If you use the Windows 11 Store, you might have noticed that the Featured Apps section sometimes does not show up. This can be frustrating because featured apps help you discover new and popular software quickly.
The good news is that this issue is usually fixable with a few simple steps. Most of the time, you don’t need advanced technical skills to solve it.
In this guide, we will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to bring back the Featured Apps in your Windows 11 Store. Each step explains why it is important and how it helps.
By following this guide, you should be able to enjoy browsing featured apps again in no time.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. The Store needs internet access to load content properly.
- Check if Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store app are updated. Outdated software can cause display issues.
- Sign in to the Microsoft Store with your Microsoft account. Some features require you to be signed in.
- If you recently changed your system settings or installed updates, these might affect the Store temporarily.
Step 1: Restart the Microsoft Store
Sometimes the Store app can get stuck or fail to load content correctly. Restarting it can refresh the app and fix temporary glitches.
- Close the Microsoft Store completely by clicking the X button.
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Look for any “Microsoft Store” processes under the Apps section.
- If found, select them and click End task.
- Now, open the Microsoft Store again from the Start menu.
This simple restart often reloads the Store content and may bring back the Featured Apps.
Step 2: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
The Store cache stores temporary files that sometimes get corrupted and cause display problems. Clearing the cache can fix this.
- Press
Windows + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
wsreset.exeand press Enter. - A blank Command Prompt window will open, wait for it to close automatically.
- After it closes, the Microsoft Store will launch automatically.
This process clears the cache without deleting your apps or settings. It forces the Store to load fresh data from Microsoft servers.
Step 3: Check for Microsoft Store Updates
An outdated Store app can cause features to malfunction. Updating ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click on the three dots
...in the top-right corner and select Downloads and updates. - Click Get updates to check for any available updates for the Store and installed apps.
- Wait for the updates to install, then restart the Microsoft Store.
Step 4: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Microsoft Store
Sometimes, sign-in issues can cause problems displaying content. Signing out and back in can refresh your account connection.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Sign out.
- Close the Store, then reopen it.
- Click the profile icon again and sign back in with your Microsoft account.
This step ensures your account permissions and preferences are properly loaded.
Step 5: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common Store app problems automatically.
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
This tool checks various system settings and files related to the Store and tries to fix any issues it finds.
Step 6: Reset Microsoft Store App
If the problem persists, resetting the Store app can restore it to default settings. This step will delete your Store app data, but not your installed apps.
- Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft Store in the list.
- Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
- Confirm the reset and wait for it to complete.
- Restart your computer and open Microsoft Store again.
Alternative Methods and Advanced Options
If none of the above steps work, you can try these advanced options:
- Re-register Microsoft Store using PowerShell: This reinstalls the Store app and can fix deep issues. Open PowerShell as administrator and run the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"} - Create a new Windows user account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes Store issues. Creating a new account can confirm this.
- Check system date and time: Incorrect settings may prevent the Store from loading content properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are Featured Apps not showing in Microsoft Store?
This can happen due to cache corruption, internet connectivity issues, outdated Store app, or sign-in problems.
Will resetting Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?
No, resetting the Store app only clears its data and settings. Your installed apps remain unaffected.
Do I need to be signed in to see Featured Apps?
Yes, signing in with a Microsoft account helps the Store display personalized content, including Featured Apps.
Can a Windows update fix this issue?
Sometimes, Windows updates include fixes for Store-related bugs. Keeping your system updated is always recommended.
Is it safe to run PowerShell commands to fix the Store?
Yes, as long as you run trusted commands like the re-registration command above, it is safe and often effective.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and the Featured Apps still do not show, consider the following final options:
- Visit the official Microsoft support page for the Microsoft Store: Microsoft Store Help
- Contact Microsoft support directly for personalized troubleshooting assistance.
- Consider performing a system restore to a point when the Store was working correctly.
These steps are more advanced and should be done with caution.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Store is an important part of Windows 11 for discovering apps, and the Featured Apps section helps highlight useful software. If this section disappears, it usually means the Store needs a bit of troubleshooting.
Starting with simple fixes like restarting the Store and clearing its cache often solves the problem. Updating the Store, signing out and back in, and running the troubleshooter add more reliable solutions.
If needed, resetting the Store or using PowerShell commands can fix deeper issues. Always ensure your Windows and Store app are up to date for best performance.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly restore the Featured Apps in your Windows 11 Store and continue enjoying easy access to new and popular applications.