You can uninstall the Microsoft Store app through Settings, PowerShell, or by removing it during a Windows installation

The Microsoft Store app comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but you can remove it if you do not use it. The fastest method is through the Settings app on your computer — you can uninstall it in under a minute without any technical knowledge. If the Settings method does not work, you have a backup option using PowerShell, which is a command-line tool built into Windows.

Before you uninstall, understand that removing the Store app does not affect Windows updates or security patches. You will still receive all system updates normally. However, if you later want to reinstall the app, the process is straightforward — you can read it again from Microsoft's website or restore it through PowerShell.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app method works for most users and takes less than one minute to complete.
  • If Settings does not show an uninstall button, you can remove the Store app using PowerShell with a single command.
  • Removing the Microsoft Store does not affect Windows updates, security patches, or your system's ability to run other programs.
  • You can reinstall the Microsoft Store later by downloading it from Microsoft's website or using PowerShell to restore it.
  • Some Windows versions (like Windows 10 Home) may not allow removal through Settings, but PowerShell works on all versions.

Uninstall through the Settings App

Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click on "Apps" in the left sidebar, then click "Apps & features" to see a list of installed programs.

Scroll down the list until you find "Microsoft Store." Click on it once to select it, and an "Uninstall" button will appear. Click the Uninstall button, and Windows will ask you to confirm. Click "Uninstall" again in the confirmation window. The app will be removed in a few seconds, and you will see a message saying the uninstall was successful.

If you do not see an Uninstall button next to Microsoft Store, your Windows version may not allow removal through Settings. Move to the PowerShell method instead — it works on all Windows versions.

Remove the Store App Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a command-line tool built into Windows. Right-click on the Windows Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner) and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)" depending on your Windows version. If you see a User Account Control prompt asking for permission, click "Yes."

Copy this command exactly as written: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage. Right-click in the PowerShell window and paste the command, then press Enter. The command will run and remove the Microsoft Store app. You may see some text appear — this is normal. When the command finishes, close the PowerShell window.

The Microsoft Store app will be gone from your Start menu and your computer. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, including Home editions where the Settings method does not work.

What Happens After You Uninstall

Once removed, the Microsoft Store app will no longer appear in your Start menu or app list. You will not see notifications or updates related to the Store. Your computer will continue to receive Windows security updates and system patches normally — uninstalling the Store app does not affect Windows Update.

You can still install programs from other sources, such as downloading installers from company websites or using other app stores like Steam or Epic Games. Your ability to use Windows and run other software is not changed by removing the Microsoft Store.

How to Reinstall the Microsoft Store If You Change Your Mind

If you decide later that you want the Microsoft Store back, you have two options. The easiest is to visit the Microsoft Store website on your web browser, search for "Microsoft Store," and click the button to install it. Windows will read and install the app automatically.

Alternatively, you can use PowerShell to restore it. Open PowerShell as Admin again and paste this command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. This command reinstalls the Store app from the copy that remains on your system.

Common Issues and Fixes

If the Settings method shows no Uninstall button, this is normal on some Windows versions. Use the PowerShell method instead — it works on all editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If the PowerShell command does not work or you see an error message, make sure you opened PowerShell as Admin (right-click and select the Admin option). Also check that you copied the command exactly, including all spaces and punctuation. If you still have trouble, try restarting your computer and running the command again.

If the Microsoft Store app reappears after you uninstall it, this sometimes happens after a major Windows update. You can remove it again using the same method. Some users find that disabling Windows updates temporarily prevents the Store from reinstalling, but this is not recommended because security updates are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing the Microsoft Store affect my Windows updates?

No. Windows updates come through Windows Update, which is separate from the Microsoft Store app. Removing the Store does not change how your computer receives security patches or system updates.

Can I remove the Microsoft Store on Windows 11?

Yes. Both the Settings method and the PowerShell method work on Windows 11. The steps are the same as for Windows 10.

What if I accidentally uninstall something else instead of the Microsoft Store?

You can reinstall most programs through Settings by going to Apps > Apps & features, scrolling to the program name, and clicking Uninstall, then searching for it online to read it again. If you uninstalled the Store itself by mistake, use the reinstall method described above.

Does removing the Microsoft Store speed up my computer?

Removing unused apps frees up a small amount of disk space, but the Microsoft Store app uses very little system resources when it is not running. You will not notice a significant speed improvement, but you will have a cleaner Start menu.

Can I remove the Microsoft Store on Windows Home edition?

The Settings method may not work on Home edition, but the PowerShell method works on all Windows editions, including Home. Use the PowerShell steps if Settings does not show an Uninstall button.