Fix Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80244022

Encountering Microsoft Store error code 0x80244022 can be incredibly frustrating. You’re ready to download that new productivity app or game, and suddenly, everything grinds to a halt. This error typically signifies that your Windows device is struggling to communicate with the Microsoft Update servers.

While it often looks like a complex system failure, the root cause is usually something manageable—like a network glitch, a sync issue, or a temporary server outage. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every possible solution, from 60-second quick fixes to advanced command-line repairs, ensuring you get your Microsoft Store back up and running.


What Is Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80244022?

Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand what you are fighting. In technical terms, error code 0x80244022 often maps to an HTTP 503 status, which stands for “Service Unavailable.”

Essentially, your computer is knocking on Microsoft’s door (the server), but no one is answering. This disconnect can happen for two main reasons:

  1. Server-Side Issues: Microsoft’s servers are down, overloaded, or undergoing maintenance.
  2. Client-Side Issues: Something on your PC—like a firewall, proxy, or corrupt file—is blocking the connection.

Common Symptoms

  • The Microsoft Store opens but fails to load images or apps.
  • Downloads start but get stuck at “Pending” or “Downloading.”
  • Windows Update fails with the same error code.
  • You receive a message saying, “Something happened on our end.”

Why Am I Seeing This Error?

Understanding the “Why” is half the battle. Here is a breakdown of the most common culprits:

CauseProbabilityDescription
Microsoft Server OutageHighThe servers are temporarily down or overwhelmed.
Incorrect Date & TimeMediumSecurity certificates fail if your PC’s time doesn’t match the server’s.
Corrupt CacheMediumThe temporary files used by the Store are corrupted.
Network/Proxy IssuesMediumYour ISP, VPN, or Proxy is blocking the connection.
Disabled ServicesLowEssential Windows services (like Windows Update) are turned off.

Part 1: Quick Fixes (Try These First)

Do not start with complex registry edits. In 80% of cases, one of these simple steps will resolve Microsoft Store error code 0x80244022.

1. Check Microsoft’s Service Status

Since this error often indicates “Service Unavailable,” the problem might not be on your end at all.

  • Action: Visit the official Microsoft Service Health page.
  • What to look for: Check if “Store and Content subscriptions” or “Windows Update” are marked as Down or Degraded.
  • Solution: If they are down, grab a coffee and wait. No amount of troubleshooting on your PC will fix a server outage.

2. Verify Date and Time Settings

This sounds trivial, but it is one of the most frequent causes. Microsoft uses secure (SSL/TLS) connections to talk to the Store. If your computer thinks it is 2015, the security certificates will be considered “expired,” and the connection will be blocked.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Right-click the time in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
  2. Select Adjust date/time.
  3. Ensure the toggle for Set time automatically is turned ON.
  4. Ensure Set time zone automatically is also ON.
  5. Click the Sync now button under “Synchronize your clock.”

3. Disable Proxy Servers and VPNs

Proxies are notorious for interfering with Windows Update and Store connections.

How to turn them off:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type inetcpl.cpl and hit Enter.
  3. Go to the Connections tab and click LAN settings.
  4. Uncheck the box that says “Use a proxy server for your LAN.”
  5. Ensure “Automatically detect settings” is Checked.
  6. Click OK and restart your computer.

Part 2: Intermediate Troubleshooting

If the basics didn’t work, we need to dig a little deeper into the Windows system tools.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

Over time, the Store accumulates temporary data that can become corrupted. Cleaning this slate is safe and often effective.

  • Step 1: Press Windows Key + R.
  • Step 2: Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  • Step 3: A blank Command Prompt window will appear. Do not close it.
  • Step 4: After about 10–30 seconds, the window will close automatically, and the Microsoft Store will launch. Try downloading your app again.

5. Repair and Reset the Store App

Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in repair mechanism for apps.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or “Apps & features”).
  2. Search for Microsoft Store.
  3. Click the three dots (menu) next to it and select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down to the “Reset” section.
    • First, try Repair (this keeps your data safe).
    • If that fails, click Reset (this deletes the app’s data and signs you out, acting like a fresh install).

6. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Because the Store relies on the Windows Update framework, fixing one often fixes the other.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts. If it applies a fix, restart your PC.

Part 3: Advanced Technical Solutions

If you are still seeing error code 0x80244022, the issue likely lies deep within the Windows Update components or network configurations.

7. Re-Register the Microsoft Store via PowerShell

This process forces Windows to delete the Store’s installation manifest and re-install it from scratch using the system files.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command exactly:PowerShellGet-AppxPackage -AllUsers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  3. Press Enter. You might see some blue text scrolling; ignore any minor red error messages.
  4. Restart your computer.

8. Change DNS Settings

Sometimes your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) domain server struggles to resolve Microsoft’s addresses. Switching to a public DNS like Google’s can bypass this bottleneck.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Right-click your active network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  5. Click OK and try the Store again.

9. Reset Windows Update Components (The “Master Fix”)

This is the most powerful fix for error 0x80244022. It involves stopping the update services, renaming the folders where updates are stored (forcing Windows to create new ones), and restarting the services.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:DOSnet stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Note: The SoftwareDistribution folder is where Windows stores downloaded updates. By renaming it, you force Windows to re-download fresh, corruption-free copies of the update files.

10. Check TLS/SSL Settings

The error 0x80244022 can occur if older security protocols are disabled.

  1. Type Internet Options in the Windows Search bar and open it.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Scroll down to the Security section.
  4. Ensure that Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3 are checked.
  5. Uncheck SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1 (these are outdated).
  6. Click Apply > OK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can an antivirus cause error 0x80244022?

Yes. Third-party antivirus software can sometimes mistake the Microsoft Store connection for a threat. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if the error disappears.

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store app only clears the Store’s cache and settings. Your installed games and applications (like Netflix or Spotify) will remain untouched.

Does this error affect Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, error code 0x80244022 is present in both Operating Systems as they share the same backend update infrastructure.

I tried everything, but it still fails. What now?

If you have exhausted this list, the issue might be a corrupted Windows user profile. Try creating a new Local User Account and see if the Store works there. If it does, you can migrate your data to the new profile.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is safe. Windows will automatically recreate it the next time it checks for updates. However, renaming it (as shown in step 9) is safer than deleting it outright, as it gives you a backup.

Can I just download the app from a browser instead?

Generally, no. Most Microsoft Store apps (APPX/MSIX files) are designed to be installed through the Store for security and licensing verification.

How long does a “Server Outage” usually last?

Microsoft outages are typically short-lived, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours.

Why does this error also appear in Windows Update?

The Microsoft Store and Windows Update share the same “wuauserv” (Windows Update Service) backbone. If that service fails, both the Store and system updates will break.


At End & Next Steps

Dealing with Microsoft Store error code 0x80244022 is essentially a process of elimination. You start by ensuring the Microsoft servers are online and your date settings are correct. If those aren’t the culprits, clearing the cache or resetting the Windows Update components usually solves the problem.

Your Action Plan:

  1. Check the time: Is your clock correct?
  2. Run wsreset.exe: Clear that cache.
  3. Disable Proxy: Ensure your connection is direct.
  4. Reset Components: Use the Command Prompt method if all else fails.

Don’t let a simple connection error stop you from enjoying your PC. Start with the Quick Fixes above, and you’ll likely be downloading your favorite apps again in no time.

Recommended Resource: If you suspect your system files are heavily damaged beyond these fixes, consider reading our guide on How to Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 Without Losing Data.

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