How to fix
Microsoft Store error 0x80073CF8
on Windows

I can't download or update apps on Microsoft Store, and there is no error code - the loading icon just keeps spinning and nothing happens until I give up and shut the app down. I started digging in logs and seems like all of the failures to update or download apps are represented by the 0x80073CF8 error.

Error 0x80073CF8 is a type of Microsoft Store error that occurs when users try to download or update any applications through the store. This usually entails the failure of an app package download, which makes the process complete unsuccessfully. It usually occurs when there is an issue with the system's configuration or interruption in the normal manner Microsoft Store interacts with system files or the internet connection.

Users face this error while performing routine updates or installing apps, and that is quite frustrating; thus, it immediately stops the download process of updates without previous explanations. That is frustrating for some users because it may well up an error message saying, "Something unexpected happened," and leave them at a dead end.

The various causes of error code 0x80073CF8 are quite a few. They include corruption in system files or app packages that forbids the store to process downloads, an unstable internet connection breaking communication between the device and Microsoft's servers, issues with the Microsoft Store cache, operating system running an outdated version of Windows, or system-level conflicts like corrupted registries or misconfigured system settings.

Other resolutions to the 0x80073CF8 error include clearing the Microsoft Store cache, resetting or reinstalling the Microsoft Store application, and making sure Windows is updated. You can also run some basic Windows troubleshooters for the Microsoft Store or for network connectivity problems that might find and fix problems for you. In more complex cases, you'll be able to repair corrupted system files with the System File Checker or the Deployment Image Servicing and Management utility for your system's stability and functionality.

For users whose problem involves registry or system file corruption, the real value of [d1] lies in the Maintenance and Repair utility, which can fix a wide range of system-level problems involving broken registries, DLL errors, corrupted system files, and even BSODs to diagnose and fix the underlying problem more easily.

Fix 1. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

With time, the cache of the Microsoft Store gets corrupted or outdated and results in errors like 0x80073CF8. Once you clear the cache, the Store is forced to rebuild a fresh cache. Hence, it often resolves download and update issues.

• Type wsreset.exe in Windows search and press Enter.
• Wait till a black window shows up – do not close it.
• Once it's gone, Microsoft Store should restart
• Try using the Store again.

Fix 2. Check for Windows updates

It is probably because of some kind of incompatibility caused by an older system file or a conflict with some software. If you keep your Windows OS upgraded, you will have the latest fixes including the ones for the Store.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Install updates or Check for updates.
• Wait till Windows downloads and installs all the files.
• If optional updates are available, install them as well.
• Reboot your system.

Fix 3. Run the Windows Store apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters for common system problems. The Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix issues causing Store errors.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Click Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to find Windows store apps and select it.
• Click Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the process is finished and apply the fixes, then try updating again.

Fix 4. Repair or reset Microsoft Store

Resetting the Microsoft Store restores the app to its default state. This can remove any corrupted data or misconfigurations without deleting your installed apps.

• Right-click on Start and select Apps & Features/Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find Microsoft Store and click Advanced options or go to Settings > System > System Components > Advanced options.
• Scroll down again and click Terminate and Repair.
• If that does not work, try using Reset.

Fix 5. Check internet connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can cause problems when downloading or updating apps from the Microsoft Store. Ensuring a stable connection may resolve the error.

Windows 11

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Find Network & Internet from the list and select Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished and apply the recommended solutions.

Windows 10

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter and wait.
• The fixes will be automatically applied.

Fix 6. Repair corrupted files

Corrupted system files can cause issues with app installations and updates. Running the System File Checker scans for and repairs any damaged or missing system files.

• Type cmd in Windows search box.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control window will ask whether you allow changes - click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait till the scan is finished. If Windows finds system file integrity violations, it will attempt to fix them. After this, use the set of the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  
• (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart your system.

Fix 7. Re-register Microsoft Store

If the Microsoft Store’s registration has become invalid, re-registering the app can resolve issues. This process forces Windows to reset the app's registration details.

• Type PowerShell in Windows search.
• Right-click on PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Type in the following and press Enter:
  ren %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState cache.old
• Then type the following and press Enter:
  powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
  Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Restart your device.

Fix 8. Reinstall Microsoft Store

In some cases, reinstalling the Microsoft Store app can fix deeper issues related to corruption in its installation files.

• Open PowerShell as administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter:
  Get-AppxPackage WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage
• Then use the following command to reinstall the Store:
  Get-AppxPackage -allusers WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Restart your system.