Fix Apps Not Connecting To Internet – Windows 8 (8.1)

“Your PC isn’t connected to the Internet. To use the Store, connect to the internet and try again”.

We’ve all heard of network problems when launching the internet and cruising through various websites, but encountering the error using Metro Apps is something entirely new. Nonetheless, it needs to be fixed, and dealt with immediately. If you are among the victims of this acrimonious situation, follow the detailed methods described below and ensure you are not deprived of the fascinating Apps sitting in the Store.

Method 1: Use Microsoft’s Troubleshooter

To address this issue, Microsoft has come up with an instant troubleshooter that automatically detects problematic identities and fixes them on the spot. To download this tool, visit the address and follow the wizard accordingly:

If running the troubleshooter did not help your case, try working through the following solutions.

Method 2: Disable Proxy Connection

Proxy server acts as an intermediate between your system and the outside world. This can often mess up the internet routes and block certain accesses. To disable this setting, execute this procedure:

Open Internet Explorer
Click the gears icon displayed at the top right and choose Internet options
Navigate to Connections tab
Open LAN settings
Uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN

Try accessing the Store again and see if the issue is mended. If it did not, try other alternatives quoted below.

Method 3: Swap Accounts

It is sometimes observed that switching back and forth between Local and Microsoft Accounts refreshes any recent account changes and cures the illness. To do this, here are the steps:

Open Start Screen (Windows key)
Type Users and click the icon displayed in Settings
Click Switch to a local account
Repeat the process to switch back to Windows Live Account

If this doesn’t help, continue with the journey.

Method 4: Reset Store Cache

Imitating your web browser, Microsoft Windows Store stores cache locally on your computer to help the apps load faster. Sometimes, this accumulation becomes a problem resulting in efficiency drop-downs and installation failures. To clear this data, reset the cache through the following steps:

From your Start Screen, type wsreset
Hit Enter
Wait for the cache to clear
Ensure the message The cache for the Store was cleared. You can now Browse he Store or app

Enter your Store again and see if the problem is eliminated. If not, there is still much more you can try.

Method 5: Disable Firewall Settings

Firewall manages data exchanged between your PC and the network. It is a highly important security tool, but sometimes, it even blocks legal activities hindering your network tasks. Try disabling this program and see if the issue disappears:

Open Start Screen
Type Windows Firewall and click the icon located under Settings
Choose Turn Windows Firewall on or off from the left pane
Enable Turn off Windows Firewall under Private network settings
Click OK

If making this change did not satisfy your need, make sure to switch it back on by enabling Turn on Windows Firewall

Method 6: Repair System Files

Most PC issues are related to a damaged or missing system file crucial for its operations. To check whether this is the cause to your problem, run SFC scan from the Command menu and try entering the Store again:

Press Windows + X keys and choose Command Prompt (Admin)
Enter the command sfc /scannow and hit Enter
Wait for the system to check and repair file issues

Method 7: Set correct Date and Time

Running Metro Apps from an unsynchronized data and time settings is a common mistake leading to operation errors. Make sure you have set the correct values, and retry your login into the Store:

Press Windows + C keys to open Charms bar
Click Search
Type Date and Time
Click Set the time and date
Click Change date and time button
Ensure correct entries
Click OK

If none of the methods illustrated above fixed your cause, revert to a PC Refresh and start with a cleaner slate. This will most likely obliterate the error and grant you legal access into the Metro GUI. To perform a PC Refresh, here are the steps:

Open Charms bar (Windows + C keys) and click Settings
Click Change PC settings
Go to General
Locate Refresh Your PC without affecting your files
Click Get started under it

Once your system reboots to a refreshed state, enter Metro Screen again. If the error persists, perform a Windows 8 reinstall to guarantee a cure to this dilemma: