Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80073CFB: How to Fix It

Medium 20-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified July 2026
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Error Code
0x80073CFB
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
20-60 minutes
Windows error code 0x80073CFB means the Microsoft Store has detected a conflict because a version of the app package you are trying to install already exists on your system. This typically happens when a previous installation was incomplete, corrupted, or left behind registry and file remnants that block a fresh install. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable without professional help by clearing the conflicting package data and letting Windows reinstall cleanly.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80073CFB

  1. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

  2. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

  3. Unregister and Re-register the Conflicting App Package

    Be careful to target only the specific problem app. Removing the wrong system package can cause instability. Do not remove core Windows system packages.

  4. Re-register All Microsoft Store Apps

    Some red warning messages during this process are normal and do not indicate failure. Do not close PowerShell until the command finishes.

  5. Reset the Microsoft Store App Completely

  6. Check Windows Update and Install Pending Updates

  7. Run System File Checker and DISM

    Do not interrupt SFC or DISM scans. Keep your PC plugged in and do not close the terminal window until each command shows a completion message.

  8. Create a New Windows User Account

  9. Perform a Windows Repair Install (In-Place Upgrade)

    Back up all important files to an external drive or cloud storage before performing a repair install. Although your files should be preserved, a backup protects against unexpected data loss.
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When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional PC technician if you have completed all steps including the repair install and error 0x80073CFB still appears, if PowerShell commands return permission errors you cannot resolve, if your Windows installation is severely corrupted and will not boot properly, or if you are uncomfortable working in PowerShell and running system-level commands. A technician can perform a clean Windows reinstall while preserving your data, or diagnose deeper system corruption issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows error code 0x80073CFB mean?
Error 0x80073CFB means the Microsoft Store encountered a package conflict — it is trying to install an app but finds that a version of that package already exists in Windows in a way that blocks the new installation. This is usually caused by a failed previous install, corrupted app data, or leftover registry entries from an uninstall.
Will fixing error 0x80073CFB delete my apps or files?
Most fixes — like clearing the Store cache, running the troubleshooter, or re-registering packages — do not delete your personal files or installed apps. Resetting the Microsoft Store app removes Store login data but not your apps. Only a clean Windows reinstall (not covered in the recommended repair install) would remove apps, and that is only needed as a last resort.
Why does error 0x80073CFB keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error returns repeatedly, it usually means an underlying cause has not been addressed — such as corrupted Windows system files, a broken user profile, or a Windows Update that keeps reinstalling a conflicting component. Run the SFC and DISM commands from Step 7 to check for system file corruption, and make sure all Windows Updates are installed, as Microsoft sometimes patches Store-related bugs through updates.
Can error 0x80073CFB affect all apps or just specific ones?
This error can affect a single specific app or multiple apps depending on the cause. If only one app triggers the error, the conflict is likely specific to that app's package registration. If multiple apps or all Store apps are affected, the issue is more likely with the Microsoft Store itself, your Windows user profile, or core system files.
Does error 0x80073CFB only happen on Windows 11?
No. Error 0x80073CFB can occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11 since both operating systems use the Microsoft Store and the same AppX package management system. The troubleshooting steps in this guide apply to both versions of Windows, though the exact location of some Settings menus may differ slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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