How to fix
Xbox app error 0x80073cf9
on Windows

Whenever I attempt to install Forza Horizon 5 (but this one alone, the rest install fine), I receive error code 0x80073cf9 while the download does not move from 0%. I had previously installed it but had uninstalled it to free some space on my PC. Now, I want to reinstall it but fails me every time. I prefer having it on my external SSD, but that issue too lies on my internal drive

The Windows Xbox app lets you manage your Game Pass library, view friends, and launch PC games from one place. It's a hub of Microsoft's gaming experience, especially if you have Game Pass. But like with many apps that are part of the Microsoft Store, it will occasionally get hung up, one of the more frustrating being error code 0x80073cf9.

This error often appears when you're trying to install or update a game through the Xbox app. Instead of completing the process, the app fails and throws the 0x80073cf9 message, leaving you stuck with no progress bar and no working download. Some users encounter it while installing larger Game Pass titles, while others report it happening even with small updates.

Why does Xbox app error 0x80073cf9 happen?

Error 0x80073cf9 generally points to a problem with the Microsoft Store or Windows Update components. Since the Xbox app depends on both to manage and install content, even a minor issue in the system can trigger this error.

In some cases, the error is caused by a corrupted Windows Store cache or broken game installation data. Other times, it's due to missing permissions or system folders like AUInstallAgent being deleted or modified. This folder is necessary for Windows Store and Xbox app downloads to complete correctly.

Conflicts with antivirus software, corrupted user profiles, or incomplete system updates may also contribute to the issue. In certain situations, the Xbox app itself may be outdated or misconfigured after a recent update or Windows upgrade.

How to fix Xbox app error 0x80073cf9

There are several methods to fix the 0x80073cf9 error, ranging from resetting the Microsoft Store to recreating missing system folders. You’ll find all the detailed steps in the section below.

If you’d rather let a tool handle it, the [d1] PC repair tool can automatically scan for and fix the underlying issues that cause error 0x80073cf9 in Windows.

Fix 1. Repair or reset the Xbox app

Corrupt app data can also lead to the 0x80073cf9 error. Repairing or resetting the Xbox app may help.

• Right-click on Start and select Apps & Features/Installed apps.
• Scroll down to find Xbox app and click Advanced options.
• Scroll down again and click Terminate and Repair.
• If the issue continues, click Reset to reinstall the app data.
• Repeat this process with Microsoft Store and Gaming Services.

Fix 2. Recreate the AUInstallAgent folder

This system folder is essential for handling app installations and updates. If it's missing or broken, you may get error 0x80073cf9.

• Press Win + E to open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows.
• Look for a folder named AUInstallAgent.
• If it doesn’t exist, right-click and select New > Folder.
• Name the folder exactly: AUInstallAgent.
• Restart the Xbox app and try the installation again.

Fix 3. Clear the Microsoft Store cache

Corrupted cache files can prevent apps and games from downloading properly.

• Type wsreset.exe in the Windows search box and press Enter.
• Wait till a black window shows up – do not close it.
• Once it's gone, Microsoft Store should restart.
• Once closed, the Microsoft Store will open automatically, indicating the cache has been reset.

Fix 4. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

This built-in tool detects and fixes common problems with apps from the Microsoft Store, including Xbox.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list.
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Return to Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters, find Windows Store Apps, click it, and then select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Complete the troubleshooting process by following the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your computer.

Fix 5. Check for Windows Updates

Missing or pending Windows updates can break Microsoft Store functionality.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• When the new window opens, click Check for updates (or Install all if pending) and wait.
• If there are optional updates available, install them as well.
• Restart your PC if needed and try the Xbox app again.

Fix 6. Reregister Store apps

• Open PowerShell as administrator.
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
• Copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after each:
  Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
• Close down PowerShell and restart your computer.

Fix 7. Ensure Xbox services are running

Certain background services are required for the Xbox app to function correctly.

• Type Services in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Scroll down to find Gaming Services.
• Right-click on it and select Restart.
• If it is grayed out, double-click the service to open its Properties.
• Under Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process with the following services:
  Windows Update
  Microsoft Store Install Service
  Xbox Live Auth Manager
  Xbox Live Game Save
  Xbox Live Networking Service
  Gaming Services.