How to Fix Windows 11 Error 0x80073CF9 and 0x80070002 After Hardware Upgrade

Windows 11 throws two errors more than most: error 0x80073CF9, which stops apps from installing or updating through the Microsoft Store, and error 0x80070002, which blocks Windows Update from completing. Both can appear after a hardware upgrade, a failed update, a system file corruption, or even a simple restart.

This guide gives you clear, ordered fixes for each error so you can identify what applies to your situation and resolve it fast.

What Causes These Errors

Error 0x80073CF9

This error appears in the Microsoft Store when installing or updating apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Microsoft To Do. The most common causes are:

• Corrupt or incomplete Microsoft Store cache files
• Broken AppX package registration
• Missing permissions on the C:\Windows\System32\AppLocker folder
• A hardware change that invalidated existing app package records

Error 0x80070002

This error surfaces during Windows Update or cumulative patch installations. Common causes include:

• Missing or corrupt system files
• Leftover fragments from a previously failed update
• Incorrect system date or time settings
• Missing registry entries or DLLs in the WinSxS folder
• A proxy or firewall blocking Windows Update servers

Fixes for Error 0x80073CF9

Work through these steps in order. Stop when the error is gone.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool that detects and repairs common Store problems automatically.

1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes.
4. Restart your PC and try installing the app again.

Fix 2: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

A corrupt cache is the most frequent cause of 0x80073CF9.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window opens briefly, then Microsoft Store launches automatically.
4. Try your app installation again.

Fix 3: Re-register Microsoft Store Apps

If resetting the cache does not help, re-register all Store apps to repair broken AppX package references.

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run this command:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

3. Restart your PC once the command finishes.

Tip: Check whether the folder C:\Windows\System32\AppLocker exists. If it is missing, create it manually. Some app deployments fail silently when this folder is absent.

Fix 4: Reset the Microsoft Store Through Settings

If the above fixes have not worked, do a full reset through Settings, which clears all Store data.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
3. Scroll down and click Reset.
4. Confirm and restart your PC.

Fixes for Error 0x80070002

Work through these steps in order.

Fix 1: Check Your System Date and Time

An incorrect date or time is one of the most overlooked causes of Windows Update failures.

1. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date and time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. Click Sync now under Additional settings.
4. Try running Windows Update again.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
3. Let the troubleshooter finish and apply any fixes it recommends.
4. Restart your PC and check for updates again.

Fix 3: Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

Hardware changes and failed updates can corrupt system files. These two tools repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run DISM first to repair the system image:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. After DISM finishes, run System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

4. Restart your PC after both scans complete.

Fix 4: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If 0x80070002 persists, reset the update services and rename the corrupted cache folders.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Stop the update services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. Rename the old cache folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

4. Restart the services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

5. Run Windows Update again.

Fix 5: Check for Proxy or Firewall Interference

A proxy or third-party firewall can silently block Windows Update servers.

1. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet > Proxy.
2. Make sure Use a proxy server is turned off unless your network requires it.
3. If you use third-party security software, temporarily disable it and run Windows Update.
4. Re-enable your security software after the update completes.

Fix 6: Install Updates Manually Using the Microsoft Update Catalog

If Windows Update keeps failing, download and install the update directly.

1. Go to Microsoft Update Catalog
2. Search for the KB number shown in your Windows Update error.
3. Download the correct version for your system (x64 for most modern PCs).
4. Run the downloaded .msu file and follow the installer.

Fix 7: Update BIOS and Drivers (After a Hardware Upgrade)

If your errors started after adding or replacing hardware, outdated firmware or missing drivers may be the root cause.

1. Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware.
2. Install all chipset, storage, and network drivers.
3. Restart and run Windows Update again.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

If none of the standard fixes work, check the Windows logs for specific missing files.

1. Check CBS and Windows Update logs

Navigate to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log and look for lines marked as failed or missing. These entries tell you exactly which files or services caused the failure.

2. Restore missing DLLs or registry entries

If the log points to missing DLLs in WinSxS or registry keys for services like clr_optimization_v4.0.30319, export the affected entries from a working Windows 11 PC and import them on the affected machine.

3. Perform a Repair Install

If all else fails, run a Repair Install using the Windows 11 ISO. This process keeps your files and apps intact while refreshing all system components.

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website.
2. Mount the ISO and run setup.exe.
3. Choose Keep personal files and apps when prompted.

FAQs

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