How to Clear Windows Store Cache with WSReset.exe

When you invoke WSReset.exe, it shuts down the Microsoft Store and reverts all application and account settings to factory defaults. It also clears Window’s Store cache. That helps fix issues caused by outdated or corrupt app data.

The process is straightforward and automatic; you only need to run WSReset.exe. You won’t lose any installed apps and don’t need to sign in with your Microsoft Account again.

WSReset.exe doesn’t feature a graphical user interface. Instead, it shows up as a blank Command Prompt window. It will eventually disappear, and the Microsoft Store app automatically opens soon after to confirm a successful reset.

The quickest way to invoke the WSReset.exe tool is to run it via the Start menu or Windows Search.

1. Open the Start menu or Windows Search.
2. Type wsreset.exe into the search bar.
3. Select Open or press the Enter key.

Another quick way to get to WSReset.exe is to launch it as a Run command.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run box.
2. Type wsreset.exe.
3. Select OK.

If the two methods above fail to launch WSReset, try running it via Windows PowerShell.

1. Right-click Start and select Windows PowerShell (Windows 10) or Windows Terminal (Windows 11).

It’s also possible to invoke WSReset.exe via the older Command Prompt console.

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and select Open.

You can reset the Microsoft Store by running the WSReset.exe utility directly via File Explorer.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the following directory:

C:WindowsSystem32

3. Locate and double-click the WSReset executable.

Sometimes, the WSReset.exe fails to open or generates additional error codes—e.g., “ms-windows-store:PurgeCaches.” Use the following alternative methods to reset the Microsoft Store and clear its cache.

The Settings app in Windows offers a straightforward and user-friendly way to reset the Microsoft Store. You can also repair the application while you’re at it.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.

The following approach lets you delete the Microsoft Store’s cache files directly via File Explorer.

1. In File Explorer, open the View menu and select Show > Hidden items.

If clearing the Microsoft Store cache didn’t help, here are several additional fixes you can try to get the application working again. Some of them are only possible if you can open the Microsoft Store.

Open the Start menu, type Windows Store Apps, and select Open. Then, select Advanced > Apply repairs automatically > Next to detect and fix Microsoft Store-related issues.

Open the Microsoft Store. Select Library at the lower-left corner and choose Update next to Microsoft Store.

Open the Microsoft Store. Choose your profile portrait and select Sign out under your Microsoft Account. Next, restart your PC and sign back into the application.

Right-click the Start button, select Windows PowerShell/Terminal (Admin), and run the following command:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console and run the two commands below:

• Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
• Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

Open the Settings app, select Windows Update, and select Check for Update. If you see any pending updates, select Download & Install.

Using the WSReset.exe tool to clear the Microsoft Store cache is the best way to resolve persistent issues with the application. However, some problems will require additional troubleshooting, and the above fixes are an excellent place to start.