How to fix error 0x80073D02 in Windows 11 step by step

Have you ever encountered the annoying error 0x80073D02 in Windows 11 when trying to install or update an app from the Microsoft Store? If so, you've probably been surprised by how persistent this error code can be, how confusing some of the possible solutions are, and how unclear the system's messages are. Many users find themselves lost in this situation, not knowing where to start. To solve the problem.

In this article you will find A complete and updated guide to fixing error 0x80073D02 in Windows 11We'll analyze why this error occurs, what causes it, proven methods that actually work, and some additional tips you don't usually find on official websites. Everything is explained in a natural way, with examples and clear steps adapted to users of any level.

What is error 0x80073D02 and when does it appear?

El error 0x80073D02 It is quite common when you try to Update or install apps from the Microsoft Store, especially if you have other related apps open or even if there are pending updates that haven't been applied yet. The most common message is one of these two:

• "Select Retry to close and refresh the app. The app cannot be refreshed while it's open. Code: 0x80073D02."
• "The application could not be installed because other apps need to be closed."

In most cases, the message emphasizes that There are processes or resources in use that prevent the installation or update of the program you are interested in. It is a problem that does not only affect a specific application: users with XBOX Game Pass, games, utilities, the Microsoft Store itself and even system add-ons may be affected.

Why does error 0x80073D02 occur in Windows 11?

According to technical information gathered from official Microsoft forums and reputable articles, the main causes of this error in Windows 11 are usually Processes in use, blocked services, or conflicts in the app store itselfLet's look at the most common triggers:

• There are applications related to the one you are trying to install that are still open or running in the background.
• The process itself Microsoft Store has crashed or failed to restart properly after an update.
• There is a permissions issue with the user account, especially if you have recently switched accounts or your profile has restrictions.
• Incorrect settings or corrupted cache in the Windows Store (hence why resetting it sometimes works).
• Pending or incorrectly applied system updates that generate instability in Microsoft Store apps.

In addition, some technical forums and specialized articles indicate that errors may intensify after major Windows 11 updates, or when there is restrictive group policies or third-party antivirus intervening.

Common symptoms and related messages

In addition to the code 0x80073D02, you can find other derived symptoms:

• Apps don't respond to updates even if you click the "Get" or "Update" button in the Microsoft Store.
• The error may also appear when you try to reinstall system applications using PowerShell and the system indicates that there are resources in use.
• Some users have noticed that the Windows 11 taskbar and settings They fail after receiving this error.

Recognizing these symptoms will help you confirm that you're actually dealing with the right problem and not another type of error.

Permanent solutions for error 0x80073D02 in Windows 11

Below you have a compilation of All solutions recommended officially and by the technical community, explained step by step and adapted for any user:

1. Close all applications in use

The first and easiest step is to close any applications or processes linked to software you can't install or update. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and make sure to close completely:

• The Microsoft Store itself (find the process and click End Task).
• Any related application, such as Xbox, games, or Microsoft utilities.
• Open programs that may be using shared resources (OneDrive, Widgets, etc.).

If you have any doubts, restarting your computer after closing all programs is a quick way to make sure nothing is running.

2. Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes the Windows interface itself gets stuck and doesn't release resources properly. You can restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and search for “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
2. Right-click on it and select “Restart.”

This refreshes many components and often resolves situations where the Microsoft Store or its apps get stuck.

3. Run PowerShell as administrator to re-register the Microsoft Store

One of the most reliable technical solutions is Re-register the Microsoft Store and its associated apps using PowerShell. For it:

1. Right click on the start button and select Windows PowerShell (Administrator) o Windows Terminal (Administrator) in recent versions.
2. Copy and run the following command (you can paste it directly into the console):
3. Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This command reinstalls and re-registers the problematic app. If the issue is related to the Store itself, you can use the following variant for all user apps:

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

Always make sure to open the terminal as administrator to avoid permission errors.

4. Enable automatic app updates

In some cases, The error is due to automatic updates from the Microsoft Store being disabled.This can occur if the option was unchecked during the initial Windows 11 setup, or if a third-party tool altered the policy. To enable automatic updates via the command line:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Copy this command and run it:
3. reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsStore\WindowsUpdate" /v AutoDownload /t REG_DWORD /d 4 /f

This resets the settings and allows apps to update properly in the background.

5. Use the Microsoft Store app troubleshooter

Windows includes a specific tool to detect and fix problems with the Microsoft Store and its applications. To use it:

1. press Windows + I to open the settings panel.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Look for the section Windows Store Apps and click “Run.”
4. Follow the on-screen steps and apply any suggested fixes.

This tool often resolves cases where the store cache or some internal service prevents apps from being installed or updated.

6. Repair or reset the Microsoft Store manually

When the Store does not start properly or generates persistent errors, it is best to repair or reset it from the settings menu. For it:

1. Opens Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Seeks "Microsoft Store» in the list and click on it.
3. Click on «Advanced» and then on «Repair«. If it doesn't work, use «Resetting«.

If the problem affects a specific app (not the Store in general), you can repeat the process, locating that app in the list and also selecting the repair or reset option, as appropriate.

7. Clear the Microsoft Store cache (wsreset)

A classic but very effective method is clear the Windows Store cache with the command wsreset. Press Win + R to open the Run box.

The store window will open automatically after a few seconds. If there were corrupted files in the cache, the most common errors should disappear.

8. Run a system check and repair

If the error persists after trying the above methods, your system files may be corrupted. We recommend use sfc / scannow From a command prompt window running as administrator:

1. Open the start menu, search for «cmd«, right click and select «Run as administrator«.
2. Write sfc / scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. The system will automatically repair corrupted files if found.

As a last resort, if nothing works, consider repair Windows from the repair tool itself or perform a reinstallation of the system, although normally it will not be necessary to go to this extreme.

Additional Tips and Advanced Tricks

Some advanced users have shared these additional tips that can make all the difference:

• Check if there is third-party antivirus or optimization tools that may be blocking processes for the Store or problematic applications.
• Check for possible Group Policy restrictions on corporate computers or if your user profile has limited permissions.
• Disconnect any peripherals or removable drives that may be interfering with the installation of certain apps.
• Make sure you have all the Windows 11 updates installed, as many bug fixes depend on recent patches.
• Consult technical forums and specialized websites if the error occurs with very specific apps or business developments.

And if nothing works, it's time to ask for help.

If after applying all these steps Error 0x80073D02 persists on your Windows 11, do not hesitate to go to the official Microsoft forums, where the company's own technicians can analyze your specific case. Describe all the processes performed in detail and provide screenshots or an error report, if possible. You can also consult communities for more information.

Before considering a reinstallation, backup all your important files and settings It's essential to avoid losses. If you have any questions about the process, seek professional advice.

Error 0x80073D02 in Windows 11 can be unnerving, but By following these recommendations and steps verified by the community and experts, you are practically guaranteed a solution. In most cases, the key is to methodically try each method, always prioritizing the least invasive, and to remain patient, as the cause can be as simple as an app running in the background or a pending update.