How do you fix Error Code: 0x80073CFE for the Microsoft Store?

To fix Error Code: 0x80073CFE for the Microsoft Store, which indicates that the package repository is corrupted, you can try the following steps:

1. Refresh Your PC: This is often the most effective way to recover from a corrupted package repository. You can do this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and selecting "Reset this PC." Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
2. Re-register Microsoft Store: You can attempt to re-register the Microsoft Store app using PowerShell. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command:

      Add-AppxPackage -Register -DisableDevelopmentMode "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml"
   

   Make sure to adjust the path if your Windows Store app is located elsewhere.
3. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
4. Use the Windows Store Troubleshooter: If you haven't already, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. You can find this in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
5. Verify Permissions: Sometimes, registry and file permissions can cause issues. Ensure that the necessary permissions for the All Application Packages group are set correctly in the registry.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider checking if there are any known issues with your current version of Windows or if downgrading to a previous version is necessary, although this should generally be a last resort.

References:

• Troubleshooting packaging, deployment, and query of Windows apps
• Resolved issues in Windows 10, version 22H2

Hi @Silvestre Galvan ,

Thanks for sharing the details!

Based on what you provided, I can see you already tried almost all the troubleshooting steps that covers this error so thank you again for your time and effort.

From my understanding, the error 0x80073CFE maps to ERROR_PACKAGE_REPOSITORY_CORRUPTED , which mean the Windows app database (called the AppX package repository) is corrupted. That database tracks installed apps, and when it’s damaged, Microsoft Store can’t install or update apps which might be why all the steps you have tried couldn't repair the database because it's part of the operating system.

I also notice you mentioning updating your version to 20H2. According to this document, this version already reached end of service. Unsupported versions don’t get servicing stack or Store component updates, so corruption issues are harder to fix. Staying on 20H2 offers no benefit and can make troubleshooting more complicated.

There are some workarounds you can try out first:

Re-register all Store packages:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Reference: How to Reinstall and Re-register All Built-in Windows Apps

Create a new local user account:

• Sometimes profile corruption blocks the Store. Add a new local account under Settings → Accounts → Other users, sign in, and test the Store.

Reset your PC:

• You can follow this link for better details: Reset this PC

Disclaimer: Some of these links are non-Microsoft website. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classifies as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

If these steps don't work then the next best step is to do an in-place upgrade using the latest Windows 10 ISO or Media Creation Tool: Download Windows 10

Remember to choose Keep personal files and apps during setup. This refreshes system components and rebuilds the app repository without wiping your data.

The post you read likely referred to a downgrade because the original poster couldn’t upgrade to a newer Windows 11 build. That situation might be similar to what you’re experiencing.

Hope this helps! Please keep me updated on your situation.