How to fix Microsoft Store Error code: 0X80073CFE and 0X80073CFA

Question

I've been getting these error code when I try to install or uninstall any application on my computer. All it says is "Something Went Wrong" and prints that error code. I've uninstalled Microsoft Store (MS), reset the MS, and even did a repair install on my computer. I'm not sure what to do at this point, could I get some help?

I'm currently using an MSI modern 15 h b13m on Windows 11.

Answer 1

Hi Daniel,

The error 0x80073CFE means "The package repository is corrupted". Unfortunately, there is no way to repair the package repository. The only option is to reset the repository and do a repair installation of Windows 11.

To see if you can query the repository, please open PowerShell (admin) and run the following command:

get-appxpackage -allusers

Do you get any errors?

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order, testing Microsoft Store after each major step:

1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
   1. Press Windows key + R.
   2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   3. A blank Command Prompt opens, closes after ~10 seconds, and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
   4. Try installing/uninstalling an app again.
2. Check common Store visibility/availability causes If specific apps fail to install/uninstall, verify:
   • The app is available in the current country/region.
   • No Microsoft family settings are blocking the app category.
   • The app is still published and not removed from Store.
   • The app is compatible with the device (Store hides or blocks incompatible apps).
   • The PC has been restarted after recent Windows Updates.
   • The PC is signed in with a Microsoft account and added as a device if needed (see Add a device to your Microsoft account in the referenced article).
3. Apply general Microsoft Store app fixes for Windows 11
   1. Close and reopen the problematic app (if it partially installs and opens).
   2. Make sure Windows is up to date:
      • Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install anything offered.
   3. Confirm the app supports Windows 11 (see “Your app doesn't work with Windows” in the referenced article).
   4. Update Microsoft Store:
      • Open Microsoft Store.
      • Go to Library > Get updates and let Store update itself and other apps.
   5. If the failing app is a game, follow the dedicated guidance under “Troubleshoot game installations on Windows”.
   6. Repair or reset the app that fails to install/uninstall:
      • Use the steps in Repair or Remove programs in Windows to repair/reset the specific app.
   7. Reinstall the app from Store:
      • In Microsoft Store, open Library, locate the app, and select Install.
4. If Store itself or many apps are broken If multiple Store apps cannot install/uninstall and basic steps do not help, use the more advanced pattern from the Q&A example:
   • Ensure Microsoft Store Install Service is running and set to Automatic (via services.msc).
   • Temporarily uninstall third‑party VPN/antivirus and test again.
   • Optionally change Region to United States and retry.
5. If Windows components are damaged If Store and updates are broadly unreliable (similar to the other Windows 11 issues in the context), consider:
   • Running Windows troubleshooters (Windows Update, Apps, etc.).
   • As a last resort, performing a Reset this PC with Keep my files from Settings > System > Recovery, which reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files but removes apps and settings.

If the error persists after all of the above, an in‑place repair or reset (as in the KB5079473 and MSI laptop examples) is typically the next step, since it indicates deeper system corruption beyond the Store itself.

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References:

• I can't find or install an app from Microsoft Store
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• Apps downloaded from MS store not working at all - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Store not working – unable to download or update any apps - Microsoft Q&A
• Plethora of issues relating to windows and possibly security. - Microsoft Q&A
• New laptop MSI won't go past update installation at first boot - Microsoft Q&A
• Latest Security Update KB5079473 (26200.8037) Fails to Install - Microsoft Q&A