Microsoft Store App Blocked by Administrator — How to Fix It?

If access to the Microsoft Store app is blocked by an administrator, it can be quite frustrating, especially when you need to install or update apps on your computer. Don’t worry; there are several ways to solve this issue, which we’ll cover in detail below.

Why Microsoft Store Might Be Blocked

First, it’s essential to understand why Microsoft Store might be blocked. This can happen for several reasons:

  • Security policies set by a company or educational institution may restrict access to the store.
  • Local account settings or group policies in Windows may disable access to Microsoft Store.
  • Viruses or malware could have altered system settings.

Solutions to Unblock Microsoft Store

The methods below will help you restore access to Microsoft Store on a Windows computer.

Method 1: Check Local Group Policy Settings

If you’re using Windows Professional, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to review the access settings for Microsoft Store:

  1. Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc, then press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store.
  3. Find the Turn off the Store application setting and make sure it’s set to Disabled or Not Configured.
  4. Restart your computer and check if Microsoft Store is accessible.

Method 2: Modify Registry Settings

This method requires making changes to the system registry, so proceed with caution and follow these steps exactly:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore.
  3. Locate the RemoveWindowsStore setting and set its value to 0. If it’s missing, you can create it (as a DWORD type).
  4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Method 3: Check Your Antivirus Software

Some antivirus programs may restrict access to Microsoft Store. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and check if Microsoft Store opens. If it does, consider setting up exceptions in your antivirus software for Microsoft Store.

Method 4: Check with Your Administrator

If your computer is part of a corporate or educational network, access might be restricted by IT administrators. In this case, it’s best to reach out to your administrator to request access to Microsoft Store. Ensure that you have sufficient permissions to modify settings.