Apps won't connect to internet but desktop will

On my windows 8 laptop I haven't had any problems for months but now my apps on the start screen won't connect to the internet, but I can still connect to the internet when I'm in desktop. I have scoured the internet but I can't find a solution, please help!

NorgamonWoW said:

On my windows 8 laptop I haven't had any problems for months but now my apps on the start screen won't connect to the internet, but I can still connect to the internet when I'm in desktop. I have scoured the internet but I can't find a solution, please help!

Click to expand...

Common problem but with many possible solutions. Go through the list of fixes in the link below, let me know if one of them works or if you are still having this problem which sometimes requires a reset to fix.

Windows 8 Pro x64 Apps won't connect to internet ? - Microsoft Community

I tries the solutions suggested but didn't get any results.
However, Store actually loaded when I clicked on it and it says

Also when I tried the trouble shooter it came up with these results:


I also thought of another possible cause, my Norton internet security recently expired but I don't know if that could cause the problem.

First try resetting the windows store
1)go search on the right hand side of the window and there you type "run" and search it
2)now type "wsreset.exe" in the run command and then click OK
3)reboot your machine!!!!

now try to connect the internet through the store

as i can see that your system have some issues with the display adapters!!! and also corrupted i would highly recommended you to download latest drivers from the manufacturers website for your specific computer!!!

if you have any missing or corrupted files try using glary utilities it is an excellent free software download it from here Glary Utilities - Free System Utilities to Clean Registry, Fix PC Errors, Protect Privacy | Glarysoft

NorgamonWoW said:

I tries the solutions suggested but didn't get any results.
However, Store actually loaded when I clicked on it and it says View attachment 33676

Also when I tried the trouble shooter it came up with these results:
View attachment 33677

I also thought of another possible cause, my Norton internet security recently expired but I don't know if that could cause the problem.

Click to expand...

Yes I'm sure you read the part in the link where anti virus software's are famous for causing this problem.

You will want to uninstall Norton using the special tool or else it won't really be gone.

https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us

You are also showing that you require updated drivers and the wireless connection with only 2 bars will be a marginal connection at best. You really should go to the Windows Update center using a wired connection so as to obtain all the latest drivers.

You are also showing there are some system files that require repairing. Follow the next link to repair system files.
http://www.eightforums.com/network-sharing/32278-accessing-internet.html#post284945

I had this happen to me after months of using the computer. Here's what worked for me:

Hit the windows key + R to bring up the command prompt. Then type "msconfig"

Select the 'Services' tab.

Then, uncheck the 'Windows Firewall' box. Hit 'Apply' then 'ok' and restart

I have McAfee installed so I already have a firewall. Worked for me.

Thanks to joepone; we we're completely unable to update one of our laptops from Windows 8 to 8.1 and the ONLY way to install the upgrade is through the Windows Store! Same Store error as NorgamonWoW and no apps would connect even though they appeared to start. Tried WSreset, Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, Signed into MS account, register AppxManifest.xml via PowerShell, DISM /Online /Cleanup-image / Restorehealth, SFC /scannow, PowerShell Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth, & numerous reboots - same result.

We have Norton 360 (includes Norton Smart Firewall which behaves just fine with all apps and connections) but the Windows firewall service was also running. I could only turn off Windows Firewall via services.msc since the Control Panel -> Windows Firewall states "These settings are being managed by vendor application Norton 360" and you cannot activate / deactivate or modify the Windows firewall settings at all from there.

Turned off the Windows Firewall service and Bam! Everything now connects. Upgrading to Windows 8.1 now.

The advice from article "Apps and Tiles Not Working or Responding: Fix in Windows 8" article (#12 where it states Even if you have a 3rd party firewall program installed, the Windows Firewall service must always be set to "Automatic" and running (start), or it will prevent you from installing and using any Store apps.") appears to be incorrect - at least in some cases.

Update - After continued struggles staying connected to the Windows Store & even Internet Explorer; found that the root cause was several malware programs including a scumware (hijacker) called "Opendownloadmanager". It had setup an internal proxy to 127.0.0.1:[port] and was redirecting traffic to various adware / popups. Attempting to reset the Network Proxy settings ("Change PC settings") would not work with this malware running. Cleaned with MalwareBytes but also had to reset IE LAN / Proxy settings. Be sure to scan with your antivirus and Malwarebytes for these nefarious products.

Windows Store Apps Wont Connect to internet

I would Like to start off by saying, Thank you everyone for your help. It was your knowledge that allowed me to troubleshooting this and find the solution.

Next, Sorry about the long post. I like to cover all basis and provide relevant information.

To let everyone know that in my environment I have an enterprise size Sonicwall firewall. I have tested this on 2 home customers of mine as well who recently had this issue. One had a Netgear wireless router and the other had a Belkin wireless router. The Netgear was working until the customer did a firmware update and then updated their Windows 8.1 to 10. Naturally he thought this was a windows 10 issue. The Belkin purchased their router and PC new from Bust Buy for their daughter.

Lets start with the Sonicwall. First add a service object group ("Win App - Ports"), then add the service object using the port range below. ("Win App - TCP Ports"). Link your object to the group. Next enable your firewall rule to allow outbound traffic from the desired subnet o your WAN port. (I used "WLAN to WAN"). SonicWall firewalls will automatically make a temp return path for the rule when in use so no reflective rule is needed.

For Home use just forward the ports to your desired PC. (If you need help please let me know, include the model number and manufacture name of your router).

It took a lot of packet sniffing and Port number gathering, but the port range you will need to open are TCP 8000 - 33023

No UDP ports are needed from what I'm seeing. I've tested the forwarded ports with 5 applications including Modern Combat 5, Call of Duty Hero's and Hero's of Order and Chaos. Let me know if you find one that doesn't work so I can test and find the ports for the application using a tool I built up

If your store app is not opening or other apps that you have downloaded are not working then per this thread (thanks again everyone), run the WSReset.exe from an elevated CMD as suggested above.

Once done, and the PC has restarted (if not then restart), open the Microsoft Store app, sign in then close it right away. Don't let anything auto install or download and don't do any updates to the store yet. We want to re-connect your apps.

Next open PowerShell (run as administrator or it will fail).

Now run the following command:


Please note this command will install all windows apps and user downloaded apps (from the store). If you see red, then you will want to make sure that the error / message contains "Newer Package Found", if not, make note of the application, then re-install via the store app later . I had one app I needed to do this with.

Extra Side Notes
Microsoft was a complete waist of time and did not help at all.. In fact they messed up my installation of Windows and all my Visual Studio App packages. I spent 16 hours reloading my system and getting almost everything back in order. So I would recommend not doing a system reset unless absolutely necessary.

I have been successful with these steps on 15+ computers. Ranging from Windows 8.1 through Windows 10 pro (with and without the latest updates).

Finally Let me know if you find an app that is not working and I will use my tool to get the port numbers for the app and post them (after testing for you). I'm not totally convinced I've found all the ports.