Fix Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80073CFD in Windows 11 or 10

0x80073CFD is basically a message that signifies a problem with the Windows Store or the installation of software and apps on Windows 11 and Windows 10.  Of course, this pesky error comes with various implications for the functioning of your system. These could be failed installations, app crashes, or the inability to update existing apps. When the problem is likely to appear you may come across the message – “Error 0x80073CFD: A problem occurred while deleting the app,” or “This app was unable to install. Error code 0x80073CFD.”

Error code 0x80073CFD might occur due to Corrupted system files, Outdated Windows updates, Security software conflicts, and unauthorized access prevention mechanisms. Now, let’s talk about some easy-peasy built-in tools: SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans. These tools can be a lifesaver! They’ll scan your system for any corrupted files and work their magic to automatically fix them. Moreover, Windows already provides logging and event viewer tools that can help you with analyzing errors and identifying the root cause of issues. You will need to put in some time and energy and review these logs and event viewer records to gather valuable information about the occurrences related to Error Code 0x80073CFD. See: Fix Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80d02017 in Windows.

Error Code 0x80073CFD in Windows 11 or 10

Here is how to fix Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80073CFD in Windows 11 or 10 –

Restart the computer

This is the traditional way out but guess what? It works a lot of times. Restarting your system is always a good initial troubleshooting step for various issues, including Code 0x80073CFD. This will help you clear temporary glitches that might be causing the issue.

After restarting, you can simply attempt to install or use the affected software or app and check if the error still remains.

Run SFC and DISM scans

Okay, we get it. Restarting the system is too old to be a fix anymore. So, as we already mentioned in the beginning when encountering Error Code 0x80073CFD, it is very important that you make sure your system files are in a healthy state.

Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans can help identify and fix any corrupted or missing files. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R and type cmd.exe.
2. Then press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
3. In the elevated command prompt, type SFC /SCANNOW and hit “Enter”.
4. This will initiate the SFC scan, which will verify system files for any integrity violations.
5. Once the process is complete, reboot the system.
6. Check if the error is resolved.
7. In case, the issue still persists, launch the Administrator: Command Prompt again.
8. Type the following lines one at a time and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

9. These commands will initiate the DISM scan, which will repair the system image if any issues are detected.
10. Restart the system and go to Settings > Windows Update and click on Check for updates.

Reset Windows update components

Sometimes, issues with Windows update components can lead to the Error Code 0x80073CFD.

1. Launch Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. After stopping the services, type the following commands to rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Finally, restart the services by typing the following commands:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

How to Reset Windows Update to Default in Windows 10

Use the Wsreset command to reset Store cache files

We all know that the Windows Store cache files work for better performance and improved app launching speed. But if these cache files become corrupted, there is a chance you may face the 0x80073CFD error.

In that case, you should be thankful that Windows also provides a built-in command called Wsreset that can help reset the Store cache files. Now, this is how you can go through the whole process:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

3. A Command Prompt window will open briefly and automatically close. After the process completes, the Store cache files will be reset.

Install pending Windows update

You don’t need to worry, with problems come solutions to tackle this annoyance, depending on what’s causing the error. From simple system updates to more involved methods like repairing or reinstalling the Microsoft Store, we’ve got your back!

This is pretty obvious, keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for its smooth functioning. You can simply follow these steps to update Windows:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Choose Windows Update from the left sidebar.
3. Click on the Check for updates button and let Windows download and install any available updates.

4. After the update installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Repair or reset Microsoft Store/Xbox App

Yes, it’s true that sometimes, the Error Code 0x80073CFD can be specific to the Microsoft Store or Xbox App. Repairing or resetting these applications can easily resolve the error. Just Follow these steps:

For Microsoft Store

1. Press Winkey + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Select Installed apps.
4. Scroll down and find Microsoft Store.
5. Click on the 3 dots icon (ellipsis) and select – Advanced options.
6. On the next page, click on Repair.
7. If the issue continues click on Reset and confirm the prompt.

For Xbox App

1. Click on Start and select Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Choose “Installed apps”.
4. Go down and find Xbox.
5. Click on the ellipsis and choose the “Advanced Options” link.
6. On the new page, click on Repair.
7. If necessary click on Reset and follow any instructions if prompted.

5 Ways to Reset Microsoft Store in Windows 10

Reinstall Microsoft Store

Let’s say, you’re experiencing troubleshooting with Game Pass, don’t let it get on your nerves. Try checking the app compatibility or giving the game a fresh start by reinstalling it. Sometimes, that’s literally just all that it takes to get things running smoothly again.

Well, if it is taking forever and nothing above works. Please don’t worry. You might need to reinstall the Microsoft Store. Yes, we know, what a task! Just follow these steps to reinstall the Microsoft Store:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Next, run the below command in the same way:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

4. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your computer.

How to Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Store in Windows 10

Wrapping Up with Key Takeaways

0x80073CFD is certainly a common code that we get to face a lot. Understanding the causes and implications of this error is crucial to effectively troubleshoot and resolve it.

By following the troubleshooting techniques outlined in this blog we hope you can now address issues related to corrupted system files, outdated Windows updates, security software conflicts, and more.

Regular system maintenance, including updating drivers, installing Windows updates, and performing disk and file system checks, is also important to prevent errors like 0x80073CFD from occurring.

We hope you have a safe and happy computing experience!

Methods:
Restart the computer
Run SFC and DISM scans
Reset Windows update components
Use the Wsreset command to reset Store cache files
Install pending Windows update
Repair or reset Microsoft Store/Xbox App
Reinstall Microsoft Store

That’s all!!