Fix: Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80073CF3 on Windows

Recently, several users reported that their screens display the error code 0x80073CF3 when they attempt to download new applications or update the existing ones using the Microsoft Store.

We had a look into the issue and discovered that it can be caused by a number of reasons including the following:

• Microsoft account glitch – An inconsistency in the Microsoft account that you have linked to your Windows Store usually causes this error.
• Generic inconsistency – If you are experiencing this error it may be a result of a generic inconsistency within the system, that can be resolved with the Windows Store Troubleshooter.
• Corrupt Windows Installation – You might be dealing with a corrupt Windows Store installation on Windows. This may be caused by an outdated version of the program. In this case, you can reinstall Windows Store using Powershell. 

Now that you are aware of all the potential scenarios that could lead to the error code 0x80073CF3, let’s have a look at effective solutions. 

Run Windows Store Troubleshooter

When you encounter problems with the Microsoft Store, running the troubleshooter should be your first step. Using this utility, you can scan and repair any issues that might be preventing Windows Store and its applications from working properly.

Here is how you can run the Windows Store troubleshooter on Windows 10 to fix the error:

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to launch Windows Settings.
2. In the Settings window, select Update & Security.

   

3. Now click on Troubleshooter in the left pane and click on Additional troubleshooters in the right pane.

   

4. Next, select the Windows Store Apps option and hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
   

   

Reset the Windows Store Cache

Applications’ cached files can become corrupt over time, resulting in issues such as the one you are experiencing. That’s why we recommend you try resetting the Windows Store cache and see if that fixes the problem. 

1. Type cmd in the search bar and click on Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges. 
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the command mentioned below and hit Enter.
   

   wsreset.exe
   

   

3. Once the command is executed, check if the error code 0x80073CF3 is resolved.

Modify DNS Settings

If you encounter this error, there may also be a DNS issue when downloading the app or there may still be an existing package of the same app that interferes with the new installation process.

In this case, you can fix the problem by modifying the DNS settings. Here is how you can do that:

1. Right-click on the Network icon on your taskbar.
2. Select Open Network & Internet settings from the context menu.

   

3. In the Change your network settings panel, select Change adapter options. This will launch the Network Connections folder.

   

4. Right-click on your primary network connection and select Properties.
5. Now, find the Internet Protocol Version 4 and select it.

   

6. Then click on the Properties button.
7. Now choose the Use the following DNS server addresses radio button and enter 8.8.8.8 for preferred and 8.8.4.4 for alternate.

   

8. Now click OK to apply the new DNS settings.

Update Microsoft Store

If your Microsoft Store is out-of-date because you haven’t installed recent updates available in the Store application, you may be experiencing the error code 0x80073CF3. If this scenario is applicable, update your Microsoft Store by following the steps mentioned below:

1. Launch Microsoft Store and click on Library from the bottom left corner of the window. 
2. Now click on Get updates. Upon doing so, if an official Microsoft Store exists, it will begin downloading immediately. 

   

Reset Windows Store 

Additionally, the Microsoft Store might be infected by a bug or a corruption error when you try to access it. It might be a good idea to reset the Windows Store in this situation.

All of Microsoft Store’s cache files will be deleted if you reset it, and it will reinstall itself. You will also be removing the app’s data from your device, along with your sign-in information.

Here is all that you need to do:

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open Windows Settings.
2. In the Settings window, select Apps.

   

3. Now choose Apps & features from the left pane.
4. Locate Microsoft Store in the right pane and click on it. Choose Advanced options from there.
   

   

    

5. On the Advanced settings screen, scroll down and click the Reset button as shown below.

   

6. Restart your PC after you have done this to see if that resolves the error code 0x80073cf3 for you.

Reinstall Microsoft Store

The last option if none of the suggestions above work for you is to reinstall the Microsoft Store, which will reregister your app. Although you may have reset the application, there is a possibility that the corrupted file dependencies still exist. As a result, reinstalling is the only viable solution to fix the error code 0x80073cf3.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Press Windows + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to launch a Run dialog box.
2. In the text field of the dialog box, type wt and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together to launch Windows Terminal as an administrator.

   

3. When prompted by the User Account Control, click Yes to grant admin access.
4. Inside Windows Terminal, type the command mentioned below and hit Enter to execute it.
   

   Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage

   

7. Once the command is executed, restart your PC. Upon reboot, open Windows Terminal again with administrative privileges again.
8. This time, execute the following command to reinstall Windows Store.

   Get-AppxPackage -allusers *WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

   

9. Finally, restart your PC again and check if the error code 0x80073cf3 is resolved.