Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged [Solved]: Get Relevant Fixes

By Thomas G. Bass | November 15, 2019

Windows Store is an application, which is specially designed for this Operating System and helps users to purchase different types of apps and licenses. But, despite these great abilities, most users try to avoid using it as much as possible. The foremost reason behind this ignorance is its download and installation errors that can damage Windows Store cache.  

So, if you are a dedicated user of this app, you can face the “Windows Store cache may be damaged” issue. Then you might search for some reliable workarounds to get rid of this situation as soon as possible. 

Here, in this post, we are going to mention all the best ways that will resolve the Windows Store error. Hence, keep reading this post till the end.

Quick Fixes to Resolve “Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged” Message

Various solutions are there to fix the Windows Store cache error. But, if you want to resolve the error in a proper manner, then check out the underlying section. Also, try to perform the solutions in the same sequence as instructed. It will give you the desired result within a flicker of time.

Procedure 1: Reset the Windows Store

To troubleshoot the Windows Store cache error, let’s begin with the most basic step. In this procedure, you need to reset the Windows Store. A majority of users have been reporting that after resetting the Windows Store, they find that the error gets resolved. 

Hence, you can also give it a try. To apply this procedure, follow the undermentioned steps.

  • Press the combination of the Windows logo + R key. It will initiate the Run window. Now, in the dialog box, write “wsreset.exe” and hit the Enter key to run the command.
  • The command will reset the Windows Store automatically. So, reboot the Windows-based device when the resetting process is over.

After resetting the Windows Store, if the error is there, proceed with the next successive method.

Procedure 2: Try to Clean the Windows Store Cache

After resetting the app using procedure 1, try to clean the Windows Store cache. This will help you to fix the damage in Windows Store. You can perform the undermentioned steps to delete the Windows Store cache. 

Open the Run Window and write “cmd” into it. After that, hit the Enter key to execute the command. As soon as you perform this instruction, you will find the Command Prompt option at the top of the search result. From the result window, right-click on the application and select the “Run as Administrator” option. 

This will invoke the Command Prompt with Administrator’s privileges. Now, accept the UAC (User Account Control) prompt when it appears on the screen. Under the Command Prompt window, write “wsreset.exe” and hit the Enter key to execute the command. 

Afterward, you should find “The cache for the Store was cleared. You can now browse the Store for apps” or “The Windows Store will open up automatically for you to start downloading apps”. 

But, if you find ‘Windows Store cache may be damaged” notification, then proceed to the following steps to resolve this matter. 

Invoke the Command prompt window and enter the following command. 

“explorer %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState” 

After executing this command, a folder will come up on the screen. Now, you need to remove or clear the cache. But, if you do not see anything, then skip it. Once the process is over, restart your device to apply the new changes.

Procedure 3: Establish a New Windows Store Cache Folder

At times, such kind of Windows Store cache-related error appears because the application is unable to read the hidden cache folder. On such occasions, establishing a new Windows Store cache folder is the best possible way. 

Here are the steps that should be followed to create a new Windows Store cache folder. 

Press the Windows logo key and write “Users” into the search field. As soon as you perform this instruction, choose the Users from the top result-oriented window. After that, enter “Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe” into the search dialog box. Hit the Enter key to proceed further. 

Now, a new window will appear on the screen. Here, you have to locate and choose the  LocalState. Under this window, review whether there is a folder named “Change” in it. 

  • If you find the folder, then rename that folder as cache.old. Then establish a new folder by following the on-screen instruction and name it as Cache.
  • If you do not find the folder, then simply establish a new folder and name it as Cache. 

Reboot your device and let the new changes take effect.

Procedure 4: Remove the Movies & TV app

In this method, we suggest you remove the Movies & TV applications. To do so, follow the undermentioned steps. 

Step 1: Press the combination of the Window logo + S key. You will find the Windows PowerShell option at the top of the search result.  

Step 2: Right-click on the search result and select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu. This process will start the Windows PowerShell in the Admin Mode. 

Step 3: Now, type “Get-AppxPackage *zunevideo* | Remove-AppxPackage” command into the PowerShell window and hit the Enter key to execute it. 

Step 4: After executing this command, all the TV and movie applications get removed from your device automatically. 

By using these steps, you can remove the movies or TV applications. Now, check whether the error has been resolved or not.

Procedure 5: Reset the Application Packages

This is another reliable way that can help you to overcome this situation. Many users claim that after resetting the application packages, they find that the “Windows Store cache may be damaged” error message gets eliminated.

Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell in Admin Mode. After that, enter “Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}” and hit the Enter key to run the command. 

Now, reboot your device and invoke the Run window again. Here, in the dialog box, write “WSReset.exe” and tap on the OK button. Save the new changes by rebooting your device.

Procedure 6: Use SFC and CHKDSK

To prevent such cache damages in the Windows Store, you can also use SFC and CHKDSK utility tools. This will resolve the error you are facing. So, to proceed with it, carry out the underlying steps. 

Try to open the Command Prompt with administrator rights. Then, enter the following commands into the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter key to run them.

  • Sfc /scannow
  • sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows 

After executing these commands, reboot your device to remove the corrupted system files. If the error still arises, open the Command Prompt window in Admin Mode again.  

In the Command Prompt window, write “CHKDSK /f /r” and hit the OK button to run the command. We hope, after running the CHKDSK command, you will be able to resolve the Windows Store cache error.

Procedure 7: Reinstall the Microsoft Store

If none of the above methods works and Windows Store Cache may be damaged not fixed, try to reinstall the Microsoft Store. Follow the undermentioned steps to perform this task. 

  • Press the Windows logo key and write ‘apps” into the search field.
  • Then, navigate to the Apps & Features section.
  • Under “Apps & Features”, locate and select Microsoft store.
  • Go to the Microsoft store and choose the Advanced options.
  • Next, hit the Reset button from the appeared menu.
  • Confirm the process by tapping on the OK button twice.

Parting Words:

We hope the above-mentioned fixes are enough to resolve the Windows Store related issues. This same set of methods are also applicable if you ever confront “Windows Store cache and licenses may be corrupt” error message.

While performing the procedures, if you face any sorts of difficulties, then drop your troubles in the comment section below.

Posted in Windows