How to Fix Microsoft Store App Installation Error 0x80073cf9: “This App Couldn't Be Installed”

The Microsoft Store Error 0x80073cf9 often occurs when an app installation fails or encounters issues during the process. This error can be due to various reasons, such as corrupted cache, problems with the Microsoft Store, or system file issues. Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshoot and fix this error.

1. Check Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is essential for downloading and installing apps from the Microsoft Store.

• Ensure Stable Connection:
  • Check if other websites or online services are working properly.
  • Restart your router or modem if necessary.

2. Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer can resolve temporary issues that might be interfering with app installations.

• Restart Your PC:
  • Click on the Start menu, select "Power," and choose "Restart."

3. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is up-to-date, as updates can fix bugs and improve system stability.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Update & Security:
  • Click on "Update & Security" and then "Windows Update."
• Check for Updates:
  • Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
• Restart Your Computer:
  • After installing updates, restart your computer.

4. Clear Microsoft Store Cache

Corrupted cache can cause issues with app installations. Clearing the Microsoft Store cache can help.

• Open Run Dialog:
  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Run WSReset Command:
  • Type wsreset.exe and press Enter. This will clear the Microsoft Store cache and restart the Store.

5. Reset Microsoft Store

If clearing the cache doesn’t work, resetting the Microsoft Store might help.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Apps:
  • Click on "Apps" and then "Apps & features."
• Find Microsoft Store:
  • Scroll down and find "Microsoft Store" in the list.
• Reset the App:
  • Click on "Microsoft Store" and select "Advanced options."
  • Click the "Reset" button. This will reset the app to its default state.

6. Reinstall Microsoft Store

Reinstalling the Microsoft Store can resolve persistent issues.

• Open PowerShell as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Run Reinstall Command:
  • Enter the following command and press Enter:

    Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Remove-AppxPackage
    

  • After removing, reinstall the Store by running:

    Start-Process PowerShell -ArgumentList "Get-AppxPackage -allusers *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register '$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml'}" -Verb RunAs
    

7. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for resolving issues with apps and the Microsoft Store.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Update & Security:
  • Click on "Update & Security" and then "Troubleshoot."
• Run Troubleshooter:
  • Click on "Additional troubleshooters" and select "Windows Store Apps."
  • Click "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the prompts.

8. Check System File Integrity

Corrupted system files can affect app installations. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Run SFC Scan:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    sfc /scannow
    

  • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
• Run DISM Tool:
  • After SFC completes, run the following command:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

  • Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

9. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause issues with app installations.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Time & Language:
  • Click on "Time & Language" and then "Date & time."
• Verify Settings:
  • Ensure "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are turned on.

10. Create a New User Profile

If the issue persists, the problem might be specific to your user profile. Creating a new user profile can help determine if this is the case.

• Create a New User Profile:
  • Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  • Go to "Accounts" and select "Family & other users."
  • Click "Add someone else to this PC" and follow the prompts to create a new user account.
• Switch to New Profile:
  • Sign out of your current account and sign in with the new user profile.
  • Try installing the app again.

11. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a state before the issue began.

• Open System Restore:
  • Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose a Restore Point:
  • Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the issue began and restore your system.

Conclusion

The “Microsoft Store App Installation Error 0x80073cf9” can be caused by various issues, including corrupted cache, system file corruption, or configuration problems. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix the error, allowing you to install and use apps from the Microsoft Store without issues. If the problem persists despite these efforts, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or a professional technician for further assistance. Regular system maintenance and updates can help prevent such issues from occurring in the future.