Has this ever happened to you? Apps that install but won't open? Maybe you tried installing an app from the Microsoft Store or a game from the Xbox app. The process seemed to complete successfully, but... When you try to open the app or game, an error message appearsWhat happened? Let's talk about the solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11.
Solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11: Apps that install but do not open
Looking for a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11? This error code appears when you try to run newly installed apps or games. It usually happens with apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store or games installed from the Xbox app. Although the installation seems to complete without problems, when running the app it simply does not respond..
But what does error code 0x80073CF6 mean? Basically, it indicates a registration or permissions problem related to a package in the newly installed application. In other words, The application package cannot be successfully registered in the systemThe cause? There are several possibilities:
- Corrupted Microsoft Store cache.
- Corrupted system files.
- Essential services disabled or damaged (Windows Update, Gaming Services, etc.).
- Conflicts with previously installed applications or games.
- Incorrect date, time, or region settings.
Whatever the cause, The system installs the application, but fails to integrate it correctly.This prevents it from running. This problem has become more noticeable in Windows 11 due to the operating system's security architecture. The good news is that there is a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11, which we will discuss below.
Solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11: effective tricks

To find a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11, it's best to start with the most obvious and simple things. For example, have you already checked that the date, time and region are correctIt may seem trivial, but incorrectly configuring these parameters can prevent the Microsoft Store from validating applications. Therefore:
- Go to Settings – Time & Language – Date & Time.
- Activate the automatic adjustment option.
- Check that the region is set correctly in Settings – Time & Language – Language & Region.
On the other hand, we also mentioned that a corrupted Microsoft Store cache could be a cause. In fact, this is one of the most frequent causes of the problem described. Therefore, it is advisable Restart the Store and delete all its temporary files.It's easy to do: open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command wsreset -i.
Also, keep in mind that a system update could disable essential services For the correct execution of the applications. To check that everything is working correctly, follow these simple steps:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc and press enter.
- Verify that the following services are set to automatic:
- Windows Update.
- Microsoft Store Install Service.
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
- Gaming Services (if you install games).
- If any are not set, change them to automatic and restart your computer.
Try repairing or resetting the problematic app.

As part of the solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11, why not try with repair or reset the problematic applicationLet's say you've installed an app or game, but it won't open. For these cases, Windows 11 includes options that attempt to fix the errors preventing the app from running correctly. Here's how:
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Applications – Applications and features.
- Find the app or game in the list.
- Click on the three vertical dots next to it.
- Select Advanced options.
- In the new window, try first. Fix (This attempts to fix problems without affecting your data).
- If it doesn't work, click on Restore (This will delete the app's data, but it may resolve deeper problems.)
You can also follow these steps to try repair or reset the Microsoft Store itselfInstead of choosing the problematic game or app from the list of applications, select Microsoft Store. Then, first try Repair, and if that doesn't work, try Reset. This will reinstall the Store without affecting your personal files.
Solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11: Games installed from the Xbox app

Finding a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11 is particularly common among those install games from the Xbox appOften, after installing a game from the app, the system displays the same error code and prevents it from running. How can this frustrating problem be fixed?
Start by resetting the Xbox app, just like we did with the Microsoft Store. To do this, go to Settings – Apps – Apps & features. Then, find the Xbox app and select Advanced options. Finally, click Repair, and if that doesn't work, click Reset.
If that doesn't work, try rInstall Windows 11 Gaming ServicesThis is one of the most effective tricks when games won't open after a seemingly successful installation. How do you do it? Simple:
- Open PowerShell as administrator.
- Write the following code and run it: get-appxpackage Microsoft.GamingServices | remove-AppxPackage -allusers
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?productid=9MWPM2CQNLHN - Next, reinstall Gaming Services from the Microsoft Store.
- Finally, restart the computer.
This resets Gaming Services, which is essential for games to run smoothly. Sometimes, you may also need to Delete the old Xbox folders and create a new installation directoryThis will delete any corrupted files that might be preventing a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11.
Prevent the annoying 0x80073CF6 error from appearing again
You've probably already confirmed that a solution to error 0x80073CF6 in Windows 11 does exist. This way, you can open newly installed applications and games without problems. However, it's worth taking a few precautions. Preventive measures to avoid such an annoying error recurring:
- Try Keep Windows 11 updated, as this corrects errors and vulnerabilities in the system.
- It is recommended Install apps and games from official sites and stores.Those that come from other sources may contain corrupted files that cause failures and errors.
- Do not turn off the computer during an installation or upgrade.
- It is advisable create restore points before installing a program or game. That way, if something goes wrong, you can revert to a previous point where there were no errors.
From a young age, I've been fascinated by all things scientific and technological, especially those advancements that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. I love staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, and sharing my experiences, opinions, and tips about the devices and gadgets I use. This led me to become a web writer a little over five years ago, focusing primarily on Android devices and Windows operating systems. I've learned to explain complex concepts in simple terms so my readers can easily understand them.