Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80073cf6 (Step-by-Step)

Microsoft Store error 0x80073cf6 usually appears when you try to download or update an app, and it means the installation failed—often due to corrupted cache, a stuck Windows Update service, or a problem with the app’s license. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from clearing the Store cache to resetting the app, so you can get back to installing apps without losing your data.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to your Windows PC (you’ll need to confirm some steps).
A stable internet connection.
Your Microsoft account credentials (in case you need to re-sign in).

Step-by-Step

Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (or Update & Security > Troubleshoot on older Windows 10). Find Windows Store Apps, click Run, and follow the prompts. This automatically detects and fixes common issues like corrupted cache or misconfigured settings.
Clear the Microsoft Store cache. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank Command Prompt window will open—wait for it to finish and the Store to launch automatically. This clears temporary files that often cause error 0x80073cf6.
Check Windows Update. Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update (or Windows Update on Windows 11), and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates, then restart your PC. Outdated system components can interfere with Store downloads.
Reset the Microsoft Store app. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu (or the app name), select Advanced options, then click Reset. Confirm the prompt. This reinstalls the Store without deleting your apps or data.
Re-register the Microsoft Store app via PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin). Type the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Wait for it to complete, then restart your PC.
Check the date and time. Wrong system time can break SSL certificates and cause Store errors. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and ensure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are on.
Sign out and back into the Store. Open the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon at the top, select Sign out, then sign back in with your Microsoft account. This refreshes your license and can clear the error.
Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd”, right-click, “Run as administrator”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. After it finishes, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Restart your PC after both complete. This repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the error.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the troubleshooter. Many users jump straight to complex commands, but the built-in troubleshooter often resolves the issue instantly. Always try it first.
Not restarting after wsreset. The wsreset.exe command may not fully apply until you restart your PC. Always reboot after clearing the cache.
Using PowerShell incorrectly. If you don’t run PowerShell as administrator, the re-register command will fail with an access denied error. Make sure the window title says “Administrator”.
Ignoring Windows Update. A partially updated Windows can cause Store errors. Ensure you install all pending updates, including optional ones, before trying other fixes.

Tips

Keep your system up to date. Regularly check Windows Update to avoid compatibility issues with the Store.
Use a wired connection. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting via Ethernet to rule out network instability.
Disable VPN or proxy temporarily. VPNs and proxies can interfere with Store downloads. Turn them off and try again.
Create a new local admin account. If the error persists, a corrupted user profile might be the cause. Create a new admin account and see if the Store works there.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve tried all the steps and the error still appears, here’s what to do next:

Check for third-party antivirus interference. Temporarily disable your antivirus (not Windows Defender) and try the download again. If it works, add an exception for the Microsoft Store.
Perform a clean boot. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and go to the Services tab. Check “Hide all Microsoft services”, click “Disable all”, then go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager”. Disable all startup items, restart, and try the Store. If it works, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Use the Media Creation Tool to repair Windows. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website, run it, and choose “Upgrade this PC now”. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps. It’s a more thorough fix than SFC/DISM.
Check if the specific app is the problem. Try downloading a different free app from the Store. If that works, the issue is with the original app’s files or license. Uninstall the problematic app (if installed) and reinstall it.
Reset Windows Update components manually. If Windows Update itself is broken, you can stop the Windows Update service, delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, and restart the service. Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
Then restart your PC and try the Store again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store only clears its cache and settings. Your installed apps and their data remain untouched.

Why does error 0x80073cf6 happen specifically?

It’s a generic installation failure. Common causes include corrupted Store cache, outdated Windows, or a problem with the app’s license or package.

Can I fix this without admin rights?

Most fixes require admin access. If you’re on a work or school computer, contact your IT administrator.

Is there a way to avoid this error in the future?

Keep Windows and the Store updated, avoid using VPNs during downloads, and regularly run the Store troubleshooter as a precaution.

What if the error only occurs for one specific app?

Try uninstalling that app completely (if installed) and then reinstalling it. If it’s a system app like Xbox, you may need to re-register it via PowerShell.

Does this error affect Windows 11 as well?

Yes, error 0x80073cf6 can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps above apply to both versions, though some menu names may differ slightly.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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