WSReset – What it is and How to Use it

wsreset.exe is a built-in Windows command-line utility used to clear the Microsoft Store cache and troubleshoot problems with the Microsoft Store.

The executable is located in:

C:\Windows\System32\wsreset.exe

WSReset can be useful when the Microsoft Store experiences problems such as:

• The Microsoft Store will not open.
• Apps will not download.
• App downloads or updates become stuck.
• Store pages fail to load correctly.
• The Microsoft Store displays unexpected errors.

Running the standard wsreset.exe command clears cached Microsoft Store data without uninstalling Microsoft Store applications or removing your Microsoft account.

How to Run WSReset

1. Run Dialog

Press:

Win + R

Enter:

wsreset.exe

Click OK or press Enter.

2. Start Menu Search

Open the Start menu and search for:

wsreset

Select wsreset from the search results.

3. Command Prompt or PowerShell

Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal and run:

wsreset.exe

Administrator privileges are normally not required when performing the standard Microsoft Store cache reset.

WSReset Commands and Switches

wsreset.exe has very few known command-line options. Microsoft does not provide a comprehensive command-line reference containing a full list of supported switches.

Standard Microsoft Store Cache Reset

wsreset.exe

This is the standard and officially documented command.

It clears the Microsoft Store cache and then normally opens the Microsoft Store.

Use this command first when troubleshooting Microsoft Store problems.

Install or Reinstall the Microsoft Store

wsreset.exe -i

The -i switch is commonly referenced in Microsoft troubleshooting guidance when the Microsoft Store is missing, damaged, or cannot be repaired using the standard cache reset.

It instructs Windows to attempt to install, reinstall, or re-register the Microsoft Store.

This can be useful when:

• The Microsoft Store is missing from Windows.
• The standard wsreset.exe command does not resolve the problem.
• The Store installation appears to be damaged.
• Windows reports that the ms-windows-store link cannot be opened.

The command can also be entered as:

wsreset -i

Because Microsoft does not provide a formal WSReset command-line reference, additional undocumented switches should generally be avoided.

Command Summary

What Happens After Running WSReset?

When running:

wsreset.exe

A blank Command Prompt window may appear temporarily while Windows clears the Microsoft Store cache.

The window should close automatically when the process finishes, and the Microsoft Store may then open.

Your installed Microsoft Store applications are not removed by the standard cache reset.

If WSReset Does Not Fix the Problem

If Microsoft Store problems continue, try repairing or resetting the Microsoft Store through:

Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options

Depending on the version of Windows, the following troubleshooting options may be available:

• Repair attempts to fix the application without deleting its data.
• Reset restores the application to its default state.

For more serious Microsoft Store problems, the Store can also be re-registered using PowerShell.

WSReset is generally a good first troubleshooting step because the standard command clears cached Store data without requiring Microsoft Store applications to be reinstalled.