Windows 11 is currently facing a series of new challenges, with users reporting issues that have led to the crashing of various applications. This situation has been highlighted by Windows Central, which notes that the problems seem to stem from the Microsoft Store and its interaction with user accounts. Notably, applications such as MSI’s Armoury Crate and the Alienware Command Center have been affected, as shared by users on platforms like Reddit.
One of the primary culprits appears to be a licensing validation error associated with the Microsoft Store. According to independent advisor Harold Milan, this error, identified as 0x803f8001, typically arises when the Store struggles to validate app licenses. The causes can range from a corrupted Store cache to temporary sync issues with Microsoft accounts, rather than any loss of data.
In addition to these app crashes, another significant issue has emerged concerning cloud services. Following the January update, users have reported that applications, including Outlook, are freezing when attempting to save files to cloud storage solutions like OneDrive or Dropbox. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem, stating that certain configurations of Outlook may become unresponsive if PST files are stored on OneDrive, necessitating a termination of the process via Task Manager or a system restart.
This latest round of glitches adds to a growing list of issues that have plagued Windows 11 users since the start of the year. Previous concerns included problems with sleep mode and additional glitches within Outlook, which may be interconnected with the current cloud service issues. The persistence of these bugs is disheartening, especially after a tumultuous year for the operating system.
What can I do if I’m affected by these new bugs?
For those grappling with the cloud-related issues, particularly with Outlook, Microsoft suggests relocating PST files out of OneDrive as a potential fix. For other applications, reaching out to the respective developers for support may provide some relief, while waiting for Microsoft to release a patch is another option. The company has indicated that it is actively working on a resolution, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Another approach could involve uninstalling the January update, although this would mean sacrificing important security fixes. Users should weigh the risks of leaving their systems vulnerable against the immediate need for functionality. Interestingly, some users have found that reinstalling the January update has resolved their issues, although this solution is not universally effective.
To address the crashing applications linked to the Microsoft Store, resetting the Store cache may help rectify any underlying corruption. This straightforward process can often resolve various issues associated with the Store. Additionally, signing out and back into the Microsoft Store, or uninstalling and reinstalling the affected applications, are other strategies that some users have found beneficial.
Finally, patience may prove to be a virtue in this situation. Reports suggest that some users have experienced resolution of their issues after allowing time to pass, indicating that developers may be addressing the problems behind the scenes. For those yet to download the January update, it may be worth considering, but exploring the aforementioned remedies first could yield quicker results.
