0x8D050003 Microsoft Store Error on Windows 11 or 10

Running into error codes can be really confusing, especially if there’s no clear explanation about what went wrong. A tricky one some folks bump into on Windows 11 or 10 is the 0x8D050003 error when they’re trying to use the Microsoft Store.

Usually, this error throws up a message saying, “Something unexpected happened. Reporting this problem will help us understand it better. You can wait for a while and try again or restart your device. Error code: 0x8D050003.”

This error usually points to some issues with the store service or your internet connection, but don’t worry, there are ways to fix it. We’ll walk you through some steps to get your Microsoft Store up and running again.

Also see: Can’t Download or Install Apps on Microsoft Store

Understanding the 0x8D050003 error in Microsoft Store

This error code “0x8D050003” is a heads-up that there’s a hiccup when accessing the Microsoft Store. The reasons can vary, but often it’s about connectivity, how the app is set up, or your computer’s settings. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Connectivity issues: This is the most common problem. It could be your internet connection acting up, trouble with certain networks, or issues caused by using VPNs and proxies. The Microsoft Store needs a solid internet connection to work right, so it’s important to check if you’re connected properly or try a different network if you have to.
• Store configuration and data: Sometimes, the Microsoft Store’s own setup or saved data gets messed up. Doing things like resetting the store, fixing reset problems, re-registering the Microsoft Store, and clearing out its cache can help fix these kinds of issues.
• System settings and external interferences: The Microsoft Store can also get tripped up by your computer’s settings, like if your time and date are wrong. And sometimes, other programs like antivirus or firewall software can block the store. Making sure your settings are correct and running troubleshooters can help figure out and fix these problems.
• External factors: In some cases, the issue isn’t on your side at all. It could be a problem with Microsoft’s servers, or recent changes to your PC might be causing trouble. Checking Microsoft Server Status and thinking about a system restore can be useful steps here.

How to fix the 0x8D050003 error code in Microsoft Store

Here are some methods to try and fix the 0x8D050003 error in the Microsoft Store:

1. Verify internet connectivity

Often, this error is because your internet connection isn’t stable or you’re not connected at all.

• Make sure your device is connected to the internet. You can try opening websites in a browser to check.
• If you’re using Wi-Fi, getting closer to your router or reconnecting to the network might help.
• Running a speed test can also give you a clue about the quality of your connection. Slow speeds or high packet loss might mean there’s a problem with your ISP or local network.

2. Try a different network

Sometimes, your network or ISP might be blocking the Microsoft Store.

• Switching to a different network, like a mobile hotspot or another Wi-Fi, can help figure out if the issue is with your main network or ISP.

3. Disable VPN and Proxy

VPNs and proxies can mess with the Microsoft Store because they change your IP address and how your internet works. This might make the store think the connection is not safe or stop it from connecting at all.

• For VPN: If you’re using a VPN, open it and hit “Disconnect” or “Turn Off”. If you’re not sure if a VPN is running, check the small icons near your clock for any VPN software, then disconnect it from there. Learn more: How to Disable VPN in Windows 11.
  
• For Proxy: To turn off a proxy, go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Proxy” and switch off “Use a proxy server”. If it’s already off, you’re not using a proxy.

After turning off your VPN or proxy, restart your computer and try the Microsoft Store again. If it works, you’ve found the issue. You can turn your VPN or proxy back on later, but you might need to tweak settings or try a different service that doesn’t mess with the Microsoft Store.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store

Going back to the default settings for the Microsoft Store can fix a lot of problems.

1. Go to “Settings” > “Apps”.
2. Find “Microsoft Store” in the list and click on it.
3. Click on “Advanced options”.
4. Scroll down and hit the “Reset” button. This will clear the app’s data but might get rid of the 0x8D050003 error.

“We couldn’t reset this app. Try again in a bit.”

Sometimes, you might see an error message when trying to reset the app. Here’s what to do.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
3. Find “Capability Access Manager Service”, right-click it, and choose “Properties”.
4. In the “Startup type” dropdown, select “Manual”.
5. Click “OK” and try resetting the Microsoft Store app again.

Setting the service to manual lets the system start it when needed, which might get around the error that was stopping the app reset.

5. Re-register Microsoft Store using PowerShell

If there’s something wrong with how the Store is set up, putting it back to how it should be can help.

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and choosing “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
2. Copy and paste a special command and wait for it to finish. Then, try using the Microsoft Store again.

   Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Related resource: Disable Microsoft Store in Windows 11 Home or Pro (GPO)

6. Time & date settings

Wrong time and date settings can cause trouble with the Microsoft Store, so make sure they’re set correctly.

1. Go to “Settings” > “Time & Language” > “Date & Time”.
2. Turn on “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically”.
3. Check if your system’s time, date, and time zone are right for where you are.

7. Check Microsoft server status

It’s also possible that Microsoft is having problems, not you.

• Check the Microsoft Service Health website to see if they’re having any issues.

8. Consider a system restore

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t fix the error, going back to how your system was before might help. Just make sure to back up important stuff first, as System Restore will remove any apps and drivers added after the restore point.

Final notes

If these steps don’t fix the 0x8D050003 error in the Microsoft Store for you, sharing your problem on forums like Reddit or Microsoft’s own forums might help. And if the Microsoft Store is super important to you and nothing else works, resetting or reinstalling Windows could be your last option. Just remember to back up your important data first.