Fixed: Windows Problem: How to fix “Search for app in the Store?” error on Windows?

When you try to install or update a software/an app in your windows PC, you may face this error,

Here are the five best fixes that worked for me:

Fix 1. Reinstall the related app

Users said that there are plenty of different apps that are related to this problem. This might be because the version of the app you have installed is not legitimate, or something else happened to it. In any case, try reinstalling the app in question and see if it solves your issue:

  • Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features
  • Scroll down to find the related app
  • Select Uninstall > Uninstall
  • Once done re-download the app and try to install it again.

Note: if you are dealing with Microsoft app, you won’t be able uninstall it in a regular way. Instead, you should reset it:

  • In Apps & Features section, select the app and click Advanced options
  • Click Terminate and then select Reset.

Fix 2. Disable “Check apps and files” in Windows security settings [workaround]

One of the main reasons why people get the “You need to install an app for this task” error is due to security reasons. If an unsigned app is trying to be launched, Windows will block it due to potential security risks. To bypass this, you should alter the settings in Microsoft Defender:

  • Type Windows Security in Windows search and press Enter
  • Go to App & browser control
  • Pick Reputation-based protection settings
  • Turn off the Check apps and files feature.Disable Check apps and Files
  • It may turn on later by its own. Otherwise, you may have to go back and turn it on once you fix your problem.

Fix 3. Run Windows Store trouble-shooter

Troubleshooter is a good way of identifying various problems on your PC.

  • Type in Troubleshoot in Windows search bad and press Enter
  • On the right side, select Additional troubleshooters
  • Find Windows Store Apps section, click it and select Run the troubleshooter
  • Wait till it completes the diagnostics process. This may take a bit of time, but you need to be patient.

Fix 4. Use System Restore

You can always resort to System restore and go back in time when the problem did not exist. Here’s how:

  • Type in Create a restore point in Windows search and hit Enter
  • Go to System Restore
  • If available, pick Choose a different restore point and go for Next
  • Select the Show more restore points option (if available)
  • Select and appropriate point and click Next.

Fix 5. Solution for “Search for app in the Store?” on Sign in on Windows

Those who receive this error on Windows Sign in can’t access the OS normally, which means that they can’t apply the fixes in a normal mode. If you can’t sign in due to this error, please follow these steps:

  • Restart your PC
  • When Windows starts booting (once you see dots spinning), press and hold Power button until your PC shuts down
  • Repeat this process two more times and you should enter the Windows Recovery Environment
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options. From here, you have a few
  • options availableChoose advanced options
  • We recommend starting from Startup Repair – choose this option and see if it helps you to log back in
  • If it did not work, pick the System Restore option and see if Windows allows you to proceed.System Restore + Startup Repair

Finally, if that does not help, you should select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC option (you will be given an option to keep your files).

I thank Gabriel E. Hall for her detailed analysis on this issue.

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