One such issue is the error code 0xC002001B, which pops up when users try to install updates from the Microsoft Store. In this guide, we will take a look at the troubleshooting methods to fix this issue in detail.
1. Install the KB 5015020 Update
If the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC is showing the error code 0xC002001B, then the first thing that you should do is install the KB 5015020 update.
This update was launched by Microsoft to address two several relevant issues; one that prevents services from authenticating machine accounts and one that stops users from installing any apps from the Microsoft Store.
To install the update, follow these steps:
Press the Win + I keys together to open Windows Settings. Choose Windows Update from the left pane. Click on Check for updates button on the right-hand side and look for the KB 5015020 update. Once found, checkmark the box associated with it and click Download & install.
After the update is successfully installed, check if you can now download apps from the Microsoft Store. In case you cannot find the update in Windows Settings, you can manually install it using the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Follow these steps if you want to take that route:
Launch your browser and head over to the Microsoft Update Catalog. Type 5015020 in the search bar in the top-right corner and click the Search button. You should now see a list of available updates. Click on the one that suits your Windows version and follow the on-screen steps to install it.
You should be able to download applications from the Microsoft Store after the update is installed.
2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Microsoft Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for almost all the common issues that users are likely to run into while using the operating system. This includes a troubleshooter for Windows updates, hardware components like the keyboard and the mouse, as well as the Windows Store apps.
In this method, we will be using the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter to scan the system for corruption errors that might be resulting in the error at hand. If the troubleshooter manages to find a problem, it will suggest a fix which we will then apply to resolve the issue.
Follow these steps to use the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter:
Launch Windows Settings and head over to the System section. Click on Troubleshoot on the right side of the window. In the following window, click on Other troubleshooters. Now, look for the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and click on the Run button associated with it. This will start a system scan. After the troubleshooter completes the scan, it will display the issues found (if it finds any) and suggest fixes. Click on Apply this fix to proceed.
If however, the troubleshooter does not find any issues within the system that might be contributing to the error at hand, jump to the next method below.
3. Modify the Software Distribution Folder
In some cases, users also discovered that the issue lies with the Download sub-folder of the Software Distribution folder in the File Explorer. The Software Distribution folder contains information about the Windows Updates.
If any components of its Download folder get corrupt, you are likely to face issues while attempting to download anything from both Microsoft programs and third-party options.
However, since the files in these folders are not critical, you can delete them from the system to fix the issue.
Here is how you can do that:
First, we will stop the relevant Windows services. For this, open Run by pressing Win + R and type services. msc in Run. Hit Enter to launch Windows Services. In the following window, look for the Windows Update service and double-click on it. Click on the Stop button. Perform the same steps for Background Intelligent Transfer Service and stop its processes as well. Once done, launch File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ Look for the Download folder in this location and delete it. Restart your PC. Upon reboot, follow steps 1-3 again for both Windows Update Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service and this time, click on the Start button.
4. Check the Date and Time
Setting the right date and time on your system is important; for you and your system both. If any or both of these details are incorrect, programs like the Microsoft Store will fail to verify certain system certificates, resulting in issues like the one at hand.
If you have not done so already, we recommend adjusting the date and time of Windows.
5. Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store
You can also try to repair the Microsoft Store application using the built-in repair option. If repairing the app does not fix the issue, you can reset Microsoft Store to its default state.
Here is how you can do that:
Launch Windows Settings and navigate to Apps > Apps & features. In the following window, locate Microsoft Store and click on the three dots next to it. Choose Advanced options. Now, click on the Repair button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Check if that fixes the problem for you. If the error persists, perform steps 1-3 again and this time, click on the Reset button.
6. Reinstall Windows Store
Finally, if none of the methods above have fixed the issue for you, then there is a good chance the underlying issue is a severe one. If this scenario is applicable, then we suggest you go ahead and perform a complete reinstallation of the Microsoft Store.
Hopefully, reinstalling the Store will fix the issue for you once and for all.
Microsoft Store Error 0xC002001B
The methods above should help you resolve the problem and install Microsoft Store updates successfully. However, if you are still encountering the issue, then we recommend that you reach out to the official Microsoft support team and report the issue to them.
