Windows 10 Store Error 0x80073cf6: Fixes That Work

Windows 10 Store error 0x80073cf6 usually appears when you try to install or update an app, and it means the download or installation process was interrupted or blocked. The fix is to clear the Store cache, reset the Store app, and check your system date and time settings. Below are the exact steps to resolve it, plus background on why this error occurs and how to prevent it.

What Causes Error 0x80073cf6?

This error is tied to the Microsoft Store’s ability to download and register apps. Common triggers include:

• A corrupted Store cache or temporary files
• System date, time, or time zone set incorrectly
• Windows Update or Store services not running
• Network or proxy settings interfering with downloads
• Insufficient disk space or file permission issues

It’s not a sign of a damaged app or a virus—it’s usually a hiccup in the Store’s own processes. The error code itself is generic, so the same fix often works for similar codes like 0x80073cf3 or 0x80073cf9.

First Steps: Clear the Store Cache

The simplest fix is to clear the Store’s cache. This does not delete your apps or account info—it only resets the temporary files the Store uses to load pages and manage downloads.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will open; wait for it to finish (it may take a minute).
4. The Store will open automatically once the cache is cleared.

If you see an error message during wsreset, try running it as administrator: right-click the Start button, select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”, then type wsreset.exe.

Reset the Microsoft Store App

If clearing the cache doesn’t work, reset the Store app itself through Windows Settings. This is more thorough and fixes corrupted app data.

1. Open Settings (Windows Key + I).
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Scroll to Microsoft Store and click on it.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Click Reset. Confirm if prompted.

Windows will re-register the Store app and clear all its local data. You’ll need to sign in again, but your installed apps remain untouched.

Check System Date, Time, and Region

An incorrect system clock is a surprisingly common cause of Store errors. The Store uses your system time to validate certificates and licenses. If your date, time, or time zone is off, downloads can fail with 0x80073cf6.

1. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. If they’re already on, turn them off and on again to force a refresh.
4. Click Sync now under “Additional settings”.

Also verify your region matches your actual location: go to Settings > Time & Language > Region and ensure the “Country or region” is correct.

Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix Store problems. It’s worth running before more advanced steps.

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The tool will scan for common issues like corrupted cache, missing permissions, or disabled services and attempt to fix them automatically.

Re-register the Store App with PowerShell

If the above steps fail, you can re-register the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell. This is a safe, built-in command that refreshes the app’s registration without deleting your data.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

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

Wait for the command to finish. It may take a minute. Once done, restart your PC and try the Store again.

Other Fixes to Try

If the error persists, try these additional steps:

• Run Windows Update – Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates”. Install any pending updates, then restart.
• Check disk space – Ensure you have at least 10 GB free on the drive where Windows is installed. The Store needs room for temporary files.
• Disable proxy/VPN – Temporarily turn off any VPN or proxy software. In Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, turn off “Use a proxy server”.
• Repair .NET Framework – Run the .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft’s website, as Store apps rely on it.
• Create a new user account – If the error only happens on your profile, a new local admin account can isolate the issue. Test the Store there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store only clears its own cache and settings. Your downloaded apps, games, and their data remain intact. You’ll just need to sign in again the next time you open the Store.

Why does the error happen only for certain apps?

Some apps require specific Windows versions or have regional restrictions. If the error is app-specific, check the app’s requirements and your system’s region. It could also be a corrupted download for that app—try uninstalling it and reinstalling.

Can I fix this by reinstalling Windows?

No, that’s an extreme step. The error is almost always fixable with the steps above. Reinstalling Windows would remove your apps and settings, and the problem could return if the root cause (like incorrect time) isn’t addressed.

Is this error related to a virus?

No. Error 0x80073cf6 is a standard Store error and does not indicate malware. However, if you suspect a virus, run a full Windows Defender scan to be safe.

How long does the wsreset command take?

Usually less than a minute, but it can take longer if your system is slow or the cache is large. If it hangs for more than 5 minutes, close the window and try the PowerShell re-registration method instead.

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