How to Reset the Microsoft Store Cache Without Losing Sign-In on Windows 11

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 can stop loading, fail to download apps, or show blank pages. These problems often come from a corrupted or overloaded cache. Resetting the cache usually fixes these issues. The built-in tool, wsreset.exe, clears the cache and keeps your account signed in. This article explains how to run wsreset.exe safely and what to do if the Store still has problems.

What the Microsoft Store Cache Does and Why It Gets Corrupted

The Microsoft Store uses a local cache to store thumbnail images, app metadata, and download states. This cache speeds up browsing and reduces repeated requests to Microsoft servers. Over time, the cache can become corrupted due to incomplete updates, network interruptions, or disk errors. When the cache is damaged, the Store may display blank pages, fail to load the app list, or crash during downloads. The wsreset.exe tool deletes the cache folder at %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache and restarts the Store service. It does not remove your sign-in token, so you remain logged into your Microsoft account after the reset.

Sign-In Data Is Stored Separately From the Cache

Your Microsoft account sign-in credentials are stored in the Windows Credential Manager and in the Store app’s secure container. The cache reset only deletes temporary files. The sign-in token remains intact. You will not need to re-enter your password after running wsreset.exe. This makes the cache reset a low-risk first step for troubleshooting Store problems.

Steps to Reset the Microsoft Store Cache Using wsreset.exe

The wsreset.exe tool is included with Windows 11. You do not need to download anything. Follow these steps to run it.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
   This keyboard shortcut opens a small text box at the bottom left of the screen.
2. Type wsreset.exe in the text box
   Type the command exactly as shown. Do not add any spaces or extra characters.
3. Press Enter or click OK
   A blank Command Prompt window will appear. This window may stay open for several seconds. Do not close it manually.
4. Wait for the Command Prompt window to close automatically
   The window will disappear when the cache is fully cleared. The Microsoft Store will open on its own after the window closes.
5. Check that the Store loads correctly
   Browse the Store, search for an app, and try to download a free app to confirm the cache reset worked.

If wsreset.exe Does Not Open the Store Automatically

In some cases, wsreset.exe completes but the Store does not launch. You can start the Store manually by clicking its icon on the taskbar or by searching for Microsoft Store in the Start menu. The cache reset is still effective even if the Store does not open automatically.

Alternative Method: Reset the Store From Windows Settings

If wsreset.exe does not fix the problem, use the built-in reset option in Windows Settings. This method repairs the Store app without removing your account.

1. Open Settings with Win + I
   Click the Start button and select the gear icon, or press the keyboard shortcut directly.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
   Use the left sidebar to navigate to Apps, then click Installed apps on the right.
3. Find Microsoft Store in the list
   Scroll down or use the search box at the top of the list. Type Microsoft Store to locate it quickly.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to Microsoft Store and select Advanced options
   A new page opens with repair and reset buttons.
5. Click Repair first
   The Repair option checks for common issues and fixes them without affecting your data. Wait for the checkmark icon to appear.
6. If Repair does not work, click Reset
   A warning message says the app’s data will be deleted. Click Reset again to confirm. This clears the cache and resets the app to its default state. Your sign-in token is preserved.
7. Launch the Microsoft Store after the reset completes
   The Store will restart as a fresh app. You will still be signed in with your Microsoft account.

If the Microsoft Store Still Has Issues After the Main Fix

Sometimes the cache reset or app repair is not enough. The following problems require additional steps.

Store Shows a Blank Page or White Screen After Cache Reset

A blank page can indicate a network problem or a corrupt Store license. Check your internet connection first. Then run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run. The troubleshooter will detect and fix common issues like misconfigured proxy settings or damaged app licenses.

Store Fails to Download or Update Apps

Download failures often come from a stalled background service. Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape to open Task Manager. Click More details if needed. Find Microsoft Store in the list of processes. Right-click it and select End task. Then reopen the Store and try the download again. If the problem persists, run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.

Store Keeps Asking You to Sign In Again

If you are repeatedly prompted to sign in, your credential token may be corrupted. Open Credential Manager by searching for it in the Start menu. Click Windows Credentials. Find any entries under Generic Credentials that contain MicrosoftAccount or WindowsLive. Expand each entry and click Remove. Restart your computer and sign in to the Store again. This process is safe and does not affect other apps.

wsreset.exe vs Settings Reset: Which Method to Use When

Item	wsreset.exe	Settings > Apps > Reset
Speed	Completes in under 10 seconds	Takes 30 seconds to 1 minute
Data removed	Cache files only	Cache and app settings
Sign-in preserved	Yes	Yes
Best for	Quick troubleshooting of blank pages or slow loading	Persistent errors after wsreset.exe fails
Requires admin rights	No	No

The wsreset.exe method is faster and less invasive. Use it first for any Store problem. If the Store still has issues after the cache reset, move to the Settings reset method. Both methods keep you signed in to your Microsoft account.

You can now reset the Microsoft Store cache on Windows 11 without losing your sign-in. Start with wsreset.exe from the Run dialog for a quick fix. If that does not work, use the Repair or Reset option in Settings > Apps > Advanced options. For ongoing issues, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or clear corrupted credentials from Credential Manager. These steps restore full Store functionality while keeping your account active.