Microsoft has taken a significant step in addressing the persistent “0x80131500” error that has been troubling users of its Store application. The tech giant has recently updated one of its support pages to provide a comprehensive guide on resolving this issue, which has been noted by Neowin during their exploration of the site.
While the release of this guide may seem timely, a brief search reveals that the “0x80131500” error has been a source of frustration for users since as far back as 2019, long before the introduction of Windows 11 in October 2021. This enduring problem has prompted Microsoft to offer solutions aimed at enhancing user experience.
Solutions to the 0x80131500 Error
In the newly published support article, Microsoft outlines four effective methods to tackle the error:
If you encounter a message stating, “Try that again” or “Error 0x80131500” while attempting to access the Microsoft Store on Windows, consider the following solutions:
- Reset the Microsoft Store app
- Check for updates
- Run the Store troubleshooter (Windows 10 only)
- Update your internet TLS settings
Among these solutions, adjusting the TLS (Transport Layer Security) settings is particularly noteworthy. Microsoft emphasizes the importance of ensuring that TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are enabled. Here’s a step-by-step guide to modify these settings:
- Select the Windows icon to open the Start menu, and search for Run.
- Enter inetcpl.cpl into the Run dialog box and press OK.
- Select the Advanced tab and scroll to the bottom.
- Inspect the Use TLS settings:
- Ensure that Use TLS 1.0 and Use TLS 1.1 are unchecked.
- Ensure that Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3 are checked.
Note: Your settings may indicate “Use TLS 1.3 (experimental)”. This is acceptable; just ensure it is checked.- Press OK to save your settings.
Interestingly, the “0x80131500” code has appeared previously, particularly in relation to the Windows 10 20H2 update error. For those seeking further details, the complete support article is available on Microsoft’s official website.
It is also worth noting that the deprecation of TLS 1.0 and 1.1 was announced in 2023, leading to their disablement in Microsoft 365 products, as well as in WinHTTP and WinINet API surfaces. This shift underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing security and performance across its platforms.
