How to fix
Facebook Messenger always opening Microsoft Store
on Windows

I used Facebook Messenger for Windows from the Microsoft Store, but suddenly it stopped working. Now, opening the app just redirects me to its Microsoft Store page. It shows as installed, but clicking "Open" repeats the cycle. Strangely, this only happens with Facebook Messenger.

If you are experiencing problems with Facebook Messenger, where it always opens Microsoft Store instead, know that you are not alone. Many users have complained about the problem where clicking on the Messenger app takes them directly to the Microsoft Store rather than opening the app or the Messenger interface. The most inconvenient thing, especially for those whose communication depends on the app.

Causes

Messenger always opening up Microsoft Store issue can stem from several factors, including corrupted app files, outdated versions of the app or Windows, problems with Microsoft Store itself, or issues with app registration on Windows. These factors can prevent the Messenger app from launching properly, redirecting users to the Store instead.

Troubleshooting suggestions

• Clear store cache. Sometimes, Microsoft Store cache gets corrupted, preventing apps from working as expected. Clearing the cache can resolve this issue, allowing Messenger to open correctly.
• Install updates. Ensuring that both Windows and Messenger are up to date is crucial. Outdated versions can cause compatibility issues, leading to this behavior.
• Re-register apps. Re-registering all Windows apps can fix registration issues that might prevent Messenger from functioning. This involves reactivating all apps in Windows, including Messenger.
• Reinstall Microsoft Store and Messenger. If none of the above steps work, reinstalling both the Microsoft Store and Messenger app may be necessary. This helps ensure that the apps are correctly installed and not corrupted.

We will provide numerous solutions below, although it is also worth checking out a utility like [d1] repair, which can automatically fix underlying problems with Windows, potentially fixing Microsoft Store opening instead of Facebook Messenger.

Fix 1. Clear Microsoft Store cache

Bugs in Microsoft Store cache could make Windows and some third-party apps to misbehave.

• Type WSReset.exe in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
• Wait for a black pop-up window to show up – do not close it.
• After this window closes, the Windows Store will reopen.

Fix 2. Ensure Microsoft Edge is installed

Those who have previously uninstalled Microsoft Edge from their systems might face the issue. To resolve it, download and install the browser from the official Microsoft Store.

• Open a browser of your choice.
• Navigate to the official Microsoft site for Edge.
• Download and install Microsoft Edge for your platform.
• Once installed, restart your computer.

Fix 3. Install all Windows updates

Ensure that your system is fully updated, as this can iron out bugs that could affect third-party ads.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Check for updates or Install updates (if available).
• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the necessary files.
• If optional updates are available, install them as well.
• Reboot your system to implement the changes.

Fix 4. Re-register all Store apps

• Type PowerShell in Windows search.
• Right-click on PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Type in the following and press Enter:
  ren %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState cache.old
• Then type the following and press Enter:
  powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
  Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Restart your system.

Fix 5. Reset Facebook Messenger

Before reinstalling the app, try resetting it instead.

• Type Messenger in Windows search.
• Right-click on Facebook Messenger and select App settings.
• Scroll down and click Terminate.
• Finally, click Reset.
• Restart your computer and check if the app works fine again.

Fix 6. Reinstall Messenger

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features or Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find Facebook Messenger on the list.
• Select it or click three dots and click Uninstall.
• Confirm any prompts and finish the uninstallation process.
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
  C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Packages
• Find the following folder from the list:
  FACEBOOK.317180B0BB486_8xx8rvfyw5nnt
• Access it and delete all contents by pressing Ctrl + A and then Shift + Delete.
• Restart your system and reinstall Facebook Messenger app.

Fix 7. Reinstall Microsoft Store

Since you can't uninstall Microsoft Store just like any other app, you can do it through PowerShell commands instead.

• Open PowerShell as administrator (explained in Fix 3).
• Type the following command and press Enter:
  Get-AppxPackage WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage
• Then use the following command to reinstall the Store:
  Get-AppxPackage -allusers WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Restart your computer.