How to Remove the Microsoft Store App from Windows

You can uninstall the Microsoft Store app, but the method depends on your Windows version and whether you want a full removal or just to hide it

The Microsoft Store app (also called the Windows Store) can be removed from Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the process is not the same as uninstalling a regular program. On Windows 10, you can uninstall it through Settings. On Windows 11, Microsoft made it harder to remove — the app is tied more closely to the operating system, and full removal requires using PowerShell commands. If you straightforward want it out of your way without the technical steps, hiding it from your Start menu is faster.

Before you remove it, know that some Windows features depend on the Store app running in the background, even if you never open it. Removing it completely can break Windows Update, the Xbox app, or other built-in programs that pull content from the Store. A safer first step is to uninstall only the apps you use through the Store, then hide the Store itself from view.

Key Takeaways

On Windows 10, you can uninstall the Microsoft Store through Settings > Apps > Apps and Features by searching for "Microsoft Store" and clicking Uninstall.
On Windows 11, the Store app cannot be uninstalled through Settings; you must use PowerShell with administrator rights to remove it fully.
Hiding the Microsoft Store from your Start menu is faster than uninstalling and does not risk breaking Windows features that depend on it.
If you remove the Store and later need it back, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store website or through PowerShell.

Uninstalling the Microsoft Store on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the Microsoft Store app can be removed like any other program. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select the Settings app. Go to Apps > Apps and Features. In the search box at the top, type "Microsoft Store." When the app appears in the list, click it once to select it, then click the Uninstall button that appears below.

A confirmation window will pop up asking if you want to remove the app. Click Uninstall again. The process takes a few seconds. Once it finishes, the Microsoft Store will no longer appear on your Start menu or in your apps list. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it by opening the Microsoft Store website in your browser and clicking "Get the app."

Removing the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 using PowerShell

Windows 11 does not allow you to uninstall the Microsoft Store through the Settings menu. To remove it, you must use PowerShell, which is a command-line tool built into Windows. Right-click the Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)." If you see a User Account Control prompt asking for permission, click Yes.

In the PowerShell window, copy and paste this command exactly as written:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage

Press Enter. PowerShell will remove the app without any confirmation message. The process takes a few seconds. Once it finishes, close the PowerShell window. The Microsoft Store will no longer appear on your Start menu. If the command does not work, try this alternative:

Remove-AppxPackage -Package Microsoft.WindowsStore_22201.40.1151.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Note that the version number at the end may differ depending on which Windows 11 build you have. If neither command works, your system may have restrictions that prevent removal, or the Store may already be uninstalled.

Hiding the Microsoft Store instead of removing it

If you want the Microsoft Store out of sight without the risk of breaking other Windows features, hiding it is simpler. Right-click the Microsoft Store tile on your Start menu and select "Unpin from Start." The app will disappear from your Start menu when ready, but it remains installed on your computer.

You can also prevent it from appearing in search results. Open Settings, go to Privacy and Security > General, and scroll down to find "Tailored experiences." Toggle this off if you want to reduce how often the Store is suggested to you. This does not remove the app, but it reduces how often you see it.

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store if you need it back

If you uninstall the Microsoft Store and later decide you need it, reinstalling is straightforward on Windows 10. Go to the Microsoft Store website in your browser, click "Get the app," and Windows will open the Store installation page. Click Install, and the app will read and install automatically.

On Windows 11, reinstalling through the website works the same way. Alternatively, you can use PowerShell to reinstall it. Open PowerShell as Administrator and paste this command:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Press Enter and wait for the process to finish. The Microsoft Store will reappear on your Start menu.

What breaks when you remove the Microsoft Store

Removing the Microsoft Store can cause problems with other Windows apps and features. The Xbox app, which many people use to play games or stream from their console, depends on the Store running in the background. Some built-in Windows apps like Mail, Calendar, and Photos may also stop working or fail to update. Windows Update itself can sometimes fail if the Store is missing, though this is less common on Windows 11.

If you remove the Store and then encounter problems with another app, reinstalling the Store usually fixes the issue. For this reason, many people find it safer to straightforward hide the Store from view rather than remove it entirely. You get the same result — the app is out of your way — without the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing the Microsoft Store break Windows?

Removing the Microsoft Store will not break Windows itself, but it can break individual apps that depend on it, such as the Xbox app or Mail. If you run into problems after removing it, reinstalling the Store usually fixes them. For safety, hiding it instead of removing it is a better choice.

Can I remove the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 without PowerShell?

No. Windows 11 does not provide a Settings menu option to uninstall the Microsoft Store. PowerShell is the only way to remove it completely. If you do not want to use PowerShell, hiding the app from your Start menu is the next-best option.

What is the difference between uninstalling and hiding the Microsoft Store?

Uninstalling removes the app from your computer entirely. Hiding it keeps the app installed but removes it from your Start menu and search results. Hiding is faster and safer because it does not risk breaking other Windows features.

If I uninstall the Microsoft Store, can I still read apps from it later?

Yes. You can reinstall the Microsoft Store at any time through the Microsoft Store website or PowerShell. Once it is reinstalled, you can read and install apps normally.

Why does Windows 11 make it harder to remove the Microsoft Store than Windows 10?

Microsoft integrated the Store more deeply into Windows 11 as part of the operating system itself, rather than as a separate app. This makes it harder to remove but also means it is less likely to cause problems if you leave it installed and straightforward hide it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.