When Software Center isn't working properly, resetting its configuration can often resolve the issues. This comprehensive guide covers multiple reset methods from basic to advanced.
Before You Reset
• Backup your current Software Center settings and preferences
• Note any custom configurations you'll need to restore
• Ensure you have proper permissions or IT support access
• Try simple troubleshooting first (restart, clear cache)
• Contact IT if you're unsure about reset procedures
Step 1: Backup Current Configuration
Software Center Preferences
Save your current settings before reset
How to backup:
Take screenshots of current settings
Note custom categories and favorites
Record any special configuration options
Document installation preferences
Installed Applications List
Keep track of currently installed software
How to backup:
Export list of installed applications
Note software versions and licenses
Document custom installation paths
Save application-specific settings
System Configuration
Backup broader system settings
How to backup:
Create system restore point
Backup registry (if making registry changes)
Document network settings
Save certificates and authentication data
Step 2: Choose Your Reset Method
1
Basic Configuration Reset
Easy5-10 minutes
Reset Software Center settings to defaults without losing installed applications
When to use: When Software Center has minor issues or incorrect settings
Steps:
Close Software Center completely
Open Settings (Windows key + I)
Navigate to Apps > Apps & features
Find Software Center in the list
Click Advanced options (if available)
Click Reset to restore default settings
Warnings:
Will reset all Software Center preferences
May need to reconfigure custom settings
2
Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Easy3-5 minutes
Remove cached data that may be causing issues
When to use: When Software Center shows outdated information or loading issues
Steps:
Close Software Center
Open File Explorer
Navigate to %TEMP% folder
Delete Software Center related temporary files
Clear browser cache if using web-based version
Restart Software Center
Warnings:
Backup important files before clearing cache
Some settings may need to be reconfigured
3
Service Reset and Restart
Medium10-15 minutes
Reset Software Center background services
When to use: When Software Center fails to connect or shows service errors
Steps:
Press Windows key + R, type 'services.msc'
Find 'SMS Agent Host' or 'ConfigMgr Client' service
Right-click and select 'Stop'
Wait 30 seconds
Right-click and select 'Start'
Restart Software Center
Warnings:
Requires administrative privileges
May temporarily interrupt software installations
Advanced Reset Options
These options should only be used when basic resets don't work and typically require IT assistance.
Complete Client Reset
Full reset of the Software Center client configuration
Requirements:
• Administrative access
• IT support assistance
• Network connectivity
Timeline:
30-60 minutes with IT support
Impact:
Complete reset - all settings and preferences lost
Process:
Contact IT department for assistance
Backup current system configuration
Uninstall Software Center client (if possible)
Clear all configuration registry entries
Reinstall Software Center client
Reconfigure connection settings
Registry Configuration Reset
Reset Software Center registry entries to defaults
Requirements:
• Registry editing knowledge
• Administrator privileges
• Registry backup
Timeline:
20-30 minutes
Impact:
Advanced reset - requires technical knowledge
Process:
Create full system restore point
Backup current registry
Navigate to Software Center registry keys
Delete corrupted configuration entries
Restart Software Center services
Allow configuration to rebuild
Network Configuration Reset
Reset network settings and server connections
Requirements:
• Network administrator access
• Server configuration details
Timeline:
15-30 minutes
Impact:
May affect other network-dependent applications
Process:
Reset network adapter configuration
Clear DNS cache
Reset proxy and firewall settings
Reconfigure server connection settings
Test connectivity to Software Center servers
Verify certificate and authentication settings
Step 3: After the Reset
1
Verify Basic Functionality
Ensure Software Center is working after reset
Open Software Center and check if it loads properly
Verify application catalog is visible
Test search functionality
Check installation status tab
Confirm network connectivity
2
Reconfigure Settings
Restore your preferred configuration
Set up custom categories (if supported)
Configure notification preferences
Set installation options
Restore any custom filters or views
Update user preferences
3
Test Core Functions
Verify all Software Center features work
Try installing a small application
Test uninstallation process
Check for software updates
Verify reporting functions
Test any custom features your organization uses
4
Monitor for Issues
Watch for recurring problems
Use Software Center normally for a few days
Note any returning issues
Check if reset resolved original problems
Report persistent issues to IT
Document any new problems that arise
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
Problem: Reset Option Not Available
Possible Causes:
Software Center managed by IT
Insufficient permissions
Different Software Center version
Solutions:
Contact IT department for assistance
Try alternative reset methods
Check if you have administrator privileges
Look for reset options in different menus
Request IT to perform reset remotely
Problem: Reset Doesn't Fix Issues
Possible Causes:
Hardware problems
Network connectivity issues
Server-side problems
Corrupted system files
Solutions:
Try more advanced reset options
Check network connectivity thoroughly
Contact IT about server issues
Run system file checker (sfc /scannow)
Consider complete client reinstallation
Problem: Lost Settings After Reset
Possible Causes:
Expected behavior
Incomplete backup
Custom configurations not preserved
Solutions:
Reconfigure settings manually
Contact IT about restoring organization defaults
Use documented preferences to restore settings
Ask colleagues about standard configurations
Request IT assistance for complex settings
Preventing Future Configuration Issues
Regular Maintenance
Prevent configuration corruption with routine care
Best practices:
Restart Software Center weekly
Clear cache monthly
Update client when patches are available
Report issues early before they worsen
Follow IT guidelines for software management
Proper Usage
Use Software Center correctly to avoid issues
Best practices:
Don't force-close Software Center during operations