What is 0x80073CF9?
0x80073CF9 - Store App Installation Failure ranks as a medium-severity Windows operating system issue in our database. The app package installation failed due to missing package directories or corrupted store database records. Commonly occurs when updating or installing games/applications from the Microsoft Store. It's most often caused by incorrect Windows system time or region settings and background update installer service blockages. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Missing AUInstallAgent system directories
- Corrupted Microsoft Store download cache files
- Incorrect Windows system time or region settings
- Background update installer service blockages
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Recreate the AUInstallAgent directory in Windows
The highest-success first step is Recreate the AUInstallAgent directory, which targets the most common trigger behind 0x80073CF9.
-
2
Reset Microsoft Store via WSReset utility
If it comes back, the next steps in the sequence are there specifically for atypical store app instability cases.
-
3
Synchronize Windows time and timezone settings
This step, "Synchronize Windows time and timezone settings", specifically rules out incorrect Windows system time or region settings.
-
4
Run the Windows Store App Troubleshooter
"Run the Windows Store App Troubleshooter" is worth trying when corrupted Microsoft Store download cache files turns out to be the culprit.
Commands & Diagnostics
wsreset.exe
powershell.exe Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Frequently Asked Questions
Missing AUInstallAgent system directories accounts for the majority of 0x80073CF9 reports; corrupted Microsoft Store download cache files, incorrect Windows system time or region settings and background update installer service blockages come up less often but are documented.
Most 0x80073CF9 reports resolve after "Recreate the AUInstallAgent directory in Windows". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
0x80073CF9 is a medium-severity issue. It can affect system stability, but the fix steps above typically resolve it without lasting damage.
Usually. 0x80073CF9 is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x80073CF9. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
Still Need Help?
Search our full database of 535+ documented PC errors for more solutions and step-by-step repair guides.
Search Error Database