administrator‘.
     
    Windows 11 - Open PowerShell admin
  2. Run the PowerShell command to uninstall the Microsoft Store
     

    Enter the following command in the PowerShell window, which will automatically uninstall the Microsoft Store app:

    Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore*|Remove-AppxPackage

     
    Windows-10-PowerShell-Uninstall-Microsoft-Store-correct

How to Reinstall the Microsoft Store via PowerShell

You can use this method to install the Microsoft Store if it is missing on Windows 11. While this is the easiest way it comes at the price that you will also reinstall other pre-installed Windows apps. Although you will have to remove those again one by one, this method is still the fastest way to reinstall the Microsoft Store.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
     
    Search for ‘PowerShell‘ in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select ‘Run as administrator‘.
     
    Windows 11 - Open PowerShell admin
  2. Run the PowerShell command to install the Microsoft Store
     

    To restore the Microsoft Store if necessary, use the following command:

    Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

    In addition to the store app, this also brings back all other pre-installed Windows 10 apps. You can then easily uninstall other unwanted apps with a click of the mouse or PowerShell following our other tutorial.
     
    Windows 10 - PowerShell - Restore Preinstalled Apps

How to Reinstall the Microsoft Store Manually Using its .appx and .msixbundle Files

If you just want to install or reinstall the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can use this manual method, which consists of downloading the required .appx and .msixbundle files first and then installing each of them manually.

  1. Open the Adguard link generator for Microsoft Store apps and generate the links
     
    The link generator is an unofficial web-based repository for downloading Windows app files. Here is how to use it:
     
    1: Select “URL (link)”
    2: Paste this URL: www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-store/9wzdncrfjbmp
    3: Select “RP”
    4:
    Click the request button “✓”
     

    Adguard store.- online link generator for Microsoft store app
  2. Download the required .appx files and the .msixbundle file
     
    You will see a list of links for files, of which you will have to download five – four .appx files, and one .msixbundle file. You can identify them by their principal name that proceeds version numbers and their file extension (.appx; .msixbundle):
     
    Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.2_2.2.29512.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx
    Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.2_2.2.28604.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx
    Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.7_7.2208.15002.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx
    Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.30704.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx
    Microsoft.WindowsStore_22212.1401.8.0_neutral_~_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle

    These files are essential for the installation of the Microsoft Store. Make sure you download the correct versions compatible with your system. In most of the cases this will be the x64-versions which have “x64” in the filename.
     
    Adguard Store - online link generator for Microsoft store app - download links

  3. Install the .appx package files
     
    Double-click to run the package installer of each “.appx” file first.
     
    Windows 11 - File Explorer - Microsoft Store appx installation
  4. Then, install the Microsoft Store “.msixbundle” file
     
    Windows 11 - File Explorer - Microsoft Store msixbundle installation

  5. Optional: Install the packages and the Microsoft Store via Powershell
     
    If the installation of one or more of those files fails, you can try using PowerShell instead. Here is the easiest way to do this:
     
    a) Open PowerShell as Administrator and write the command:
     
    Add-AppxPackage -Path

     
    b)
    Right-click the first .appx file and select “Copy as path”
     


    c)
    Paste it to complete the command, leaving a space after “-Path”
     

    d) Press “Enter” to run the command and repeat with the rest of the files
     

How to Block the Microsoft Store Using Group Policy

On Windows 11 systems with the Enterprise or Education Edition, you can block access to the Microsoft Store via Group Policy instead of uninstalling it. This is a convenient method for admins of organizations that want to prevent their members from installing apps from the Microsoft Store.

  1. Open the Group Policy editor
     
    Windows 11 - Open Gpedit
  2. Open the Group Policy “Turn off the Store application”
     
    Navigate to  “Local Computer Policy” > “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Store”, and double-click “Turn off the Store application“.
     
    Windows 11 - Group Policy Editor - Turn off the Store application
  3. Select “Enabled” and save with “OK”
     
    Windows 11 - Group Policy Editor - Turn off the Store application Enabled

How to Disable the Microsoft Store via the Registry

Like the Group Policy method, on Windows 11 systems with the Enterprise or Education Edition, you can block access to the Microsoft Store using Regedit, instead of uninstalling it. This is a convenient method for admins of organizations that want to prevent their members from installing apps from the Microsoft Store. As the supported Windows editions also offer access to Group Policy, this method is the least preferrable.

  1. Open the Registry Editor
     
    Windows 11 - Open Regedit
  2. Locate the DWORD “RemoveWindowsStore”
     
    Windows 11 - Regedit - RemoveWinodwsStore
  3. Activate the DWORD “RemoveWindowsStore”
     
    By modifying the value of this DWORD, you can enable or disable access to the Microsoft Store. Setting its value to “1” disables the Microsoft Store, while setting it to “0” or deleting it re-enables the Microsoft Store.
     
    Windows 11 - Regedit - RemoveWinodwsStore - DWORD

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Microsoft Store

Can I reinstall specific apps from the Microsoft Store after uninstalling it?

No, once the Microsoft Store is uninstalled, you cannot reinstall specific apps from it. You'd need to reinstall the Store first.

Is it safe to download Microsoft Store files from the Adguard store?

While the Adguard store is widely used, it's unofficial and not endorsed by Microsoft. Always ensure you're downloading the correct and safe files.

What are the implications of disabling the Microsoft Store via Group Policy?

Disabling the Store via Group Policy primarily affects the ability to install or update apps from the Store, a method suitable for enterprise or educational environments.

If I uninstall the Microsoft Store, will it affect Windows Updates?

Uninstalling the Microsoft Store does not directly affect Windows system updates, as they are managed separately through Windows Update.

Can I use the Microsoft Store on a different Windows user account after uninstalling it on mine?

Uninstalling the Microsoft Store on one user account may affect its availability on other accounts, as the uninstallation affects the entire system.

How do I troubleshoot Microsoft Store apps that won't update or install?

Try running the Apps troubleshooter in Settings, clearing the Store cache, or checking for Windows Updates.

What is the difference between uninstalling and disabling the Microsoft Store?

Uninstalling removes the Store app from the system, while disabling it (via Group Policy or Registry) just restricts access but keeps the app installed.

Can I control what apps are installed from the Microsoft Store in a family setting?

Yes, you can use Microsoft's family settings to control which apps can be downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store on family accounts.

Is it possible to access the Microsoft Store from a web browser?

Yes, you can browse and remotely install apps from the Microsoft Store using a web browser, provided the Store is not uninstalled from your system.

How can I reinstall the Microsoft Store without internet access?

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store without internet access is only possible using the Adguard store. You can download the required files on another PC and copy them to your system using a portable drive.

What are the common reasons for uninstalling the Microsoft Store?

Common reasons include system optimization, troubleshooting Microsoft Store-related issues, or limiting access to apps for security or productivity purposes.

Can I automate the installation or uninstallation of Microsoft Store apps?

Yes, automation can be achieved using PowerShell scripts to install or uninstall Store apps, suitable for advanced users or administrators.

Are there alternatives to using the Microsoft Store for app installations?

Yes, apps can be installed from other sources, such as direct downloads from official websites or other app stores, though this might bypass certain security checks.

How can I find the version of the Microsoft Store currently installed on my PC?

To find the version of the Microsoft Store, open the Store, click on the three dots in the top-right corner, select “Settings,” and scroll down to see the version number.

Will uninstalling the Microsoft Store affect pre-installed or bundled apps on my PC?

Uninstalling the Microsoft Store does not automatically remove pre-installed or bundled apps, but it prevents their updates and access to new apps from the Store.

Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus is the founder of WinBuzzer and has been playing with Windows and technology for more than 25 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and previously worked as Lead Windows Expert for Softonic.com.
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