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How to Fix Windows 11 Store Game Crashes: Effective Solutions to Solve Errors and Not Working Issues

Experiencing crashes while playing games from the Windows 11 Store can be frustrating. These interruptions can range from minor glitches to complete game failures. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix these issues. This guide will help you approach the problem step-by-step.

Windows 11 is relatively new, and some apps or games may encounter compatibility or performance problems. Identifying the cause of crashes will help you apply the right solution. Many fixes require only basic computer knowledge.

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, some quick checks can save you time. These simple steps often resolve common issues. If not, you can continue with more detailed solutions.

Follow each section carefully and try the solutions in order. This method ensures you don’t miss an easy fix before moving on to advanced options.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check for Windows Updates: Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and security improvements.
  • Verify Game and Store Updates: Make sure the game and Microsoft Store apps are up to date.
  • Restart Your PC: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting performance.
  • Stable Internet Connection: Some games require online access; unstable connections may cause crashes.

Step 1: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store cache can sometimes become corrupted, causing games not to load or crash. Resetting it can solve many issues.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A command prompt window will open and automatically reset the Store cache.
  4. Once it closes, try launching your game again.

This step is important because the Store relies on cached data to launch apps quickly. Corrupt cache files can prevent games from running properly.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically for Store apps. It can detect and fix common problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan and fix detected issues.

This tool is useful because it targets app-specific errors without needing advanced technical skills.

Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers often cause game crashes. Keeping drivers updated ensures better performance and fewer errors.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow any prompts.
  5. Restart your PC after the update completes.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest version manually.

Step 4: Check Game Files Integrity

Sometimes the game files themselves may be corrupted or incomplete, causing crashes. Repairing or reinstalling can fix this.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
  2. Click on your profile icon and select My Library.
  3. Find the problematic game, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click Repair. If that doesn’t help, try Reset.

Repairing preserves your game data while fixing files, whereas Reset reinstalls the game and clears all related data. Use Reset only if Repair doesn’t work.

Step 5: Disable Background Applications

Other running programs can interfere with games, especially antivirus or overlay software. Temporarily disabling them may prevent conflicts.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab.
  3. Right-click unnecessary apps or antivirus software and choose End task.
  4. Try launching the game again.

If this improves stability, consider adding the game to the antivirus exceptions or disabling overlays permanently.

Step 6: Reinstall the Microsoft Store (Advanced)

If the Store app itself is damaged, reinstalling it might solve persistent problems.

Warning: This method uses PowerShell, so proceed carefully.

  1. Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  1. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.
  2. Check if the Store games now run without crashing.

This command reinstalls the Store app for all users, which can fix deep system-level issues affecting game stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do games from the Windows Store keep crashing?

Common reasons include outdated drivers, corrupted game or Store files, background app conflicts, or system updates that cause compatibility issues.

Is it safe to reset a game or the Microsoft Store?

Yes, resetting often resolves problems. Resetting a game may delete your saved data unless it’s synced to the cloud. Resetting the Store clears its cache but does not affect your files.

Do I need a powerful PC to run Windows Store games?

It depends on the game’s requirements. Basic troubleshooting will help if crashes are due to software issues rather than hardware limitations.

How often should I update my graphics drivers?

It’s good practice to check for updates monthly or whenever you experience game performance problems.

What if a game crashes only on Windows 11 but worked fine on Windows 10?

Windows 11 is newer and may cause compatibility issues. Check for game updates, driver updates, and Windows updates to improve compatibility.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your Windows 11 Store games still crash, it might be time to explore these options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide personalized assistance for Store-related issues. Visit support.microsoft.com.
  • Check Game Developer Forums: Some crashes are known issues with specific games and may have community or developer fixes.
  • Perform a System Restore: Revert your system to a previous state when games were working correctly. This can undo problematic updates or settings changes.
  • Reset or Reinstall Windows 11: This is a last resort and should be done after backing up all important data.

Conclusion

Fixing Windows 11 Store game crashes usually starts with simple steps like resetting the Store cache and running the troubleshooter. Keeping your system and drivers updated is crucial for smooth gameplay. Repairing or resetting game files often resolves corruption-related issues. If background apps interfere, disabling them temporarily can help pinpoint the problem. More advanced methods like reinstalling the Store app can fix deeper software faults.

By following this guide patiently and methodically, you can enjoy your Windows 11 Store games without interruption. Remember, if all else fails, official support and community resources are valuable tools to get back on track.

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