Windows store error code 0x80240438 — Cannot install or update existing apps

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

We understand how you feel about the situation. We're sorry for the trouble.

The common two causes of this issue can be:

a. Microsoft Account has not been verified yet on your computer.

b. Date and time in your computer is set wrongly. 

I suggest you to follow the below methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: The store app uses https instead of http which is used by other apps, so in order for the SSL handshake to proceed, the clock on the client and server needs to be correct.

Follow the steps below to check if the date and time are set correctly.

1) In the Start screen type “Date and Time”, and click on date and time settings.

2) Check if the date and time is set correctly.

Method 2: Follow the steps below to finish 2 step verification process (Important

1) Open settings.

2) Click on Accounts, It will show your Microsoft account there. 

3) See if there is a “verify” link below your account.  If so, click on it and go through the 2 step verification process

4) Once done try starting the store and check if you are able to visit Windows Store. and then try to download the apps.

Method 3: Try To reset Windows store: 

Press windows Key + R and type Wsreset.exe.

Hope this helps. Please reply to us with the status of the issue.

Thanks.

I too have this exact problem, I have tried the 'fixes' above without success.

My Microsoft account does not have a 'verify' link, but I can automatically log in to Outlook.com and send and receive emails from there. The Store also logs me in automatically and knows I want the particular app, as it's always there in the 'pending' queue waiting to be downloaded whenever I check the store in case it's been fixed. I deduce from this my MS account is functioning correctly.

The time date and timezone are correct

wsreset.exe doesn't fix anything

Looking on the interwebs, this seems to be a fairly common problem and I don't believe (and I suspect you don't either) that all of us have developed the same fault on our PCs at the same time. The common factor is the Windows App Store.

Fix that.

a. Microsoft Account has not been verified yet on your computer.

It is verified.

b. Date and time in your computer is set wrongly.

Just checked and it is the correct date & time.

Method 3: Try To reset Windows store:  
Press windows Key + R and type Wsreset.exe.

I've tried that already, as mentioned in the original post.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I dread asking questions on this support forum because the answers I've seen these mods give out seem so robotic and often don't solve the problem that the user is having.

You would think that the company that develops this software would know exactly what the cause is since there is an error code that was programmed in. I would think points to something.

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

We understand how you feel about the situation. We're sorry for the trouble.

The common two causes of this issue can be:

a. Microsoft Account has not been verified yet on your computer.

b. Date and time in your computer is set wrongly. 

I suggest you to follow the below methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: The store app uses https instead of http which is used by other apps, so in order for the SSL handshake to proceed, the clock on the client and server needs to be correct.

Follow the steps below to check if the date and time are set correctly.

1) In the Start screen type “Date and Time”, and click on date and time settings.

2) Check if the date and time is set correctly.

Method 2: Follow the steps below to finish 2 step verification process (Important

1) Open settings.

2) Click on Accounts, It will show your Microsoft account there. 

3) See if there is a “verify” link below your account.  If so, click on it and go through the 2 step verification process

4) Once done try starting the store and check if you are able to visit Windows Store. and then try to download the apps.

Method 3: Try To reset Windows store: 

Press windows Key + R and type Wsreset.exe.

Hope this helps. Please reply to us with the status of the issue.

Thanks.

I got an email from Microsoft asking me if the problem was resolved. I'm just wondering if you have any other suggestions besides the ones that you've given me.

Hi,

Thank you for your response.

Apologize for delay in reply. 

By default, Windows Update service is set to start automatically. But if you have changed some settings, you could reset Windows Update setting back to its default via the Control Panel or carry out the following steps:  

1. Press Windows Key + R , type services.msc in the Run dialog box. Click OK. 

2. From the Services window, look for Windows Update service, since you’re facing the issue, it may have Disabledor Manual Startup type. 

Thanks.

Hi,

How is your computer connected to Network? Is it a Home Group or Work Group?

If it is Work Group change it to Home Group network and check if it fixes the issue.

Thanks.