0x80073cfa Error Code: What is it & How to Fix it (2025)

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Many users complain of seeingthe Microsoft error code 0x80073CFA, as they try to uninstall a Windows app or game.

The error message reads, Uninstallation Error 0x80073CFA, Removal failed, which can also appear when trying to delete an Xbox game.

Why do I see the error code 0x80073CFA?

Some of the common reasons that may trigger the error code 0x80073CFA while uninstalling an app/game include:

  • A glitch with the Store – If you are having an issue uninstalling a UWP app, it could be due to a glitch with the Store itself.
  • Pending Windows Update – If you missed installing the latest Windows updates, you may see the 0x80073CFA error.
  • A fault with the Windows Store cache – Sometimes, the issue could arise due to damaged cache folder of the Store.
  • Corrupted system filesCorruption in the Windows system files can be one of the other reasons behind the 0x80073CFA error.
  • Microsoft account does not have admin rights – If the account you are using does not have administrator privileges, you may see the error.

Fortunately, we have some proven methods that can help you fix the 0x80073cfa error that shows up when trying to uninstall a game or an app.

How do I fix error code 0x80073CFA?

Before you start with the main troubleshooting methods below, you may want to run a few checks:

  • Run the Microsoft Store troubleshooter.
  • Install the latest Windows Updates.
  • Check for Microsoft Store updates.

If the above steps fail to fix the issue, here we have listed some of the workarounds that have been proven to resolve the 0x80073CFA error.

1. Uninstall the app or game via PowerShell

  1. Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run console, type PowerShell, and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously to open elevated Windows Powershell.
  2. Next, run the below command in the Powershell (Admin) window and hit Enter to list the name of all the apps: Get-Appxpackage -Allusers
  3. Now, from the list of all the apps, note down the PackageFullName of the app that you are unable to uninstall.
  4. You should now run the below command and hit Enter to uninstall the app: Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullName
  5. Replace PackageFullName part with the name of the app you noted down in Step 3 that you want to uninstall.

The app should be successfully removed from your PC, and you should now be able to uninstall app/game without the error.

If Windows Powershell is not working or opening, we recommend some effective solutions to fix the issue.

2. Perform a clean boot to uninstall the game/app

  1. To open the Run console, press the Win + R shortcut keys. Type msconfig in the search bar and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window.
  2. Select theServicestab, check theHide all Microsoft services, and click onDisable all option.Press Apply.
  3. Next, navigate to theStartuptab and clickon Open Task Manager.
  4. Select all the services inthe Task Manager, right-click on each of them one by one, and select Disable.
  5. Closethe Task Manager window. PressApply, thenOK.
  6. SelectRestartin the new window that appears.

Once your PC enters the clean reboot state, you should be able to uninstall the Xbox Game Pass app or the game.

This method is also applicable if you see the error code 0x80073cfa on Xbox when you try to uninstall a game from the Gamepass on your PC or the Gamepass app itself.

According to Xbox users, can also power cycle the device, remove the profile, or reset the console to fix the 0x80073CFA error, and then try to uninstall the games.

Read more about this topic
  • Microsoft Store Missing in Apps and Features? 6 Quick Fixes
  • How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11 PC? Try 4 Easy Methods

3. Repair Install Windows using Installation Media

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO.
  2. Next, create a bootable USB drive as explained in our detailed post.
  3. Now, boot your PC from the USB drive to start the Windows 11 installation. On the first screen, click on Repair your computer.
  4. On the Troubleshoot page, click on Advanced Options.
  5. Next, under Choose an option, click on Troubleshoot.
  6. On the next screen, under Advanced Options, click on Startup Repair. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  7. Next, enter the account password for the admin account.

Once done, it will start diagnosing the device and fix any issues related to the 0x80073CFA error.

Besides, you can also follow the instructions in our detailed guide to reset the Windows store cache and fix the issue.

Alternatively, you can create a new or change the administrator account, which could help you uninstall the apps quickly.

If you still encounter the 0x80073cfa error as you try to uninstall a game or an app, you can repair and restore the corrupted system files using the SFC and the DISM tools.

At the same time, you can repair or reset the problematic app as explained in this post, or use a third-party app to uninstall the app or game.

However, if none of the above methods work, you can reinstall Microsoft Store, perform a factory reset of your Windows 11 PC, or perform a repair upgrade of your PC using this method (also applicable for Windows 11).

Madhuparna Roy

A diploma holder in computers and with a keen interest in technology, Madhuparna is passionate about writing How-to guides and helping people solve the most intricate Windows issues.It all started with the evolution of mobile phones and Google, and that has now settled with Windows.

0x80073cfa Error Code: What is it & How to Fix it (2025)

FAQs

How to fix error 0x80073cfa? ›

Any corrupted cache in Microsoft Store can also result in error code 0x80073cfa. Resetting the cache in it enables you to clear the corrupted data and get rid of 0x80073cfa.

How do I clear Windows Error Recovery? ›

How do I get out of the recovery loop?
  1. Startup Repair. Startup Repair works by scanning the system for common startup problems and attempting to repair them automatically. ...
  2. Remove or replace malfunctioning hardware. ...
  3. System Restore. ...
  4. System Image Recovery. ...
  5. Uninstall updates. ...
  6. Use Command Prompt. ...
  7. Boot in Safe Mode.

How do I reset Windows Store error? ›

Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:
  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type "wsreset.exe" and press Enter. This will reset the Windows Store cache.
  3. Restart your computer and try opening the Microsoft Store again.
Jan 4, 2024

How do I fix a fatal error code? ›

How to Fix a Fatal Error
  1. Search for the error code to find specific instructions. ...
  2. Update the software. ...
  3. Update the drivers. ...
  4. Uninstall any recently installed programs. ...
  5. Restore Windows to an earlier state. ...
  6. Disable unnecessary background programs. ...
  7. Delete temporary files. ...
  8. Free up space on the hard drive.
Jun 23, 2022

How do I fix Device Manager error? ›

Uninstall the driver from Device Manager and scan for new hardware to install the driver again.
  1. In the device's Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab, and then click Uninstall. Follow the instructions.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Open Device Manager, click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes.

How to remove appx package using PowerShell? ›

for this, you need to open the PowerShell as an administrator as before. After that, enter this PowerShell command: Get-AppxPackage-AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage.

What causes recovery error? ›

If the file system is corrupted, it is possible that Windows 10 will have Windows Error Recovery problems. Therefore, you should perform a disk check with CHKDSK to fix the file system errors and resolve your problem. Missing or corrupted BCD files can also cause this problem.

How do I fix Windows stop error? ›

  1. Perform a hard reset. ...
  2. Run a hardware diagnostic test. ...
  3. Disconnect external devices. ...
  4. Boot into safe mode with networking. ...
  5. Run the blue screen troubleshooter using SupportAssist. ...
  6. Repair the missing or corrupted Windows system files. ...
  7. Update the BIOS and drivers. ...
  8. Restore the computer using Windows System Restore.
Jan 3, 2024

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