How to Fix Code: 0x80073CFE Issue When Installing or Updating Apps?

The error code 0x80073CFE, often accompanied by the message “Something unexpected happened” generally appears when you’re trying to install or update apps. This issue results from a corrupted package repository that interrupts the installation or update process. It can be triggered by corrupted system files, issues with the Microsoft Store cache, or problems related to app registration.

In addition to these causes, the error may also arise from a problem on Microsoft’s end. Therefore, if the issue persists even after trying the methods below, you might consider waiting for an automatic update from Microsoft to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, it’s advisable to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. Taking the mentioned causes into account, we’ve compiled effective solutions that you can follow to resolve this problem.

1. Reinstall the Microsoft Store App

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store has been effective for many users, so it is a good starting point. This process will restore any corrupted repository and files, reset configurations, and address the potential causes of this error, thereby likely resolving the issue.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and choose Terminal (Admin).
   
2. In the admin PowerShell, execute the following commands one by one to reinstall the Microsoft Store.

   Get-AppxPackage *WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
   Add-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode

   

3. Once completed, check if this resolves the issue.

2. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Like many applications, the Microsoft Store uses a cache to speed up processes by storing frequently accessed data. However, when this data becomes corrupted or outdated, it can lead to issues. To address this, try clearing the Microsoft Store cache, as it might solve the problem.

1. To clear the cache, press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Enter wsreset and press Enter to clear the cache.
   
3. Try installing or updating the app to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Perform a System Reset or In-Place Upgrade

This error might occur if the Microsoft Store is completely broken and needs restoration to ensure a smooth, error-free experience. To fix this, you can perform a system reset or an in-place upgrade.

This might be the best option as it doesn’t require complicated steps. However, do note that performing a system reset will remove Microsoft Store apps, whereas an in-place upgrade re-installs operating system files while keeping your Microsoft apps intact.

3.1 Reset PC

1. Open Windows search by pressing Win + S.
2. Type Reset this PC and press Enter to access the settings.
   
3. Select Reset this PC and then choose Keep my files.
   
4. Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to complete a system reset.

3.2 Perform an In-Place Upgrade

1. Download the Windows 11 or 10 ISO file from the provided link.
   
2. Once downloaded, double-click on it and run the setup.exe.
   
3. This will upgrade Windows to the latest version and restore corrupted components and apps.
4. Afterward, check if the problem has been resolved.

If the issue still persists, it could indicate a problem on Microsoft’s part. In such cases, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.