Microsoft Store Error Code 0xC002001B [Fixed]

The Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B is encountered while installing or updating apps and is reported on all iterations of Windows. It may affect all apps or a few.

The error was more prominent on Windows 10, and upgrading to Windows 11 did the trick for many. But don’t do it just yet! There are other confirmed solutions available.

What causes the Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B?

The error code 0xC002001B highlights a corrupt Microsoft Store cache, issues with the system files, a bug in the installed version of the OS, or a problem with the current user profile.

How do I fix Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

• Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.
• Make sure you have set the correct date and time on the PC.
• If facing issues with Microsoft Intune (Company Portal), make sure your network is not blocking Microsoft Store’s access. Whitelisting MS Store in Zscaler did the trick for many.

1. Download the KB5015020 patch manually (Windows 10)

1. Go to Microsoft Update Catalog and click the Download link next to the KB5015020 version and architecture that matches the present installation.
2. Once done, double-click the downloaded MSU file.
3. Wait for the setup to load and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

The KB5015020 cumulative update for Windows 10, version 22H2, fixed the Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B for most. But remember, it doesn’t work on Windows 11.

2. Clear the cache and run the critical services

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type wsreset.exe in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Next, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, navigate the following path or paste it in the address bar, and hit Enter: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
3. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files and then hit Delete to clear them.
4. Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation prompt appears.
5. Now, press Windows + S to open Search, type Services in the search bar, and click the relevant search result.
6. Right-click on the Microsoft Store Install Service, and select Properties from the context menu.
7. Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu, and click the Start button to run the service.
8. Finally, click Apply and OK to save the changes.

3. Repair the corrupt system files

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Now, execute this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, restart the computer for the changes to apply.

When the corrupted system files are to blame for Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B, the DISM commands and SFC scan will repair/replace all these with their cached copy.

When handling system files it is always recommended to be careful and if possible use specialized software. These tools can automate the process and you don’t have to worry about doing anything wrong.

4. Re-register Microsoft Store

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type powershell, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. Click Yes in the prompt that appears.
3. Paste the following command and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
4. Once done, reboot the PC and check for improvements.

Re-registering Microsoft Store also helps with error code 0x80131500 in Windows 10.

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to Windows Update from the left pane, and click on Update history.
2. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Uninstall updates.
3. Click the Uninstall button next to the recently downloaded update.
4. Again, click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
5. Restart the computer adn check for improvements.
6. If the code: 0xC002001B in Windows 11 persists, uninstall a few more recent updates until the culprit is found.

Several users pointed out that installing KB5013942 triggered ClipSVC errors in the Event Viewer and led to Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B in Windows 10. And uninstalling the update worked!

6. Perform an in-place upgrade

1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, choose the product language and OS edition, and then download the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Double-click the ISO file, and click Open in the prompt.
3. Run the setup.exe file.
4. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
5. Click Next to proceed.
6. Read the license terms and click Accept.
7. Verify that the setup reads, Keep personal files and apps, and click on Install.

An in-place upgrade takes a few hours but is a viable alternative to reinstalling Windows 11 since you don’t lose the data and installed apps. Also, if you are running the previous iteration, it’s just as easy to perform a repair upgrade on Windows 10.

7. Create a new user account

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type netplwiz in the text field, and click OK.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Click on Sign in without a Microsoft account.
4. Now, click the Local account button.
5. Choose a username and password (optional), and complete the account creation.
6. Next, select the new account from the list, and click Properties.
7. Go to the Group Membership tab, select Administrator, and click OK to save the changes.
8. Finally, log in to the new user account, and the error shouldn’t appear anymore

If the previous solutions didn’t help fix Microsoft Store error code 0xC002001B, the last option is to create a new local user account. Also, it’s vital that you make the account an administrator for maximum privileges.

To move data between accounts, use an external USB storage device, while you can always access apps from the other account.

Tip

If you are on Windows 10 and the solutions listed here have not worked, it’s time to consider upgrading to Windows 11. This has helped 7 out of 10 users faced with the error.

Issues with the Microsoft Store usually arise due to buggy updates or slight misconfiguration at your end. And it’s easy to get things up and running! If you see any other errors, check our list of all Microsoft Store errors and their solutions.

And do not forget to discover some quick tips to speed up Microsoft Store downloads.

For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.