You can uninstall the Microsoft Store app using Settings, PowerShell, or the Control Panel, depending on your Windows version and how much control you want over the process

The Microsoft Store app (sometimes called the Windows Store or just "Store") is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but you can remove it if you do not use it. The method you choose depends on whether you want a quick removal through Settings or a more complete uninstall using PowerShell. Most people can uninstall it through Settings in under two minutes.

If you have already tried uninstalling through Settings and the option was grayed out, or if the app keeps reappearing after uninstall, you likely need the PowerShell method instead. That method is more technical but works when the standard route does not.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to uninstall Microsoft Store is through Settings > Apps > Apps & features, where you find "App Installer" or "Microsoft Store" and click Uninstall.
  • If the Uninstall button is grayed out, your Windows version or account permissions prevent removal through Settings, and you will need to use PowerShell instead.
  • PowerShell removal requires opening PowerShell as Administrator and running a single command that removes the Store app completely.
  • The Microsoft Store app may reappear after a major Windows update, so you may need to uninstall it again if you want it permanently gone.
  • Removing the Microsoft Store does not affect Windows updates, security, or any other built-in Windows features.

Uninstalling through Settings (Windows 10 and 11)

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button, type "Settings", and press Enter. Once Settings opens, click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Apps & features.

Scroll down the list of installed apps until you find Microsoft Store (or sometimes labeled App Installer). Click on it once to select it, then click the Uninstall button that appears. A confirmation window will pop up asking if you want to uninstall — click Uninstall again to confirm. Windows will remove the app, and you should see a message saying the uninstall was successful.

If the Uninstall button is grayed out and you cannot click it, your account does not have permission to remove the app through Settings, or your Windows version restricts removal this way. Move to the PowerShell method below instead.

Uninstalling with PowerShell (when Settings does not work)

Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin), or search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator. Click Yes when Windows asks for permission to make changes.

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

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage -allusers

PowerShell will run the command and remove the Microsoft Store app. You may see some text output in the window — that is normal. Close PowerShell when it finishes. The Microsoft Store app should now be gone from your Start menu and Apps list.

If you see an error message, the most common reason is that you did not open PowerShell as Administrator. Close the window and try again, making sure to right-click and select "Run as administrator".

What happens after you uninstall the Microsoft Store

Once removed, you will no longer see the Microsoft Store tile in your Start menu or in your Apps list. You cannot open it or read apps from it. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it by opening the Microsoft Store page in your web browser and clicking "Get" or "Install", or by using PowerShell to reinstall it.

Uninstalling the Microsoft Store does not affect Windows updates, Windows Defender, or any other Windows security features. Your computer will continue to receive all necessary updates. You can still install programs from other sources — the Microsoft Store is just one way to get apps, not the only way.

The Microsoft Store may return after a Windows update

Major Windows updates (like the annual feature updates in October and May) sometimes reinstall the Microsoft Store even if you removed it. This is because Microsoft includes the Store as part of the standard Windows installation. If it reappears, you can uninstall it again using the same method you used before.

If you want to prevent it from coming back, some users create a scheduled task or use Group Policy (on Windows Pro or higher) to block reinstallation, but those methods are more advanced. For most people, straightforward uninstalling it again when it returns is the simplest approach.

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store if you change your mind

If you removed the Microsoft Store and later decide you want it back, you have two options. The easiest is to open your web browser, go to the Microsoft Store website, and click the button to install it on your PC. Windows will read and install the app automatically.

Alternatively, you can use PowerShell to reinstall it. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run this command:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}

Either method will restore the Microsoft Store app to your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling the Microsoft Store break Windows or cause problems?

No. The Microsoft Store is a separate app that Windows does not depend on for core functions. Removing it will not affect updates, security, or any other Windows feature. Your computer will work exactly as before.

Can I uninstall the Microsoft Store on Windows Home edition?

Yes, the Settings method works on Windows Home. If the Uninstall button is grayed out, use the PowerShell method instead — it works on all Windows editions.

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

Uninstalling removes the app completely. Disabling (through Settings > Apps > Startup) just prevents it from running when you start your computer, but the app files remain. Uninstalling is cleaner if you do not plan to use it.

Why does the Uninstall button say I need administrator permission?

Your user account may not have administrator rights on the computer. Ask whoever set up the computer to uninstall it for you, or use the PowerShell method, which can work with administrator credentials.

Can I uninstall the Microsoft Store from a work or school computer?

Your organization may have locked down the Microsoft Store to prevent removal. If the Uninstall button is grayed out and the PowerShell method does not work, contact your IT department — they may have policies in place that prevent removal.