Fix Store Error 0x80073cf0: 7 Working Methods

Store error 0x80073cf0 happens when Windows can’t install or update an app from the Microsoft Store, usually due to corrupted cache, storage permission issues, or a stalled update service. You can fix it by clearing the Store cache, running the built-in troubleshooters, or resetting the Store app itself. Below are the steps that resolve this error in most cases, ordered from quickest to most thorough.

What Causes Error 0x80073cf0?

This error code appears during app installation, update, or download in the Microsoft Store. The most common triggers are:

• A corrupted Microsoft Store cache that blocks new downloads.
• The Windows Update service or Store service is stopped or misconfigured.
• Insufficient disk space or a storage location that Windows cannot write to.
• Outdated Windows or Store app versions with known bugs.
• Third-party antivirus or security software interfering with Store processes.

The error is not specific to one app—it can affect games, utilities, or any UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app. It is also more frequent after a major Windows update or when the system clock is incorrect, which breaks the certificate checks Store uses.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Do these first—they take less than a minute and fix a surprising number of cases:

1. Restart your PC. A pending update or a stuck process often clears itself.
2. Check that your date, time, and time zone are set to automatic (Settings > Time & Language > Date & time).
3. Make sure you have at least 5 GB of free space on the drive where Store apps install (usually C:).
4. Run Windows Update fully, then try the Store again.

If the error persists, move to the fixes below.

Fix 1: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store keeps a local cache of thumbnails, metadata, and download states. When that cache gets corrupted, downloads fail with 0x80073cf0.

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait until it finishes and the Store launches automatically.
3. Try your download again.

This does not delete your installed apps or your Microsoft account—it only clears temporary files. If the Store does not reopen, run wsreset.exe again from an elevated Command Prompt (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin)).

Fix 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter that detects and fixes common Store problems automatically.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the prompts. It may ask you to sign in or select the app that is failing.
4. Restart your PC and test the Store.

This tool checks for corrupted permissions, missing registry entries, and service misconfigurations. It does not remove any apps.

Fix 3: Reset the Microsoft Store App

If the cache clear didn’t work, reset the Store app itself. This is a deeper reset that re-registers the app with Windows.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
3. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm when prompted.
4. After it finishes, reopen the Store and sign in again if needed.

This clears all Store data, including your sign-in token and app permissions. You will need to sign in again, but your purchased apps remain tied to your account.

Fix 4: Re-register the Store with PowerShell

For persistent cases, re-registering the Store app with Windows PowerShell fixes broken package registrations.

1. Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:

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

3. Wait for the command to finish (it may take a minute).
4. Restart your PC and test.

This command does not affect other apps. If you see red error text, it usually means the Store package is already registered correctly—proceed to the next fix.

Fix 5: Check and Restart Windows Services

Store relies on several background services. If one is stopped, downloads fail.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find these services and set each to Automatic (double-click, set Startup type, click Start if not running):

• Windows Update (wuauserv)
• Microsoft Store Install Service (InstallService)
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Cryptographic Services (CryptSvc)

3. If any service fails to start, note the error and restart your PC, then try again.

Do not disable any of these services permanently—they are required for Windows updates and app installs.

Fix 6: Repair Windows Store with DISM and SFC

System file corruption can cause 0x80073cf0 even when the Store itself is fine. Run the built-in repair tools.

1. Open Terminal (Admin) as before.
2. Run this command to check for corruption in the Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for it to complete (10–20 minutes), then run:

sfc /scannow

4. Restart your PC after both finish.

DISM repairs the system image, and SFC fixes system files. If SFC finds issues it cannot fix, run DISM again and then SFC once more.

Fix 7: Create a New User Account

If nothing else works, the problem may be tied to your user profile. A corrupted profile can block Store operations.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add account and choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
3. Create a local account, sign out of your current account, and sign into the new one.
4. Test the Store there. If it works, you can migrate your files or continue using the new account.

This is a last resort because you will need to set up your apps and settings again, but it resolves profile-specific corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my apps?

No. Resetting the Store app only clears the Store’s own data—your installed apps, games, and their data remain untouched. You may need to sign in again to the Store, but your library is tied to your Microsoft account.

Why does 0x80073cf0 happen only for one app?

A single app failing usually points to a problem with that app’s license or its cached installation files. Try uninstalling the app completely (right-click > Uninstall), then reinstall it from the Store. If it still fails, the app itself may have a server-side issue—wait a day or two.

Does this error mean my Microsoft account is banned or locked?

No. 0x80073cf0 is a local installation error, not an account status error. If your account were blocked, you would see a different message about sign-in or licensing.

Can I fix this by reinstalling Windows?

Yes, a clean Windows install will eliminate the error, but it is overkill. Try the fixes in order first—most users resolve it with the cache clear or the troubleshooter. Reinstall Windows only if you have exhausted all other options and the error persists across multiple accounts.

Is there a way to download Store apps without the Store?

No safe method exists. Third-party tools that claim to download Store apps directly are not reliable and may install malware. Stick to the official Store or the fixes above.

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