Ultimate solution to error 0x80073D22 on Windows and Game Pass: complete and updated guide

Have you come across the dreaded error 0x80073D22 when trying to install an app or game on your Windows computer? You're not alone, and it's one of those error messages that can drive people crazy if they just want to play or work without any problems.

This problem, very present especially among Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft Store users, It usually appears when you try to install content on a hard drive or partition that is not set as primary. in your operating system. For all these reasons, let's look at the possible solutions step by step, without losing our cool.

What exactly is error 0x80073D22?

El error code 0x80073D22 It is one of the several errors that can occur when installing applications or games on Windows systems, especially when using services such as Xbox Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, or Universal App Management (UWP) in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

It usually appears accompanied by a message indicating that the Deployment operation was blocked due to a machine policy that restricts installations to a volume other than the primary system. In other words: Windows is preventing you from installing apps or games on a non-default drive..

Why is this happening? Microsoft implements certain security and storage control policies to prevent integrity, permissions, or security issues. If you try to install important programs on a secondary drive, external hard drive, or a partition that the system doesn't consider primary, The policy prohibits it and throws error 0x80073D22.

Main causes of error 0x80073D22

There are a few notable reasons why this code may appear when you try to install your favorite games or apps:

• The destination drive is not set as the default location for new applications or games. For example, if you try to install on a drive D:, E:, or other drive other than C:, but Windows expects any new installation to be on C:.
• Restrictions imposed by group policies or Windows policies about where applications can be installed.
• Changes in storage configuration that have not been correctly recognized by the operating system.
• Incomplete Windows updates or recent changes to disk hardware.
• Permission errors, restricted user accounts, or special profiles, such as temporary profiles or non-privileged accounts.

Taking these factors into account allows you to anticipate errors and puts simple solutions in your hands., without having to reinstall the system or lose your data.

In what situations does error 0x80073D22 appear most often?

This error is more common in certain contexts, which should be identified to know if this is really your case:

• Xbox Game Pass users on PC, especially when installing large titles and trying to save them on external or non-main drives.
• Downloading large apps from the Microsoft Store on computers with little space on the main drive (C:).
• Game installations on computers with multiple internal partitions or SSD/HDD drives, where the default location has not been set correctly.
• Corporate environments with security policies that restrict the installation of apps on secondary drives, for reasons of data protection or integrity.

How to fix error 0x80073D22 step by step

Although the error description seems intimidating, The solution is within everyone's reach and does not require advanced technical knowledge.Here are the most effective options, ranked from least to most intervention-intensive:

1. Change the default location for new apps

Windows allows you to choose which drive new apps or games downloaded from the Store or services like Game Pass will be installed on by default. If the drive you specified isn't the primary one, this is the root of the problem.

1. Open Windows Settings from the Start menu or using the Windows + I combination.
2. Go to the 'System' section and then to 'Storage'.
3. Find and click 'More storage settings' depending on your Windows language.
4. Choose the option 'Change where new content is saved'.
5. Under 'New apps will be saved to:' select drive C: (or whatever is designated as your primary system drive).
6. Save the changes and restart the installation of the application or game.

With this simple change, Most users manage to install without problems and the error disappears..

2. Review disk policies and permissions

Sometimes, especially on computers managed by companies or administrators, There are group policies that prevent installing programs on disks other than the main one for security reasons.If you have administrator permissions, check the settings:

• Review the Local Group Policy (gpedit.msc) to search for installation restrictions.
• Check that your user has full rights on the destination drive.
• Avoid installing on external or USB drives if they are not recognized as part of the system.

3. Update Windows and the Microsoft Store

Some older versions of Windows or pending updates may cause inconsistencies in storage management, throwing errors such as 0x80073D22. Make sure your operating system, store, and drivers are fully up to date.:

• Check for updates from Settings > Update & Security.
• Check that the Microsoft Store has the latest version.
• Restart your computer after updating for the changes to take effect..

4. Make sure you are not using a special or temporary user profile

If you are using a special user profile, for example in temporary or guest environments, Windows may further restrict app installation. Sign in with a standard user account., preferably the local administrator one.

Related Errors: Other Codes You May Encounter

Sometimes, along with error 0x80073D22 Other similar codes may appear indicating problems with storage or installation policies:

• 0x80073D21: : Policy that forces apps to be installed only on the system drive, but the default drive is not the correct one.
• 0x800704CF: Temporary network and Internet issues, very common in installations from the Microsoft Store.
• 0x80073D23: Restrictions on special user profiles. Solution: Create a new local account or log in to your usual account.
• 0x80073CF4: : There is not enough disk space to complete the installation.
• 0x80072EFE: : Internet connection interruptions during update or installation.