I keep getting error code 0x8004E103 every time I try to run or install any games / programs from the microsoft store...any solutions???

Question

Recently, I've run into an issue where features involving the Microsoft store do not function whatsoever. I cannot install any new programs / games OR run games previously installed through the Xbox app. I have tried so many fixes, including a repair install of Windows 11 and various PowerShell commands revolving around the Microsoft store.

The only solution I have yet to try is a full windows reset or fresh install, as I would like to avoid having to wipe all of my files.

I have also tried another Microsoft account, along with checking the health of my C drive.

Not sure if this related, but I've also started getting file system error -2147163901 or the apps just straight up don't open when I click on them. This ONLY occurs with Windows apps such as Notepad, Clock, Defender, Calendar, etc.

I think they may be related, but I'm not entirely sure.

Please help!!!!!

Answer 1

Hi, awesomedonut278

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand that you will encounter error code 0x8004E103 and file system error-2147163901 when running or installing games in Microsoft Store. These two errors indicate that your system components are damaged.  From your description, you have performed the repair installation of Windows, but you still can't solve the problem. How did you perform the repair installation?Generally speaking, this problem you encounter is related to the damage of system components, so you can fix this problem directly through repair installation or in-place upgrade, so I suggest you try to solve this problem through the in-place upgrade steps we provide:Visit the following site and click "Download Tool Now" (note that it is not "Update Now") to download Media Creation Tool.-Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com) to run MCT tool, create ISO image and run it.-When the ISO file is downloaded, double-click it to open it and run setup.exe.-Select "Not Now" on the "Get Updates, Drivers and Optional Features" page.-Next, confirm your files and applications. Settings are reserved. It will also show you the version of Windows it wants to install.If you need to enter the key, it means that the ISO you downloaded does not match your current system version.-On the Select Content to Keep page, select Keep Files and Applications.-Click Install to start nondestructive repair.Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides:How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft CommunityIn addition, you can also try to enter the WinRE repair system:-Start your PC as if Windows were trying to load (rotating point), and press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds to perform a hard shutdown.Do this twice.-On the third boot, Windows will boot into the recovery environment, from which you can access system repair, safe mode, command prompt, etc.-click "Advanced Options".-Go to Troubleshooting-Advanced Options-Start Repair-See if Windows startup can repair itself.If there is any progress, please continue to contact us.

Best Regards

Nicholas.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi, awesomedonut278

Thanks for your reply! I'm glad your problem was solved, which is definitely the best news!

If you encounter other problems in the future, you are welcome to visit the Microsoft Community again.

Have a nice day!

Best Regards

Nicholas.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Thanks for the reply!

I finally bit the bullet and did what you said by doing a fresh windows install by booting a new windows iso.

And I can safely say that it fixed my issue!! No more errors on download and all apps function properly again.

It even retained my windows activation status!

Thanks for the help :)