iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The message “There has been an error” does not identify one specific Microsoft Store problem or error code. Start with your Microsoft account, Windows and Store updates, and the Store app’s repair options; then use the step that matches whether the Store will not open, will not load, or fails to download or install an app.
Start with the standard Microsoft Store checks
Microsoft’s general guidance is to sign in before working through its possible solutions. It says: “First, sign in to your Microsoft account. Next, work through these possible solutions in the order presented.” The steps below follow that sequence without assuming any one of them is guaranteed to fix the error.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account. Open the Store and check that you are signed in to the account you use for it.
- Install Windows updates. Check for available Windows updates, install them, and try the Store again.
- Update Microsoft Store. Open the Store’s Library or downloads area and select its control to get updates. The precise location varies between Windows versions.
- Repair the Store app, then reset it if necessary. Use Windows app repair/reset settings. Repair and reset are separate troubleshooting options; follow Microsoft’s app repair and reset guidance for the available Windows settings.
These steps are Microsoft’s general Windows 10 and Windows 11 recommendations. If the error remains, identify the point at which it occurs before trying symptom-specific guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf Microsoft Store will not open
If selecting the Store does nothing, or the app closes before it loads, use Microsoft’s dedicated Microsoft Store doesn’t open troubleshooting page. This is a better fit than app-availability advice, which concerns finding or installing a particular app.
#1 Best Overall
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
If the Store opens but shows an error or fails during an install
Reset the Store cache
Microsoft documents wsreset.exe as a Store cache reset step. To run it:
- Press Windows key + R to open Run.
- Enter
wsreset.exe, then select OK. - Wait for the blank command window to close. Microsoft says this takes about ten seconds and that Microsoft Store opens automatically afterward.
If the Store still cannot find or install a particular app, check Microsoft’s guidance on apps you can’t find or install. Microsoft notes that availability can depend on your country or region, family settings, or whether the app is still available.
Rank #2
- With 16 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 8 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
On Windows 10, consider the Store Apps troubleshooter
Microsoft’s Windows 10 troubleshooting guidance includes the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Use it if you are on Windows 10 and the account, update, repair, and cache checks have not resolved the problem. Microsoft’s general page covers both Windows 10 and Windows 11; the troubleshooter option is specifically listed in its Windows 10 guidance.
If downloads fail on a managed device
For a work- or school-managed device, or a device using controlled network access, firewall or proxy rules can affect automatic Microsoft Store app package updates. Microsoft Learn’s download-failure troubleshooting guidance covers endpoint checks for that scenario. This is a targeted diagnostic for managed or technical download failures, not the first step for every home user; contact your IT administrator if network policy is managed for you.
Rank #3
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 13.8" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 20 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 20 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- THE PORTS YOU NEED — Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
What to record if the error persists
The generic message alone does not establish a root cause. Before seeking further support, note the exact error text or code, your Windows version, and what failed: opening the Store, loading its content, downloading an app, or installing one. Those details help distinguish a launch issue from an app-availability or download problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Rank #4
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 15" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 19 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 19 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports and a microSD card reader for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
