How to fix
0x80073cfa uninstall error
on Windows

Hello, I installed a game demo on my Windows 10 PC via the Store, but for some reason, I couldn't launch it. So I thought I simply reinstall it and try again, but instead, I for an error 0x80073cfa. Is there anything that could be done about this? Thanks in advance.

Windows Store is just one of many places where users can download new apps from. While initially this platform was designed for Microsoft-developed programs and their support, its functionality was quickly expanded, and users can now download full programs. It is extremely convenient, as people can gain access to the most prominent video games and view them via the Xbox app, which can be used similarly to Steam or any other gaming platform.

Unfortunately, just like with any other Windows components, not always everything goes well. 0x80073cfa is an error that users might sometimes face. Windows Store errors are extremely common, and while the root cause and the impact can vary, they all negatively impact the user experience. Some examples of such errors include:

• 0x80073D05
• 0x80072F30
• 0x80240437
• 0x00000194, etc.

However, error code 0x80073cfa is slightly different from the ones mentioned above - it is an uninstall error that prevents users from normally uninstalling apps. Without a doubt, that can create a real issue for users, as they are unable to operate the faulty application, neither can they uninstall it from their systems.

While technically, this issue can affect any number of apps of all types of origin, most users who experienced it said that they could not uninstall video games such as Forza Horizon or Microsoft Flight Simulator. The issue occurs when users try to uninstall the program either via the Windows Store or Windows settings. Some also said that they experience the error along with 0x80073cf9.[ref en-3] Here's what the message reads:

We couldn't uninstall Microsoft Flight Simulator

The operation did not complete successfully. Try again in a bit.
The error code is 0x80073cfa, in case you need it

Indeed, having an error code is one of the first steps when trying to troubleshoot and fix 0x80073cfa on Windows 10. Unfortunately, the error message does not provide any other information, such as why the error occurred or which location it is related to.

Just as with other Windows errors, there is no singular solution that would work for everyone. That being said, the most likely cause for the error are some corrupted download files that were not executed correctly, hence uninstallation in a normal way becomes impossible. That in itself could have been caused by multiple factors - from unstable internet connection or malware infection.

For this reason, below, we provide several methods of error code 0x80073cfa fix. If you are a less experienced computer users, the instructions might seem a bit overwhelming, but as long as you follow through, it should be manageable.

If you still don't want to dig through various files and settings, we recommend you try using [d1] instead; it could help you find solutions for many Windows problems, such as crashes, BSODs,[ref en-1] registry[ref en-2] errors, and much more, automatically. In this case, since the error might be caused by corrupted system files, the app would be able to repair your Windows machine, allowing you to uninstall the app easily.

Important! Method one below will help you to uninstall the program that is causing the error code 0x80073cfa, so it is mandatory. However, if this does not work for some reason (you might see an error within the PowerShell), you need to perform other steps in order to fix underlying Windows issues or rely on the software to do that for you

Method 1. Uninstall the app in question via PowerShell

First of all, if you are unable to uninstall Forza Horizon 4 or another game in a regular way, you will have to use the help of PowerShell.

• Right-click on Start button and pick PowerShell (Admin). If you can't see such an option, type in PowerShell in Windows search, right-click on the result, and pick Run as administrator
• Once the new window opens, type in the following and press Enter:

  Get-Appxpackage -Allusers

  

• You will see a large list of apps that are installed on your PC. Scroll through until you find the one that you have trouble with uninstalling
• Once you've found it, copy what is listed under PackageFullName (you can press and hold your left mouse button to highlight the area you want to copy, and then press Ctrl + C)

  

• Now type in the following command, replacing PackageFullName with the name you copied:

  Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullName

• In our case, it is Microsoft.SeaofThieves_2.98.3841.2_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe, so we would type the following, pressing Enter after:

  Remove-AppxPackage -Package Microsoft.SeaofThieves_2.98.3841.2_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

  

This should uninstall the program in question. However, you might receive the write error. In such a case, you should fix the underlying problem within your PC.

Method 2. Run Windows Apps troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are great built-in tools that can help you with many computer problems. Since the error code is related to apps downloaded via the Store, you should try running Windows Store Apps troubleshooter:

• Right-click on Windows Start and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security

  

• Select Troubleshoot (on the left)
• If you can't see troubleshooters listed on the right side of the window, click Additional troubleshooters
• Locate Windows Store Apps and press Run the troubleshooter

  

• Wait till Windows finishes the scan and provides results.

Method 3. Reset Windows Store

• Press Win + R on your keyboard
• Type in WSReset.exe and press Enter
• A pop-up should show up for a brief period of time

  

• Once it disappears, the Windows Store will be reset.

Method 4. Check for system file corruption

Corrupted system files can cause all types of malfunctions, including the error code 0x80073cfa. In order to fix them, you can run SFC and DISM tools via administrative Command Prompt:

• Type in cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on the search result and pick Run as administrator
• In the new window, type in the following command and press Enter:

  sfc /scannow

• Now wait till Windows repairs the corrupted system files

  

• Close down Command Prompt and reboot your PC. Try uninstalling the app once again.

If the SFC scan did not find anything or was unable to fix corrupted system files, it might be possible to fix Windows image files with DISM scan. For that, open Command Prompt as admin once again, and type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth