Blog

How to Fix Error 0x800704dd-0x90016 on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering error code 0x800704dd-0x90016 on Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially when trying to install or update apps from the Microsoft Store. This error often indicates issues related to your user account or system settings.

This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to fix this error step by step. Each method is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along with ease.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to resolve the issue and get your apps working smoothly again. Let’s begin with some quick checks you should perform before diving into detailed fixes.

These solutions range from basic to more advanced, helping you troubleshoot efficiently.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before trying any fixes, make sure your system meets these conditions to avoid unnecessary troubleshooting:

  • Check your internet connection: A stable connection is essential for Microsoft Store operations.
  • Ensure Windows is updated: Sometimes, outdated system files cause errors. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
  • Verify your Microsoft account sign-in: You should be signed in with a valid Microsoft account on your PC. Open the Microsoft Store and check your profile icon.
  • Restart your PC: A simple reboot can often clear temporary glitches causing the error.

Step 1: Sign Out and Sign Back into Microsoft Store

Sometimes, the error appears due to temporary account sync issues with the Microsoft Store. Signing out and back in can refresh your session.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu.
  2. Click your profile icon at the top-right corner.
  3. Select Sign out from the dropdown menu.
  4. Close the Store app completely.
  5. Reopen the Microsoft Store and click the profile icon again.
  6. Choose Sign in and enter your Microsoft account credentials.
  7. Try to install or update the app again.

Why this works: Signing out clears cached login data which might be corrupted, and signing back in re-establishes a fresh connection with Microsoft servers.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that detects and fixes common Store app problems automatically.

  1. Click the Start menu and open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Find and select Windows Store Apps from the list.
  4. Click Run the troubleshooter.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.
  6. Restart your computer if prompted.
  7. Check if the error persists.

Why this is important: The troubleshooter can fix permission issues, corrupted files, or configuration errors without requiring manual intervention.

Step 3: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store cache stores temporary data that could become corrupt, leading to errors. Resetting this cache often solves the problem.

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after a few seconds, the Store will launch automatically.
  4. Try installing or updating the app again.

Why reset cache: This clears corrupted temporary files without affecting your installed apps or settings.

Step 4: Check Your User Account Permissions

Error 0x800704dd-0x90016 can occur if your user account doesn’t have the right permissions to install or update apps.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Your info.
  3. Check if your account is listed as Administrator. If not, you may need admin rights to install apps.
  4. If you do not have admin rights, contact the system administrator or change your account type by:
    • Opening Control Panel > User Accounts > Change account type.
    • Select your account and switch to Administrator.
  5. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.
  6. Try again to install or update the app.

Why permissions matter: Without proper permissions, Windows restricts app installations to protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Step 5: Re-register Microsoft Store Using PowerShell

If the Store app is damaged or improperly registered, re-registering it can help restore its functionality.

  1. Type PowerShell in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
  3. Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  1. Wait for the process to complete, then close PowerShell.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Open Microsoft Store and test if the error is resolved.

Why re-register: This command reinstalls or repairs the Store app, fixing internal corruption that might cause errors.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Account

If the error persists, your user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new user account can help isolate the issue.

  1. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click on Add someone else to this PC.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new local or Microsoft account.
  4. Sign out of your current account and sign into the new one.
  5. Try installing or updating the apps via Microsoft Store.

Why try a new account: If the error disappears, it means your original user profile has issues that might require deeper repair or migration.

FAQs

What causes error 0x800704dd-0x90016 on Windows 10?

This error usually happens due to user account permission issues, corrupted Microsoft Store cache, or problems with the Store app registration.

Can I fix this error without administrative privileges?

Some fixes, like resetting the cache or running the troubleshooter, do not require admin rights. However, others like re-registering the Store or changing account types do require admin access.

Will resetting the Microsoft Store cache delete my apps?

No, resetting the cache only clears temporary files and does not affect installed apps or personal data.

Is it safe to re-register the Microsoft Store using PowerShell?

Yes, it is a standard procedure recommended by Microsoft to fix Store-related problems.

What if the error occurs only for one app?

Try uninstalling and reinstalling that specific app. If the problem continues, consider checking app permissions or contacting the app developer.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the error, you can try the following final options:

  • Perform a System File Check: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Use the DISM tool: In Command Prompt (admin), run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix Windows image issues.
  • Reset your PC: Use the Reset this PC feature in Settings to reinstall Windows without affecting your files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft’s official support page for personalized help.

Conclusion

Error 0x800704dd-0x90016 on Windows 10 is commonly linked to account and Store app issues but can be resolved with careful troubleshooting. Starting with simple steps like signing out of the Store or running the troubleshooter can save time and effort.

If these do not work, resetting the cache, checking permissions, or re-registering the Store app are effective next steps. Creating a new user account can help identify if the problem is profile-related.

By following this guide, you should be able to fix the error and restore smooth usage of the Microsoft Store and its apps.

Remember, always keep your Windows system updated and maintain proper account permissions to avoid such errors in the future.

Leave a Reply