If you have encountered the “No Applicable App Licenses Found” error on your Windows 11 device, you are not alone. This message typically appears when trying to open or update apps from the Microsoft Store. It can be frustrating, but don’t worry—there are several simple ways to fix it.
This error usually means your system is having trouble verifying the license for the app you want to use. It can happen due to account issues, software glitches, or permission problems. The good news is that most solutions are straightforward and can be done without advanced technical knowledge.
In this guide, we will walk you through clear, step-by-step instructions to help resolve this issue. You can follow along easily, even if you are new to Windows troubleshooting.
Let’s dive into the solutions and get your apps working smoothly again.
Quick Note Before You Start
Before attempting any fixes, make sure of the following:
- You are signed in to Windows 11 with the Microsoft account that you used to download or purchase the app.
- Your internet connection is stable, as license verification requires online access.
- Windows 11 and Microsoft Store are updated to the latest versions.
- You have restarted your computer at least once after the error appeared—sometimes a simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.
Step 1: Sign Out and Sign Back Into Microsoft Store
Sometimes, the license error occurs because the Microsoft Store is not properly connected to your account. Signing out and back in can refresh the connection.
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your PC.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Sign out from the dropdown menu.
- Close the Store app completely.
- Reopen Microsoft Store and click the profile icon again.
- Choose Sign in and enter your Microsoft account credentials.
- Try opening or updating the app again to check if the error is resolved.
This process ensures that the Store can properly verify your app licenses with your account.
Step 2: Run the Microsoft Store Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix common Store-related problems, including license errors.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to scan and fix any issues it finds.
- After completion, restart your PC and check if the error persists.
This tool automates many checks and repairs that would otherwise be complex to do manually.
Step 3: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache
Sometimes, corrupted cache files cause license verification problems. Resetting the cache can help clear these files.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
wsreset.exeand press Enter. - A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait patiently—it will close automatically after the cache is cleared.
- The Microsoft Store will launch automatically once the reset is complete.
- Try opening or updating the app again.
This method clears temporary files related to the Store without affecting your installed apps or settings.
Step 4: Check Date, Time, and Region Settings
Incorrect system date, time, or region settings can cause problems with app licenses because Microsoft servers verify this information during license checks.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Time & Language.
- Click on Date & time.
- Ensure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are turned on.
- If these options are off, turn them on and wait a moment for the system to update.
- Next, click Language & region.
- Make sure the Country or region matches your actual location.
- Restart your PC and check if the issue remains.
Keeping these settings accurate helps maintain proper synchronization between your PC and Microsoft servers.
Step 5: Re-register Microsoft Store Using PowerShell
If previous steps didn’t work, re-registering the Microsoft Store app can fix deeper system-level issues causing license errors.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- In the terminal window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
- Wait for the command to complete. You may see some red text—this is normal if certain packages are already registered.
- Close the terminal and restart your PC.
- Open Microsoft Store and try to access your app again.
This command forces Windows to reinstall and re-register the Store, which often resolves persistent license issues.
Step 6: Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version
Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve system stability. Running an outdated version of Windows 11 can cause compatibility problems with Store apps.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update on the left sidebar.
- Click Check for updates and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC after updates are installed.
- Try opening or updating your app again.
Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes that can resolve licensing and Store-related problems.
FAQs About “No Applicable App Licenses Found” Error
Why does this error appear when I open certain apps?
This error typically appears when Windows cannot verify that you own a valid license for the app. It may occur due to account syncing problems, corrupted Store data, or outdated software.
Can I fix this without reinstalling the app?
Yes. Many times, signing out and back in, running the troubleshooter, or resetting the Store cache can fix the issue without needing to reinstall.
Will resetting Microsoft Store delete my apps?
No. Resetting the Store cache only clears temporary files and does not affect installed apps or their data.
Do I need to be connected to the internet to fix this error?
Yes. License verification requires an active internet connection, so ensure you are online when trying fixes.
What if I’m using a local account instead of a Microsoft account?
Some apps require a Microsoft account to verify licenses. Signing in with a Microsoft account in the Store is recommended.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still see the “No Applicable App Licenses Found” error, consider these options:
- Contact Microsoft Support directly via the official support page.
- Try reinstalling the affected app from the Microsoft Store after uninstalling it.
- Create a new user account on your PC and see if the problem persists there—this can help identify if the issue is related to your user profile.
- Perform a system file check by running
sfc /scannowin Command Prompt as administrator to fix corrupted system files.
These options provide additional ways to troubleshoot or get help from Microsoft’s team.
Conclusion
The “No Applicable App Licenses Found” error on Windows 11 can be caused by various simple issues like account sync problems, incorrect settings, or corrupted Store data. By following the step-by-step solutions above, you can typically resolve the problem quickly.
Start with signing out and back into the Microsoft Store, run the troubleshooter, and reset the Store cache. Then verify your date and time settings, re-register the Store app if needed, and keep your Windows up to date.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek official Microsoft support or try advanced methods like creating a new user profile. With patience and these clear steps, you can get your apps working as expected again.