Free Guide to Removing Microsoft Store from Windows

Why People Want to Remove Microsoft Store and What This Guide Covers

Microsoft Store comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 on most computers. For many users, it's simply another app they never open. But others find reasons to remove it: they prefer getting programs from other sources, they want to reduce background processes, they're concerned about storage space, or they just want a cleaner Windows setup with fewer pre-installed applications.

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This guide walks through the different methods available to remove Microsoft Store from a Windows computer. We'll explain what Microsoft Store actually does, show you several ways to uninstall it (some easier than others), discuss what happens after removal, and cover how to reinstall it if you change your mind later. The information here applies mainly to Windows 10 and Windows 11, though some steps may differ slightly depending on your specific Windows version.

It's worth noting upfront that removing Microsoft Store won't break your computer or cause system errors. Windows will function normally without it. However, some users find they need it later for specific reasons — which is why we've included reinstallation instructions as well. Think of this guide as arming you with knowledge about what's actually possible, rather than pushing you in any particular direction.

The methods described range from straightforward to more technical. You don't need special skills to follow along, but some methods do require using Windows settings or command-line tools that may feel unfamiliar if you haven't used them before. We'll break everything down into understandable steps.

Practical takeaway: Before removing anything, know that you have options. This guide presents them all so you can choose what matches your comfort level and goals for your computer.

What Microsoft Store Is and Why It Comes on Your Computer

Microsoft Store is an application platform built into Windows. Think of it as an app store similar to what you might find on a smartphone. When you open Microsoft Store, you can browse for and install various applications — some free, some paid. Microsoft includes it on every Windows computer because the company wants a central place for users to find software.

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The Store also serves another purpose: it's where Windows itself gets some system updates and where certain system apps (like Calculator, Maps, or Photos) can receive updates independently from major Windows updates. This separation lets Microsoft update individual apps without requiring a full Windows system update.

Most Windows users never open Microsoft Store. It sits in the Start menu taking up a small amount of storage space and occasionally running background processes. For people who prefer to get programs directly from websites, use older software stores, or work exclusively with traditional desktop applications, the Microsoft Store feels like unnecessary bloat.

Here's what's actually running in the background: Microsoft Store uses some system resources even when you're not using it. It checks for app updates, maintains a cache of app information, and stores data about your installed apps and purchases. On a typical computer, this impact is minimal — we're talking about a few hundred megabytes of storage at most. But on older machines with limited storage, or for users who prefer absolute minimalism, every megabyte matters.

The Store also connects to Microsoft's servers regularly. If you have privacy concerns about this network activity, that's another reason some people choose to remove it. Windows will track what you do regardless, but Microsoft Store specifically sends information about your browsing and search behavior within the Store itself.

Practical takeaway: Microsoft Store is a distribution platform that most users ignore. Understanding what it does helps clarify whether you actually want to remove it or whether leaving it alone causes no practical problems for your setup.

Method 1: Uninstalling Through Windows Settings (The Standard Way)

The most straightforward way to remove Microsoft Store is through the Settings application, the same place where you manage most Windows features. This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the exact menu locations differ slightly between versions.

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For Windows 11: Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Navigate to Apps, then Apps and Features. Scroll down through the list of installed applications until you find "App Installer" or "Microsoft Store." Click on it, then click the "Uninstall" button that appears. A confirmation window will pop up asking if you're sure — click "Uninstall" again. Windows will remove the application in a few seconds.

For Windows 10: The process is similar but the menu is organized differently. Open Settings, go to Apps, then Apps and Features. In the search box at the top, type "Microsoft Store" to filter the list. When it appears, click on it and select "Uninstall." Confirm your choice when prompted.

This method has a significant limitation: it may not fully remove Microsoft Store on some computers. Microsoft has made Store increasingly difficult to remove through standard methods because the company considers it a core system component on newer versions of Windows. You might successfully uninstall what appears as Microsoft Store, only to find it reappears after a major Windows update, or discover that the app store functionality remains accessible through other means.

The advantage of this method is that it's the least risky. You're using the standard Windows interface that's designed for managing applications. There's no command-line typing, no registry editing, and no need to restart your computer in safe mode. If something goes wrong, which is rare, it's easy to undo by reinstalling through the same Settings menu.

After uninstalling through Settings, restart your computer. This isn't always strictly necessary, but it ensures Windows fully processes the removal and clears any remaining processes from memory.

Practical takeaway: Start with the Settings method if you want the safest, most reversible approach. Just understand that it may not work completely on all Windows versions, particularly Windows 11.

Method 2: PowerShell Removal (The More Effective Technical Approach)

If the Settings method didn't fully remove Microsoft Store, or if you want a more thorough removal, PowerShell is a more powerful tool. PowerShell is a command-line interface built into Windows that lets you run system-level commands. It's more technical than using Settings, but the process is still straightforward if you follow the steps carefully.

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The basic process: Open the Start menu and type "PowerShell." Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and select "Run as administrator." This opens PowerShell with the elevated permissions needed to remove system apps. In the PowerShell window, paste this exact command:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Store*"} | Remove-AppxPackage

Press Enter and let PowerShell run. The command searches for any app packages matching the word "Store" and removes them. This is more effective than the Settings method because it works at a deeper system level. If you want to target Microsoft Store specifically without affecting other Store-related apps, you can use this more precise command instead:

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

For Windows 11 specifically, Microsoft has added additional protections. The above commands may show an error message saying the Store app is protected and can't be removed through PowerShell. If that happens, you have another option: removing the Store through Group Policy (see Method 3). Some Windows 11 versions let PowerShell removal work; others don't, depending on your Windows build number.

After running the command, close PowerShell and restart your computer. Unlike the Settings method, PowerShell removal is usually more permanent, even across Windows updates. However, there's a higher risk of something going wrong if you mistype the command. Always copy and paste commands rather than typing them manually.

If you want to reverse PowerShell removal, you can reinstall Microsoft Store through the Microsoft Store app page in your web browser, or use the Settings method to reinstall it — both approaches are covered later in this guide.

Practical takeaway: PowerShell removal is more powerful than Settings removal, but it requires typing or pasting a command. It's worth trying if the standard Settings method didn't work, and it's still low-risk because you can easily reinstall the app later.

Method 3: Group Policy Disabling (For Preventing Reinstallation and Windows 11)

Group Policy is a Windows feature that lets you set rules for how Windows behaves.

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