“Microsoft Store Is Blocked”: Try These 6 Easy Fixes to Unblock It

The Microsoft Store can help you install various apps and services. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the Microsoft Store app remains operational. This article will provide guidance on how to address the error code 0x800704EC, which prevents access to the Microsoft Store.

Errors occur when a function or app settings cause issues. But what to do if the entire Microsoft Store app is blocked? Let’s help you unblock the Microsoft Store and continue business as usual.

1. Using Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If a Windows app has a problem, you can use the Windows troubleshooter to identify and fix it. This also works if there is an internal issue preventing Microsoft Store from opening on Windows. Here’s how:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Click on System.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Click on Other troubleshooters.

Step 5: Go to ‘Windows Store Apps’ and click Run.

Once the Windows troubleshooter runs, it will detect and display any underlying problems. You can then follow the on-screen instructions to fix it and get Microsoft Store working again.

2. Using Run

The quickest way to reset the Microsoft Store app is by using the Run window. This will clear the app’s cache and data that might interfere with regular functions. Here’s how:

Step 1: Use Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type “wsreset.exe” and press enter.

Wait for Microsoft Store to reset. Then, try reopening the app. If it’s still blocked, move on to the next fix.

3. Using the Repair Option

If you’re still getting error code 0x800704EC for Microsoft Store, try running a Windows repair. This can fix app issues, like the Microsoft Store not opening. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings menu using Windows + I.

Step 2: Go to Apps and click on Installed apps.

Scroll down to Microsoft Store and click on the three-dot icon.

Click on Advanced options.

Go to the Reset section and click on Repair.

Once the repair is finished, try opening the app again.

If it still doesn’t work, click on Reset.

This will reset all app information. If Microsoft Store still doesn’t open, move on to the next fix.

4. Using the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor allows you to change important Windows policies. If the Microsoft Store has been disabled through the Group Policy Editor, you may encounter the error “Microsoft Store is blocked.” To resolve this issue, open the Group Policy Editor and enable the Microsoft Store app. Follow these steps:

– Step 1: Use the Windows + R key to open Run.

– Step 2: Type “gpedit.msc” and press enter or click OK.

Step 3: Click Computer Configuration from the menu panel.

Step 4: Expand the menu options and click Administrative Templates.

Step 5: Click Windows Components.

Step 6: Click on Store.

Step 7: In the Setting options, select ‘Turn off the Store application’.

Step 8: Select Not Configured and click OK. Restart the computer.

Check to see if the Microsoft Store blocked by administrator error message has been fixed.

5. Turning off Windows Defender

Antivirus software safeguards your device from malicious threats, such as corrupted files or perceived threats from apps. However, there have been instances where non-malicious files have been unintentionally flagged and blocked. This could be a reason why you may encounter the Microsoft Store is blocked error.

To fix this, disable Windows Defender. Then, try opening the Microsoft Store again to see if it’s working. Once things are in order, enable Windows Defender to protect your device.

6. Checking for Windows Update

If you’re unable to access Microsoft Store, check for Windows Updates to see if your device is updated to the latest version. While updates are usually enabled by default, you can manually search for and install updates. This may resolve any compatibility issues that could be blocking Microsoft Store on Windows 11.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Search for and open the Windows Update app.

Step 2: Click on ‘Check for updates’.

If there is an update, download and restart your device to finish installing. If no update is available, check for additional updates to unblock Microsoft Store. Here’s how. Click on Advanced options on the updates page.

Step 4: Scroll down and click on Optional updates.

If there is an available update, install it and try opening the Microsoft Store again.

FAQs for Unblocking Microsoft Store on Windows 11

1. Yes, you can unblock Microsoft Store using the Registry Editor, but it is advisable to only do so if you are familiar with the options. Otherwise, it may cause issues with Windows OS.

2. To resolve the issue of Microsoft Store not automatically installing app updates, go to the Microsoft Store settings menu and make sure that automatic updates are enabled.

Unblock Microsoft Store

We hope these ways helped you fix the “Microsoft Store is blocked” error. Check our other article if you can open Microsoft Store but encounter page loading errors.