Windows Error Code 0x80070091 [SOLVED]: Resolve System Restore Issues Quickly

Windows users can make use of the System Restore feature to troubleshoot various kinds of error codes. But, many times, they can experience some kind of technical issues while restoring their systems. The most common problem with respect to System Restore is the Windows error code 0x80070091. When this occurs, it can prevent you from performing a System Restore on your Windows. 

So, if any kind of critical error occurs, you won’t be able to restore your system due to this error code 0x80070091. Hence, all you need to do is apply some technical hacks in order to troubleshoot this Windows issue. But, you must know about the underlying causes, which triggered this System Restore error in Windows. 

If you are experiencing this problem in your Windows-based computer or laptop, keep reading this article to know more. Here, you will get some useful insight into the causes and solutions of error message 0x80070091 in Windows. 

Points to Remember while Troubleshooting Windows Error Code 0x80070091

When you experience this annoying error code 0x80070091 on Windows, it’s quite obvious to think about the fixes. But, you still have to understand the reasons behind getting this System Restore problem on Windows. So, let’s discuss some information, which is essential for resolving Windows error message 0x80070091.

Reasons Why Windows Error Code 0x80070091 Occurs

The following causes can be responsible for failure in the System Restore process on Windows.

• According to professionals, any corrupted component in the WindowsApps folder can produce error 0x80070091. This usually happens if the directory of WindowsApps contains files. It needs to be empty instead. 
• While performing a System Restore, the restoring task may not complete due to some system problems. If this is the case, it can result in error 0x80070091.
• Some users can experience System Restore error 0x80070091 Windows 10 when they upgrade from an older version of Windows. This can occur if there are compatibility issues with the OS version while launching System Restore.
• If your Windows-based device is affected by any virus or malware, it can corrupt various applications including System Restore. 
• In some cases, installing an antivirus program or third-party software can interfere with system programs and generate Windows error message 0x80070091.
• Sometimes, lack of admin rights to delete certain folders on Windows can also trigger error code 0x80070091. This issue can hit hard if there are junk files on your device’s temporary folders. 

List of Fixes to Resolve System Restore Error 0x80070091 on Windows 10

If you want to troubleshoot System Restore error 0x80070091 on Windows 10, you can try the following fixes.

Fix 1- Erase the Folder of ‘Windows.old’

When you start getting error message 0x80070091, you should clean up the junk files on your system. To apply this method, apply the following steps.

First, you have to press and hold the ‘Windows logo’ and ‘R’ buttons at the same time. This will immediately open the Run dialog box on your Windows 10. Next, you have to write ‘C:\windows\SYSTEM32\cleanmgr.exe’ in the box and hit the ‘OK’ button. 

This is the command for clearing the content in the target drive as per the user’s selection. Hence, if you want to delete the files in Windows folder to free up space, apply this step. 

Once you select the drive or files to delete using  Disk Cleanup, click on the tab of ‘OK’. Windows will then launch the cleanup task automatically in the background to remove corrupted and junk data.

After this, go to the bottom-left portion on your Disk Cleanup window and select the ‘Clean up system files’ button. Then tick the box for ‘Previous Windows Installation’ and click on the ‘OK’ tab. 

Now locate the ‘Delete Files’ button and click on it. This will erase the ‘C:\Windows.old’ folder and hopefully remove the files causing System Restore error 0x80070091. 

Fix 2- Use Built-in Windows Check Disk Utility Tool

If your system is displaying error code 0x80070091 as a result of not being able to delete certain folders, this solution can work. So, if you run the chkdsk Utility program on Windows, it will repair the problematic sectors on your hard drive. During this process, you can remove the folders easily that couldn’t be deleted due to admin privileges. 

So, first, hit the tabs for ‘Windows logo’ and ‘X’ simultaneously for opening the Windows menu. Then locate the Command Prompt application on the list and right-click on it. 

Now, choose the option of ‘Run as administrator’ from the drop-down menu and wait for the Command Prompt window to appear. Next, you have to type the command ‘chkdsk /f /r X:’, where X represents the external drive that you want to check using this utility tool. 

After typing this command, hit the ‘Enter’ button and wait for Windows to complete the disk scanning process. Then reboot your PC and try to perform System Restore to check if error 0x80070091 appears again. 

Fix 3- Acquire Full Access of Folders in your Windows 10 Device

If you come across Windows error code 0x80070091 while trying to delete or modify certain files, it lacks proper administrative rights. Hence, one of the best ways to troubleshoot this System Restore issue is by taking ownership of Windows 10 files. 

How to Take Ownership of Windows 10 Folders?

To apply this fix, you need to select the drive or folders that you want to delete or modify. After selecting the folder, right-click on it and choose the ‘Properties’ option. 

Now, go to the ‘Security’ section and select the tab of ‘Advanced’ on the bottom-right portion of the Properties window. Then you need to find the ‘Owner’ info and click on the link of ‘Change’. 

Find the ‘Advanced’ button at the bottom-right of the next window and choose User or Group as the object type. Next, hit the tab for ‘Find Now’ and click on your username on Windows 10. 

After this, select the ‘OK’ button on the next two windows and return back to the Advanced Properties window. Now, tick the checkbox next to ‘Replace owner on subcontainers and objects’ and click on ‘Apply’. 

Next, when you click on the ‘OK’ tab, select the ‘Add’ button as well. Then hit the option of ‘Select a principal’ and set User, Group or Built-in security principal as the object type. Now, click on ‘Advanced’ and then on ‘Find Now’. 

Once again, you will have to choose your username on Windows 10 and then click the ‘OK’ button. Under the section of ‘Basic permissions’, tick the checkbox beside the option of ‘Full control’. Then hit the ‘OK’ button on consecutive windows and go to the ‘Security’ tab on the folder’s Properties window. 

Check whether you have taken full permissions for the folder and save these changes by clicking on ‘OK’. Try to launch System Restore operation on Windows 10 and see if it’s showing the error code 0x80070091.

Fix 4- Rename WindowsApp After Booting Windows in Safe Mode 

In order to boot your Windows 10, click on the Start menu and go to ‘Settings’. Then hit the tab for ‘Update & Security’ and choose the ‘Recovery’ option. 

Below the heading of ‘Advanced startup’, you need to choose the option of ‘Restart now’. This will immediately shut down your system and restart with ‘Choose an option’ on your display. 

Now, you have to choose the ‘Troubleshoot’ option and click on the ‘Advanced options’. Then select ‘Startup settings’ followed by ‘Restart’ and hit the ‘F4’ or ‘4’ button to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode. 

After booting Windows, open the ‘Command Prompt (Admin) by typing ‘command’ in the Cortana search box. Then type the following commands and replace the commas with ‘Enter’ key on the command prompt window. 

cd C:\Program Files, takeown /f WindowsApps /r /d Y, icacls WindowsApps /grant “%USERDOMAIN%\%USERNAME%”:(F) /t, attrib WindowsApps -h, rename WindowsApps WindowsApps.old

Next, reboot your PC and run the System Restore to check the status of error 0x80070091. 

Fix 5- Check for Recent Updates for Windows 10

According to many users, updating Windows 10 can resolve many kinds of errors including System Restore error 0x80070091. So, if all the previous fixes fail to resolve this error code, check for Windows Update. 

First, press the ‘Windows logo’ and ‘I’ key to access the ‘Settings’ window on your computer. Then click on ‘Update & Security’ and check the list of options on the right pane.

Now, select the option of ‘Windows Update’ and click the icon for ‘Check for updates’. Make sure to connect your system to a stable Internet connection while checking for Windows 10 updates. Since any interruption in this process can result in System Restore failure. 

Once your Windows find the suitable updates, it will be downloaded and installed automatically. So, you can reboot your PC for these changes to take effect and run the System Restore. Hopefully, you will not come across error code 0x80070091 anymore.

So, if the above fixes don’t work, you can disable the antivirus software for resolving error 0x80070091. Sometimes, you also may have to uninstall or disable third-party programs on Windows 10 to prevent interference with System Restore. 

However, if none of the troubleshooting tips are effective in troubleshooting Windows error code 0x80070091, it’s best to consult a technician. Hence, you can reach out to a certified Windows professional to obtain the solutions to fix this System Restore error.