0x8D050003 Microsoft Store Error on Windows 11 or 10

Encountering error codes while using software is a common experience, but they often leave users puzzled, especially when they aren’t accompanied by a clear explanation. One such complex error is the 0x8D050003 faced by many users when trying to use the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

When users encounter this error, they usually see a message like this: “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.”

While this error generally indicates issues with the store service or your connection, the root causes can be diverse. The good news is, as daunting as this error may seem, it is resolvable. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through several proven solutions to get your Microsoft Store running again.

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

Understanding the 0x8D050003 error in Microsoft Store

The error code “0x8D050003” signifies a problem when accessing the Microsoft Store. While the underlying causes can be varied, the error typically relates to connectivity issues, app configuration, or system settings. Let’s break it down:

• Connectivity issues: The most common causes relate to the internet connection itself. Whether it’s a lack of connectivity, issues with certain networks, or interference from VPNs and proxies, the Microsoft Store is highly reliant on a stable internet connection to function properly. Hence, it’s essential to verify your internet connectivity and try different networks if needed.
• Store configuration and data: Sometimes, the Microsoft Store’s internal configurations or cached data might be corrupted. Resetting the store, resolving reset issues, re-registering the Microsoft Store, and clearing the store’s cache can be effective remedies for such situations.
• System settings and external interferences: The Microsoft Store can be sensitive to system settings like incorrect time & date configurations. Moreover, third-party interferences such as antivirus or firewall programs can impede the store’s functionality. Ensuring that all settings align correctly and using built-in troubleshooters can help pinpoint and resolve these issues.
• External factors: Sometimes, the issue might not be on the user’s end. Microsoft’s servers could be experiencing problems, or recent changes to the PC might be causing conflicts. Checking the Microsoft Server Status and considering a system restore can be beneficial in these instances.

How to fix the 0x8D050003 error code in Microsoft Store

Below are several methods to help you troubleshoot and resolve the 0x8D050003 error code in the Microsoft Store.

1. Verify internet connectivity

One of the most common culprits behind this error is an unstable or disconnected internet connection.

• Ensure your device is connected to the internet. Try accessing websites through a browser to confirm.
• If you’re on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or try reconnecting to the network by clicking on the network icon in the system tray and selecting your network.
• To further gauge the quality of your connection, run a speed test using popular platforms like “speedtest.net” or “speed.cloudflare.com“. An unusually slow speed or high packet loss might indicate issues with your ISP or the local network.

2. Try a different network

Network restrictions or ISP issues can sometimes block access to the Microsoft Store.

• If possible, connect your device to a different network. For instance, if you’re on Wi-Fi, consider switching to a mobile hotspot or a different Wi-Fi network temporarily.
• If the error doesn’t occur on a different network, the problem might be with your primary ISP or network settings.

3. Disable VPN and Proxy

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxies can often interfere with the Microsoft Store due to the altered or obfuscated IP addresses and routes they use. The Microsoft Store might either see the connection as insecure or not be able to connect at all.

• For VPN:
  • If you’re using a VPN application, open it and choose to “Disconnect” or “Turn Off“.
  • If you’re uncertain whether a VPN is running, check your system tray (the small icons near your clock) for any VPN software icon. Hover over or right-click on the icon to access the disconnect option.
  • Learn more: How to Disable VPN in Windows 11

  

• For Proxy:
  1. Click on the Start button and select “Settings“.
  2. Navigate to “Network & Internet” > “Proxy“.
  3. Under the “Manual proxy setup“, turn off the option that says “Use a proxy server“. If it’s already off, then you weren’t using a proxy.
  4. Learn more: How to Disable Proxy Settings in Windows 11/10 Permanently

  

After disabling your VPN or proxy, restart your computer and then try accessing the Microsoft Store again. If it works without issue, you’ve identified the problem. If you rely on a VPN or proxy for other tasks, consider re-enabling it afterward and looking into configurations or alternative services that don’t interfere with the Microsoft Store.

4. Reset the Microsoft Store

Resetting the Microsoft Store to its default state can resolve many underlying issues.

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

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

Sometimes, when attempting to reset the Microsoft Store app through the “Apps and features” setting, users might encounter an error message stating: “We couldn’t reset this app. Try again in a bit.” Here’s what you can do.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services application where various system services are managed.
3. Scroll down the list and find the “Capability Access Manager Service“.
4. Right-click on it and choose “Properties“.
5. In the “Startup type” dropdown menu, select “Manual“.
6. Click “OK” to apply the changes.
7. Go back to the “Apps and features” setting and attempt to reset the Microsoft Store app once more.

By adjusting the service to manual, you’re allowing the system to start it when required, potentially circumventing the error preventing the app reset.

5. Re-register Microsoft Store using PowerShell

If the Store’s data or configurations have gone awry, re-registering it can bring it back to its optimal state.

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
2. Copy and paste the following command:

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

   

3. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. Once done, try accessing the Microsoft Store again.

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

6. Time & date settings

Incorrect system time and date can sometimes cause conflicts with the Microsoft Store, especially if they don’t align with server timestamps.

1. Open “Settings” > “Time & Language” > “Date & Time“.
2. Ensure the “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” options are turned on. If they are off, consider turning them on.
3. Verify that your system’s time, date, and time zone match your current location.

7. Check Microsoft server status

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end. Microsoft might be experiencing issues.

• Visit the Microsoft Service Health website to see if there are any known outages or issues.
• If there’s an ongoing problem, you might have to wait until Microsoft resolves it.

8. Consider a system restore

If none of the previous solutions work and the error persists, reverting your system to a previous state using System Restore might be a viable option. System Restore can be especially helpful if the Microsoft Store error began appearing after recent changes to your PC or after installing new software.

Do remember that System Restore doesn’t affect personal files, but it will remove applications and drivers installed after the restore point was created. Always ensure you back up crucial data before proceeding.

Conclusion

If none of the solutions work to resolve the 0x8D050003 Microsoft Store error for you, consider posting your issue on online forums or communities, such as Reddit or Microsoft’s own forums, to see if anyone can assist with your unique situation. While the Microsoft Store is an essential component, if it’s absolutely critical for you and nothing else works, resetting or reinstalling Windows might be the last resort. However, approach this final step with caution, ensuring you back up all important data beforehand.