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How to Fix Error 0x80073bc3 on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions That Work

If you are encountering the error code 0x80073bc3 on your Windows 11 device, it usually means there is a problem with installing or updating Microsoft Store apps. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry—there are simple ways to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve the error. You don’t need to be a tech expert; just follow each step carefully.

By the end of this article, you should be able to fix the issue and get your apps working again smoothly.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for app installations and updates.
  • Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary issues causing the error.
  • Ensure Windows is up to date: Updates often fix bugs and improve system stability.
  • Check Microsoft Store status: Visit the Microsoft Service Status page to confirm if there are any outages affecting Store services.

Step 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix problems with Microsoft Store apps automatically. Running this tool is the easiest first step.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to System and then click Troubleshoot.
  3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
  5. Wait for the troubleshooter to detect issues and apply fixes.

This step is important because it automatically handles common problems without needing manual intervention.

Step 2: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, the Microsoft Store cache can become corrupted, causing errors like 0x80073bc3. Resetting it can clear this problem.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to close automatically.
  4. The Microsoft Store will launch automatically after the reset completes.

This clears temporary files and cache data, which often resolves app installation errors.

Step 3: Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can cause issues with app installations. Using built-in tools to scan and repair them can help.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.

Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

If SFC doesn’t fix the problem, DISM can repair the Windows image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    3. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for each process to finish before moving to the next.

These commands check for and fix corruption in the Windows system image, which is crucial for app operations.

Step 4: Re-register Microsoft Store

If the above steps don’t work, re-registering the Microsoft Store app can help by resetting its configuration.

  1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell as administrator.
  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
    3. Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  3. Wait until the command completes.
  4. Restart your PC and try installing or updating apps again.

Step 5: Check Your Storage Space

Insufficient storage space can prevent app installations and cause errors. Make sure you have enough free disk space.

  1. Open Settings and go to System > Storage.
  2. Check the available space under your main drive (usually C:).
  3. If space is low, consider deleting unnecessary files or moving data to an external drive.

Ensuring enough free space helps the system download and install apps without issues.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Reinstall All Store Apps

If re-registering only the Store doesn’t fix the problem, you can reinstall all built-in Windows apps as a last resort.

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
  2. Type this command and press Enter:
    3. Get-AppxPackage -allusers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  3. This process may take several minutes.
  4. Restart your PC when done.

Note that this will reinstall all default apps, including the Microsoft Store and others.

FAQs

What causes error 0x80073bc3 on Windows 11?

This error usually happens due to corrupted app files, issues with the Windows Store cache, insufficient disk space, or system file corruption.

Can I fix this error without using Command Prompt?

Yes, running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and resetting the Store cache do not require command-line tools and are good starting points.

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my apps?

No. Resetting the Store cache or re-registering the Store app will not delete your installed apps or personal data.

Is it safe to reinstall all Windows apps via PowerShell?

Generally, yes. It reinstalls the built-in apps but does not affect your personal files. However, it may remove custom app settings.

What if the error persists after all these steps?

It could indicate deeper system issues, hardware problems, or account-related errors. Advanced troubleshooting may be needed.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the error 0x80073bc3 still appears, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes, user profile corruption causes app errors. Creating a fresh account can help isolate this issue.
  • Perform a system restore: Roll back your PC to a point before the issue started.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the Reset this PC feature in Settings to reinstall Windows without losing personal files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for personalized help.

Conclusion

Error 0x80073bc3 on Windows 11 can disrupt your ability to install or update apps, but it’s usually fixable with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and resetting the Store cache. If needed, repair system files and re-register the Store app.

Checking storage space and, as a last resort, reinstalling all built-in apps can also help. If nothing works, advanced options like creating a new user profile or resetting Windows may be necessary.

Following these steps carefully will help you resolve the error and ensure your apps run smoothly again.

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