Cannot Install Windows App

Question

Cannot Install Windows App

Lucas Brown 0

Error code 0X80073CFB

Need to download and access, impacting critical work functions.

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Answer 1

David-M 115.8K Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

What is the specific app you are trying to install?
Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? (e.g., Kaspersky, McAfee, Avast, etc.) If yes, which one?

Also. What is the version and "OS Build" of your Windows 11?

Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

Looking forward to your reply.

Lucas Brown 0 Reputation points

2026-06-23T18:18:47.0466667+00:00
David-M 115.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-06-23T18:30:51.38+00:00
Thanks for the clarification.

Since many users use the phrase "windows app" as a generic term for any application on Windows, confirming that you are referring to the specific Microsoft app Windows App was a crucial step to avoid generic or unhelpful troubleshooting.

Since you haven't clarified them yet, could you please also provide:

If you use any third-party antivirus software (such as Kaspersky, McAfee, Avast, etc.)?

Your current Windows 11 Version and "OS Build" number?

It is crucial to address these questions, as real-time checks by third-party antivirus software often block installation folders during deployment, and outdated Windows 11 builds frequently cause this specific deployment error, 0x80073CFB.

Looking forward to your reply.
Lucas Brown 0 Reputation points

2026-06-23T18:46:10.8333333+00:00

No, and 26200.8655
David-M 115.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-06-23T19:06:04.7433333+00:00
Thanks for the clarifications.

Since this is affecting your work, let's bypass the standard Store interface or clear any corrupted package remnants with these two effective methods:

1 = Force installation via Winget (Bypassing the Store GUI):

Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin);

Copy and paste this exact command, then press Enter:

winget install Microsoft.WindowsApp

If asked to accept the source terms, press Y and hit Enter.

2 = Purge corrupted package remnants from the registry:

If method 1 fails or claims the application is already installed, a broken registry key from a previous deployment attempt is likely blocking the process.

Open Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Run the following command to completely erase the conflicting instance:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsApp -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Restart (not shutdown) your PC and try downloading it again, either via the Microsoft Store or using the Winget command from method 1.

Please let me know if either of these methods gets the app up and running for you.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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Cannot Install Windows App

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