Software Center Missing: Enable it With These 3 Methods

Broken or missing system files are the main causes of this issue

by Ivan Jenic
Ivan Jenic
Ivan Jenic
Troubleshooting Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and... read more
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  • If the Software Center is missing on your PC, it might be due to faulty system files.
  • You can fix this issue by performing a full virus scan using Windows Defender or dedicated antivirus.
  • Another excellent solution is to repair and restore any corrupt system files.
software center missing

Software Center provides a centralized environment for IT administrators to deploy applications, upgrade apps, or change system policies remotely. Unfortunately, some users report missing the Software Center on their PC.

This takes away an essential remote feature. If you also face this issue, this guide will walk you through the steps to regain the tool.

Why is Software Center on Windows 10 missing?

Several factors can be responsible for the missing Software Center. Listed below are some of the prevalent causes:

  • Corrupt system files: One of the significant reasons the Software Center is not loading or is stuck at 44 percent might be because of faulty or missing system files. The solution to this is to repair these files.
  • Presence of malware: In some cases, this problem might be caused by the activities of viruses on your PC. You can fix this by performing a virus scan with Microsoft Defender or dedicated antivirus software.

What to do if Windows 10 Software Center is missing?

1. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin software center missing
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthdism restore
  3. Now, wait for the command to finish running.
  4. Next, type the command below and press Enter to run it: sfc /scannowsfc scan
  5. Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

If the Software Center is missing on your PC, it might be because of broken system files. You can fix it by running the DISM and SFC scans.

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You can also fix these files easily using a reliable tool like Fortect, eliminating the stress of having to run numerous scans and repair your system files in no time.

Get Fortect

2. Run Windows System Restore

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and click OK.
    rstrui software center missing
  2. Click the Next button in the window that pops up.
    next
  3. Now, choose a restore point and click Next.
    restore point
  4. Finally, click the Finish button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the action.
    finish software center missing

If the Software Center goes missing after installing an app or making changes to your PC, you need to perform a system restore. This will reverse the changes that might be causing the issue.

3. Scan for malware

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
    virus
  2. Select Scan options.
    scan option
  3. Now, choose the Full Scan option and click Scan now.
    scan  software center missingnow

This issue sometimes occurs if viruses are messing with your PC. You need to perform a deep virus scan to eliminate these viruses and restore normalcy on your PC.

Aside from using Windows Defender, you can also use top-notch antivirus software in ESET NOD32. This will scan all the files and apps on your PC, including the system files.

With this, it will remove the most hidden malware on your PC.

The steps mentioned above should be enough to deal with the Windows 10 Software Center missing issue. Let us know in the comments section if our solutions worked for you.

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