How to Fix the Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged Error

Windows Store opens blank, freezes, or won’t update/download apps at all? We discuss how to fix the "Windows Store cache may be damaged" error.

 Everybody is familiar with the Windows Store. This is Microsoft’s store where you can download lots of apps, both paid and free. Sometimes when using the Windows Store, however, you might encounter problems accessing the store apps. One of the issues often encountered is a damaged Windows Store Cache. When you run into issues with apps from the Windows Store, the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter is typically able to fix the problem.

 Windows Store cached may be damaged

The troubleshooter scans your system to detect problems that might stop prevent the store or apps from working on your Windows 10 system. Once detected, the troubleshooter will try to fix the issue automatically, without requiring additional action from the user. Sometimes, however, the troubleshooter will present this message: Windows Store Cache may be damaged. What can you do when this happens?

Steps on How to Resolve Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged Error

If you get a Windows Store Cache that may be damaged error when you run Windows Store Troubleshooter, it may become necessary to reset the Windows Store and the cache folder in the App Directory. The troubleshooter is very helpful in regards to detecting problems in the Windows Store Cache, but it is useless at helping you resolve the issue. The troubleshooter is just to diagnose the problem. It’s up to you to find the fix. Here we have presented a few that might be helpful.

Reset Windows Store

  1. To clear the Windows Store cache, open your System32 folder and look for the WSReset.exe. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator

How to restore Windows Store cache

     2. The application will reset the Windows Store without messing up any of your settings or installed apps. Windows automatically opens the Windows Store once the reset is finished. This should allow you to access and use the Windows Store.

Reset the cache folder in App Directory

Open File Explorer, then copy and paste the following path in the explorer address bar and hit Enter: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState

If Windows is installed on another drive, replace ‘C’ with the system root drive, followed by the name of your own user account. Also, replace the text <username> with the username associated with your account.

Reset cache folder

In the LocalState folder, look to see if you find the cache folder. If you do, rename it to ‘cache.old,’ then create a new empty folder and name it ‘cache.’

When you finish, close File Explorer and reboot your system. After you reboot, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter again. This time it should detect the problem and resolve the issue automatically. Restart your system again and try to open the Windows Store. This method should work even for a local account.

Windows Store Cache May Be Damaged Windows 10 Issue Fixed

One of the above two methods should be adequate to fix your issue and you will no longer have a problem with the Windows Store cache that may be damaged and not fixed in Windows 10. The issues we’ve seen with the Windows 10 Windows Store cache are almost always simply a matter of a corrupted cache. When you are having issues with the Windows Store cache, try one of these methods to see if you can resolve the issue.


If you’re looking for a software company you can trust for its integrity and honest business practices, look no further than SoftwareKeep. We are a Microsoft Certified Partner and a BBB Accredited Business that cares about bringing our customers a reliable, satisfying experience on the software products they need. We will be with you before, during, and after all the sales.