Xbox Error Code 0x80073701: How to Fix It

Medium 20-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified July 2026
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Error Code
0x80073701
Brand
Xbox
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
20-60 minutes
Xbox error code 0x80073701 appears on Windows PCs when the Xbox app or a Microsoft Store game is missing a required system dependency — typically a runtime package or framework component that the app relies on to run. This usually happens after a Windows update goes wrong, a partial app installation, or when system files become corrupted. The good news is that this is almost always fixable through software steps without needing any hardware repairs.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80073701

  1. Restart Your PC and Try Again

  2. Run Windows Update

    Make sure you do not interrupt the update process. Cutting off a Windows Update mid-installation can worsen the problem.

  3. Repair or Reset the Xbox App

  4. Repair or Reset the Gaming Services App

    Always open PowerShell by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or 'PowerShell (Admin)'. Running commands without administrator privileges will cause them to fail silently.

  5. Re-register All Microsoft Store Apps via PowerShell

    Copy and paste this command carefully. Typing it incorrectly may cause unintended results. Do not close the PowerShell window while the command is running.

  6. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

    Do not close the Command Prompt window while these scans are running. The DISM RestoreHealth step requires an active internet connection to download replacement files from Microsoft servers.

  7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Xbox App

  8. Check for Conflicting Security Software

    Only disable antivirus software temporarily and for testing purposes. Re-enable it as soon as your test is complete.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps including SFC and DISM repairs and the error still appears, your Windows installation may have deep corruption that is difficult to fix without a clean reinstall of Windows. At this point, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support directly at support.xbox.com or support.microsoft.com — they can run remote diagnostics on your system. If you are uncomfortable performing a Windows reset or reinstall yourself, a local computer repair technician can handle this quickly and preserve your personal files in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Xbox error code 0x80073701 mean?
Error code 0x80073701 means the Xbox app on your Windows PC cannot find a required dependency — a supporting package or runtime component it needs to run. This is a software issue, not a hardware problem, and is usually caused by a failed Windows update, a corrupted installation, or a missing Gaming Services package.
Will fixing 0x80073701 delete my game saves?
No. Your game saves that are backed up to Xbox Cloud Saves (linked to your Microsoft account) are safe. Resetting or reinstalling the Xbox app on your PC does not delete cloud-synced saves. However, if you have local-only saves for games that do not support cloud saving, those could be affected — back them up manually before resetting anything if you are concerned.
Why does 0x80073701 keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error returns after fixing it, the most common cause is a persistent Windows Update issue that keeps failing to install a required dependency package. Check Windows Update history for any repeatedly failing updates and try installing them manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Persistent third-party antivirus interference or a corrupted Windows component store can also cause recurring errors.
Does 0x80073701 affect the Xbox console, or only PC?
Error code 0x80073701 is specific to Windows PC and is related to the Xbox app, Microsoft Store, or Windows Gaming Services on your computer. It does not affect Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One consoles. If you see an error on your console, it will have a different code and cause.
Can I fix 0x80073701 without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Most users resolve this error by repairing or resetting the Gaming Services app, running the SFC and DISM system repair tools, or re-registering Microsoft Store apps via PowerShell. A full Windows reinstall is only necessary in rare cases of severe system file corruption that cannot be repaired through normal means.

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