The error code 0x80073CFE, often shown with the message “Something unexpected happened”, pops up mainly when trying to install or update apps from the Microsoft Store. Sounds familiar? Usually, it’s because the package repository got corrupted or the cache got borked, which throws a wrench into the installation process. Sometimes, it might also be due to corrupted system files, app registration issues, or even a hiccup on Microsoft’s servers. Not always your fault, so don’t get too frustrated—yet. If the usual fixes don’t work right away, it might just be a waiting game for Microsoft to roll out an update.
In the meantime, it’s smart to try a few tricks — some quick, some a bit more involved — to get that Store working nicely again. Because, honestly, nobody wants to be stuck endlessly troubleshooting when all you want is to update an app or install something new. The hope is that these methods fix the root cause at least enough to get things moving again. And if not? Well, you can always reach out to Microsoft Support, but let’s cross our fingers they’re not swamped.
1. Reinstall the Microsoft Store App
This is pretty much a go-to because reinstalling usually clears out the corrupt files or broken configs messing things up. Sometimes, the Store just goes a bit sideways, and a fresh install is all it takes. On some setups, it might actually fail the first time, then work after a reboot. Weird, but Windows has a mind of its own sometimes.
- Right-click the Start Menu and choose Terminal (Admin). You can also search for PowerShell and pick Run as administrator.
- In the PowerShell window, run these commands one after the other:
Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackageAdd-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft. WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode- Note: Sometimes, you have to run PowerShell as admin and make sure the path matches your Windows version. If you get errors about missing the file, it might be it’s located elsewhere — but this works on most fresh Windows installs.
How to reinstall the Store via PowerShell
Once done, restart your PC and see if the Store opens properly and lets you update or install apps without throwing error 0x80073CFE.
Why it helps
This reinstallation resets the app registration and replaces any broken core files. Helps especially when the Store itself is acting weird or refuses to open/update.
When it applies
If the Store is crashing, won’t open, or shows errors during app installs — basically, whenever the Store seems broken beyond a simple cache flush.
What to expect
Hopefully, a fresh install clears out whatever bad data was causing problems. After this, the Store should load faster, and app updates should go smoothly.
2. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
This trick is kinda like hitting a reset button for the Store’s memory — only it’s less invasive. Corrupted cache data can cause lots of weird errors, including 0x80073CFE, by messing with stored settings or download info. Clearing it forces the Store to rebuild its cache and hopefully eliminates any corrupted files in the process.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type wsreset and hit Enter. You’ll see a blank command window pop up, which is normal—wait for it to close once the cache clears.
- Once finished, the Store should automatically open. Try updating or installing your app again.
Quick way to wipe the cache
This usually does the trick if the problem was caused by stale or corrupted cached data. Sometimes, it’s surprising how often this works and saves a lot of headache.
Why it helps
Clearing the cache removes any bad data or stuck downloads, forcing the Store to fetch fresh info from Microsoft’s servers. Often, that’s enough to fix update errors like 0x80073CFE.
When to use it
If the Store just won’t load properly, shows weird errors, or won’t let you update apps, this should be one of your first steps—after trying a restart, of course.
Results to expect
The cache clears, and hopefully, the app becomes responsive again. No more silly errors, just a clean slate to start fresh.
3. Perform a System Reset or In-Place Upgrade
Now, if even reinstalling and clearing the cache doesn’t fix the problem, the Store might be in a pretty bad state. It may involve corrupt system files or broken Windows components that require a more thorough fix. Basically, you’re either resetting the system or upgrading it without losing all your apps and files.
Resetting your PC is faster but means losing installed apps (not your personal files unless you choose that option).An in-place upgrade, however, reinstalls Windows over itself, repairing all the underlying system files while keeping your data intact. Seems drastic, but it can save a lot of hassle if the Store system itself is corrupted beyond easy repair.
Reset your PC
- Press Win + S and type Reset this PC.
- Click on Open and then choose Reset this PC. Pick Keep my files — it’s less invasive.
- Follow the prompts; it’ll reboot and reconfigure Windows without touching your personal data, hopefully clearing up the Store mess.
In-place upgrade
- Download the ISO file for your Windows version from Microsoft’s official page.
- Run the setup.exe after the download finishes.
- This will walk through an upgrade that repairs your current Windows system without deleting personal files or apps.
- Once the upgrade completes, check if the Store is behaving again.
Because of course, Windows has to make fixing its own broken parts as complicated as possible. But honestly, these options tend to fix deep system issues causing errors like 0x80073CFE, especially if small tweaks fail to help.
If all else fails, clicking through with Microsoft Support is the last resort; sometimes, fault on their side might be the real problem.