PC APP STORE program

Hi,

Please follow QA Assist steps first:

• 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.

1. In Processes, look for entries named PC APP STORE or anything similar/unfamiliar that matches the window blocking the screen.
2. Select it and click End task. This should remove the blocking overlay so the desktop can be accessed.
3. Close the blocking window
   • Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
   • In Processes, look for entries named PC APP STORE or anything similar/unfamiliar that matches the window blocking the screen.
   • Select it and click End task. This should remove the blocking overlay so the desktop can be accessed.

Then run the Malwarebytes free scan and eliminate everything it finds:

https://malwarebytes.com

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

Use the following steps to remove the malicious “PC APP STORE” program and unlock the screen.

1. Close the blocking window

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
• In Processes, look for entries named PC APP STORE or anything similar/unfamiliar that matches the window blocking the screen.
• Select it and click End task. This should remove the blocking overlay so the desktop can be accessed.

2. Uninstall the unwanted program

• On Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Find PC APP STORE or any suspicious/unwanted software and select Uninstall, then follow the prompts.
• On older Windows versions, use Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select the suspicious program, and click Uninstall.

3. If it does not appear in Apps/Programs

• Open Start > Control Panel (or File Explorer if on Windows 11) and browse to:
  • C:\Program Files and (if present) C:\Program Files (x86)
• Look for a folder named PC APP STORE or similar.
• Open that folder and look for an uninstall file such as Uninst.exe, Uninstall, or Uninstall <Program_Name>.
• Run that uninstall file and follow the instructions.
• Do not delete the folder manually if there is no uninstall file, as this can cause system or program issues.

4. Use the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (if uninstall fails)

• Download and run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from Microsoft.
• Follow the on-screen steps to fix problems that block programs from being removed.
• If the program is not listed, the troubleshooter may ask for the product code from the MSI file (this step is typically for IT professionals).

5. Scan for deceptive or unwanted software

• Open Windows Security and make sure the latest security intelligence is installed.
• Run a Full scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
• If the unwanted software persists, submit the suspicious files to Microsoft using the submission portal.
• For a deeper check, run Microsoft Defender Offline to scan before Windows fully starts.

6. If the behavior continues

• Treat this as deceptive/unwanted software:
  • Re-check Apps & features / Programs and Features for any additional unknown entries and uninstall them.
  • Consider using reputable antivirus or anti-malware tools in addition to Microsoft Defender, following their guidance to remove deceptive software.

After removal and scans, restart the PC and verify that the “PC APP STORE” window no longer appears and that normal desktop access is restored.

References:

• Protect your PC from unwanted software
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed