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Troubleshoot Microsoft Store Error 0x800700AA on Windows 11/10: Proven Fixes

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Microsoft Windows, despite its widespread adoption as the world’s leading operating system, is not immune to encountering errors and technical difficulties. Among these, the Microsoft Store error 0x800700AA is a persistent issue that many users have reported. This error commonly arises from issues such as an unstable or slow internet connection or corrupted cache files within the system. If you are currently facing this error and are seeking solutions, this guide will provide you with detailed troubleshooting steps to effectively resolve the problem and restore the functionality of your Microsoft Store.

Understanding Microsoft Store Error 0x800700AA

The error code 0x800700AA typically manifests with an accompanying message stating: “Something happened and this app couldn’t be installed. Please try again. Error code 0x800700AA.” This message indicates a problem preventing the installation or updating of applications from the Microsoft Store. Before delving into complex solutions, it is crucial to understand the common underlying causes. Often, this error is triggered by temporary glitches, network connectivity problems, or corruption within the system files that manage the Microsoft Store operations. Addressing these potential root causes is essential for effectively troubleshooting and resolving the 0x800700AA error.

To tackle this issue, several troubleshooting methods can be employed. This guide will explore the following proven fixes:

  1. Clear contents of the DataStore folder.
  2. Reset Microsoft Store via Settings.
  3. Change DNS Server.

Let’s delve into each of these methods in detail to understand how they can help resolve the Microsoft Store error 0x800700AA.

1] Clear Contents of the DataStore Folder

The DataStore folder in Windows plays a crucial role in managing system updates. It serves as a repository for temporary files, logs, and crucial data related to Windows updates and update history. Occasionally, this folder can experience synchronization issues, preventing Windows Update from properly applying new updates to your computer. When this occurs, it may become necessary to manually clear the contents of the DataStore folder to resolve conflicts and allow the update process to proceed smoothly. Clearing this folder can often resolve errors related to update installations and Microsoft Store functionality that rely on these update services.

Clear contents of the DataStore folder

Before proceeding with clearing the DataStore folder, it is essential to stop the Windows Update service. This ensures that no files are in use during the deletion process, preventing potential data corruption or system instability.

Steps to Clear the DataStore Folder:

  1. Open Windows Services Manager: Press Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services Manager window, which lists all services running on your Windows system.

  2. Stop the Windows Update Service: In the Services Manager window, scroll down to find the “Windows Update” service. Right-click on “Windows Update” and select “Stop” from the context menu. Wait for the service to stop completely before proceeding to the next step.

  3. Open File Explorer: Press Win + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer. This is your primary file management tool in Windows.

  4. Navigate to the DataStore Folder: In the File Explorer address bar, type or paste the following path: %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore and press Enter. This command will directly take you to the DataStore folder location. %windir% is an environment variable that typically points to the Windows installation directory, usually C:\Windows.

  5. Select and Delete Contents: Once inside the DataStore folder, you will see a list of files and folders. Select all the files and folders present within the DataStore folder. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + A to select all, or by manually selecting each item. After selecting all items, press the Delete key or right-click and choose “Delete”. Confirm the deletion if prompted. Deleting these files will remove any potentially corrupted or conflicting temporary files related to Windows updates.

  6. Restart Windows Update Service: After deleting the contents of the DataStore folder, return to the Services Manager window. Right-click on the “Windows Update” service again and this time select “Start” from the context menu. This will restart the Windows Update service, allowing it to function correctly with a clean DataStore folder.

  7. Test Windows Update and Microsoft Store: After restarting the Windows Update service, try running Windows Update again to check for and install any available updates. Also, attempt to access the Microsoft Store and see if the error 0x800700AA is resolved. Try downloading or updating an app to verify the fix.

By clearing the DataStore folder, you effectively remove any potentially corrupted temporary files that might be interfering with the Windows Update process and, consequently, the Microsoft Store functionality. This clean slate allows the system to rebuild necessary files and potentially resolve the error. If this method does not immediately resolve the issue, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

2] Reset Microsoft Store via Settings

Sometimes, the Microsoft Store error 0x800700AA can arise due to issues with the Microsoft Store application itself. This can include corrupted cache, incorrect settings, or problems with temporary internet files locations that the Store relies upon. Resetting the Microsoft Store application through Windows Settings can often resolve these issues by reverting the application to its default configuration, clearing its cache, and refreshing its settings. This process is similar to reinstalling the application in terms of restoring its initial state, but it is a less drastic and more convenient approach.

Reset Microsoft Store via Settings

Resetting the Microsoft Store is a straightforward process that can be accomplished directly through the Windows Settings app. This method is non-destructive to your installed apps and personal data, focusing solely on resetting the Store application itself.

Steps to Reset Microsoft Store via Settings:

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  1. Open Windows Settings: Press Win + I keys simultaneously to open the Windows Settings app. This is the central hub for configuring various aspects of your Windows operating system.

  2. Navigate to Apps: In the Windows Settings window, click on “Apps”. This section manages all installed applications on your system, including system apps like the Microsoft Store.

  3. Go to Installed Apps: Within the “Apps” section, select “Installed apps”. This will display a list of all applications installed on your computer. You might need to wait a moment for the list to fully load.

  4. Find Microsoft Store: Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar at the top to find “Microsoft Store”. Type “Store” in the search bar to quickly locate the Microsoft Store app in the list.

  5. Access Advanced Options: Once you find “Microsoft Store” in the list, click on the three dots (ellipsis) located to the right of “Microsoft Store”. In the dropdown menu that appears, select “Advanced options”. This will open a new page with settings and options specific to the Microsoft Store application.

  6. Scroll Down to Reset Section: On the “Advanced options” page for Microsoft Store, scroll down until you find the “Reset” section. This section provides options to repair or reset the application.

  7. Click the “Reset” Button: Within the “Reset” section, you will see a “Reset” button. Click on this button. A warning message might appear stating that resetting the app will delete its data. Confirm the reset by clicking “Reset” again in the confirmation dialog.

  8. Wait for Reset Process: Windows will now begin the process of resetting the Microsoft Store application. This process may take a few moments to complete. You will see a checkmark next to the “Reset” button once the process is finished.

  9. Restart Your Computer (Optional but Recommended): Although not always necessary, restarting your computer after resetting the Microsoft Store can help ensure that all changes are properly applied and that the system is in a clean state.

  10. Test Microsoft Store: After the reset is complete and you have optionally restarted your computer, open the Microsoft Store app again. Try to download or update an application to see if the error 0x800700AA has been resolved.

By resetting the Microsoft Store, you effectively clear out any corrupted data or settings that might be causing the error. This process often resolves issues related to application functionality and can restore the Store to a working state. If the error persists after resetting, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

3] Change DNS Server

Domain Name System (DNS) servers translate website names (like www.microsoft.com) into IP addresses that computers use to locate each other on the internet. Sometimes, issues with your default DNS server can lead to problems accessing online services, including the Microsoft Store. These issues can manifest as slow loading times, inability to connect, or errors like 0x800700AA. Switching to a different, reliable DNS server, such as public DNS servers provided by Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), can often bypass these DNS-related problems and improve internet connectivity and access to online services.

Change DNS Server

Changing your DNS server settings is a straightforward process within the Windows Control Panel. This method allows you to specify which DNS servers your computer should use for resolving domain names. Using reliable public DNS servers can often improve browsing speed and resolve connectivity issues.

Steps to Change DNS Server:

  1. Open Control Panel: Click on the Start button, type “Control Panel”, and select “Control Panel” from the search results. This will open the classic Control Panel interface.

  2. Navigate to Network and Internet: In the Control Panel, click on the “Network and Internet” category. If you are viewing by “Category”, this option will be visible directly. If you are viewing by “Large icons” or “Small icons”, look for “Network and Sharing Center” directly.

  3. Open Network and Sharing Center: Under “Network and Internet”, click on “Network and Sharing Center”. This will open a window that provides an overview of your network connections and settings.

  4. Change Adapter Settings: In the left-hand sidebar of the Network and Sharing Center window, click on “Change adapter settings”. This will open the “Network Connections” window, which lists all network adapters on your computer.

  5. Select Your Network Adapter: In the Network Connections window, you will see icons representing your network adapters (e.g., Ethernet for wired connections, Wi-Fi for wireless). Right-click on the network adapter that you are currently using to connect to the internet. If you are unsure, the active connection usually has a green signal indicator.

  6. Open Properties: From the context menu that appears after right-clicking your network adapter, select “Properties”. This will open the Properties window for your network adapter.

  7. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the network adapter Properties window, scroll down in the list of items until you find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on the “Properties” button below the list. This will open the Properties window for IPv4 settings.

  8. Specify DNS Server Addresses: In the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window, locate the section labeled “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Select the radio button next to “Use the following DNS server addresses” to enable manual DNS server configuration.

  9. Enter Preferred and Alternate DNS Servers: In the “Preferred DNS server” field, type 1.1.1.1. In the “Alternate DNS server” field, type 1.0.0.1. These are the public DNS server addresses for Cloudflare, known for their speed and reliability. Alternatively, you could use Google’s public DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 for Preferred and 8.8.4.4 for Alternate.

  10. Click OK to Save Changes: After entering the DNS server addresses, click the “OK” button in the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window. Then, click “Close” in the network adapter Properties window.

  11. Restart Your System: For the DNS changes to take full effect, it is recommended to restart your computer. This ensures that your system starts using the new DNS server settings.

  12. Test Microsoft Store: After restarting, open the Microsoft Store and check if the error 0x800700AA is resolved. Try downloading or updating an app to verify the fix.

By changing your DNS server, you are directing your computer to use a potentially faster and more reliable DNS resolution service. This can resolve connectivity issues that might be causing the Microsoft Store error and improve overall internet browsing experience. If, after trying these methods, the issue persists, it might indicate a more complex underlying problem, and further technical investigation or contacting Microsoft support might be necessary.

Have you successfully resolved the Microsoft Store error 0x800700AA using these methods? Let us know in the comments below which solution worked for you or if you have any other tips to share!

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