reset-twindows-store-cache

If you use the Windows Store frequently, you may wonder sometimes why you have display issues, app counts are off and other information seems to conflict with what you’re seeing. The Windows Store, as of the Windows 8.1 update, is cached to your PC per account. This can cause a variety of display issues, especially if you don’t clear that cache every now and then.

We’ll show you how to reset the Windows Store cache, along with why this is necessary to keep the store running properly when you use it.

Resetting the Windows Store Cache

These steps will work in Windows 8 and 8.1. We recommend resetting the Windows Store cache once a month to keep the store running smoothly.

Resetting the Windows Store cache can fix the following issues:

  • Store freezing up
  • Store being slow or unresponsive
  • Display issues with apps on main screen
  • App counts, including free and paid apps

There are two ways to reset the Windows Store cache.

The first is through the use of the Run command.

Use the “Windows Key + R” keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

run-command

Type in the following:

wsreset.exe

Click “OK.”

A DOS window will load, close and then the Windows Store cache will be reset. This should correct any issues you have.

If you don’t have access to the Run command or don’t feel comfortable using it you can head to the Start Screen and begin searching for “wsreset.exe.”

search-windows-store-reset

Right-click on the result and click “Run as administrator” and click “Enter.”

elevated-command-prompt-windows-store-reset

Once again, a DOS window will open, close and the Windows Store cache will reset itself.

Now, when you open the Windows Store, it’ll take a few extra seconds to load but you should notice the majority of issues you encountered should be fixed. From here, you can use the Windows Store as you see fit.

Whenever you encounter any issues with the Windows Store, we also recommend resetting the cache. Now that you know how to do it and how easy it is, this shouldn’t be an issue for Windows 8 and 8.1 users.

Conclusion

Windows 8 and 8.1 have a variety of built-in tools that are meant to make your life easier. But how many of you knew you could reset the Windows Store cache? Very few, we guess. This is another instance of where Microsoft thinks hiding tools from the average user is a good thing when in reality it could help users utilize Windows 8 and 8.1, along with the Windows Store, better if they knew these tools existed.

Now that you know how to use the Windows Store cache reset command, you’ll be able to troubleshoot issues on your own with this guide.