If you’re a Windows 11 user, you may have thought about what happens if you were to uninstall Microsoft Store. Perhaps it’s because you prefer to download and install your applications via winget, or maybe you’re trying to free up some space on your hard drive. Whatever the reason, you should be aware that uninstalling apps like the Microsoft Store is not recommended. In this guide, we will show you how to uninstall the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 and also discuss the reasons why you should think twice before uninstalling it from your PC.
Why would you want to uninstall the Microsoft Store?
Before we get to the how-to part of uninstalling the Microsoft Store, let’s talk about the reasons why you would want to do it in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons why people might want to uninstall the Microsoft Store:
- Free up space: The Microsoft Store is a built-in app on Windows 11, and it takes up some storage space on your hard drive. If you’re running low on space, you might want to uninstall it.
- To remove bloatware: Some people consider the Microsoft Store to be bloatware, which is any software that comes pre-installed on a computer that’s not essential for the operating system to function. If you’re one of those people, you might want to get rid of it.
- To disable automatic app updates: By default, the Microsoft Store automatically updates the apps installed on your computer. Some people might find this annoying, especially if they have a slow internet connection or limited data.
How to uninstall the Microsoft Store on Windows 11
Now that we’ve talked about the reasons why you might want to uninstall Microsoft Store, let’s get into the how-to part. Before we proceed, it’s essential to note that uninstalling Microsoft Store is not recommended. It’s a built-in app and removing it might cause issues with other apps that rely on it. However, if you still want to proceed, here’s how to do it:
- Open a new PowerShell window with administrator privileges. Use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut and then click Terminal (Admin).
- In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -alluser *WindowsStore* | Remove-Appxpackage. This command will uninstall the Microsoft Store from your computer.
That’s it! The Microsoft Store is now uninstalled from your computer.
Why you shouldn’t uninstall the Microsoft Store
One of the biggest risks of uninstalling the Microsoft Store is that it can break the ability of other apps to update or install. Many apps in Windows 11 rely on the Microsoft Store app to check for and install updates, and without it, you may not be able to update at all.
In addition, some apps may not work properly or at all without the Microsoft Store installed. This is because the Microsoft Store provides important framework and support for some apps, and without it, they may not function properly.
The Xbox app will flash a warning that the app requires the Microsoft Store for account management with a prompt for you to reinstall the Microsoft Store. So, if you play Xbox games on your PC, you can’t (or shouldn’t) uninstall Microsoft Store.
How to reinstall Microsoft Store
If you want or need to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows 11, there are some options you can use to reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows 11:
- In a PowerShell window with administrator privileges, type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. - Reinstall it via this link for Microsoft Store from the Microsoft Store website.
As mentioned earlier in this guide, you shouldn’t uninstall Microsoft Store on Windows 11. The Microsoft Store is a built-in app that provides you access to various apps, games, movies, and TV shows and offers a secure way to download and install apps that are free from malware and viruses.
Microsoft Store is essential for the proper functioning of some Windows features such as the ability to download language packs, fonts, or system updates. Uninstalling Microsoft Store can also break the integration of some apps with Windows 11, which may also cause issues.