Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80073D05 when installing or uninstalling apps

The Error Code 0x80073D05 can occur if you try to update, uninstall or install Windows Store apps or Microsoft Store. The said error code highlights issues related to application package dependencies, which, in turn, act as a deterrent to successful installation or updation of the Microsoft Store Apps.

0x80073D05, ERROR DELETING EXISTING APPLICATION DATA STORE FAILED, An error occurred while deleting the package’s previously existing application data.

Says, Microsoft,

You can get this error if the simulator is running. Close the simulator. You can also get this error if there are files open in the app data (for example, if you have a log file open in a text editor).

The Visual Studio simulator for Windows Store apps is a desktop application that simulates a Windows Store app.

Causes for Microsoft Store Error 0x80073D05

You could get this error if you have downloaded and removed the same app you’re trying to install once more. You see, sometimes the apps from the store can leave old packages behind, which tends to cause problems when attempting to reinstall.

Before you proceed, you should try the following fixes first:

1. Close the simulator for Windows Store apps and see
2. Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter
3. Run WSReset.exe to reset the Microsoft Store.

If that does not help, you need to follow the detailed steps we have laid out for you below.

Other causes that could contribute to the error code 0x80073D05 could be:

1. Corrupt Application Data: The prime cause of the error in question can be the corrupt Application Data or cache, which poses a significant threat to successfully installing or updating the Windows Store applications.
2. Data storage deficiency: Lack of storage space on the hard drive, especially in the system partition, can also lead to errors. While installing any application, irrespective of the drive or partition the user chooses to install, configuration or related system files are permanently installed on the system partition. Since the lack of space in the drive forces the installation or updation to stop midway, the said error is generated as a result.
3. User rights and privilege issues: If the concerned user attempting the installation doesn’t have sufficient rights or privileges to carry out the installation or updation process, it can lead to the above-mentioned error.
4. Third-party software conflicts: Third-party software installed on the system can also block the installation process of the Microsoft Store application, triggering the error. Applications like antivirus or any other system optimization tools might be responsible for the said disruption.
5. Windows update issues: Non-updation of the OS or missing system files can also cause conflicts during the application’s installation process, leading to the error.

Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80073D05

You can fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80073D05 while installing, uninstalling or updating Windows Store apps on Windows 11/10 by following these suggestions:

1. Rename the App folder
2. Reset the Microsoft Store app
3. Check for Windows Updates
4. Re-register the Microsoft Store app
5. Temporary disable third-party conflicting applications

You will need admin permission to execute these suggestions.

1] Rename the App folder

Locate the Packages folder in AppData. The easiest way to do this is to fire up the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R, then copy and paste %localappdata%. After doing so, hit the Enter key on your keyboard and wait for Local folder from within AppData to appear.

Scroll down until you come across the folder Packages, and then open it.

The next step is to rename the app folder in the same way you’ve renamed other folders on your Windows computer. If the app is Spotify, then we recommend renaming the folder to _Spotify so that you will know what folder it is for future reference.

OK, so the next step is to return to the Microsoft Store, you will need to select the ellipses from the upper-right corner, then click on Download and Updates. From there, choose All Owned, find the affected app, then attempt to download the file again.

2] Reset the Microsoft Store app

As the error code indicates possible problems with the Microsoft Store or its associated configuration, resetting the same can help significantly resolve the error. The following steps can be adopted to achieve the same:

• Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings option
• Click on Apps > Apps and Features option on the Settings Window
• Type Microsoft Store in the Search Bar and select the same

• Click on Advanced Options under the Microsoft Store

• Click on Reset to reset the Microsoft Store Application.
• Restart the computer after the changes have been made to reset the default application configuration and possibly resolve the error.

Please be informed that resetting the Microsoft Store app will clear all the cache and previous data.

3] Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates sometimes include bug fixes and performance enhancement measures that can help resolve the error if software bugs or related compatibility issues have caused the same. Such issues can be resolved by installing Windows updates.

4] Re-register the Microsoft Store app

The Microsoft Store app can be re-registered using Windows PowerShell. The procedure is as follows:

Open the Windows PowerShell by typing the same from the Desktop Search Bar and logging in as an Administrator, and executing the below-mentioned command:

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

Restart your computer once the process is finished and see.

5] Temporary disable third-party conflicting applications

Temporarily disabling 3rd party processes by performing Clean Boot can help you identify conflicting apps.

Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows Key + R and type msconfig before pressing. Select the check box beside Hide All Microsoft Services in the System Configuration Window and then click Disable All. Restart the system to ensure that the concerned error has been addressed.

Next, click on the Startup tab and Open Task Manager. Disable all the Startup apps that normally load on your PC and close the Task Manager. Close the Task Manager and then click Apply > OK in the System Configuration window to apply your preferences.

Click Apply/OK and restart the computer.

This will put Windows into a Clean Boot State.

You may then need to manually disable one item after another to pinpoint the one causing the problem. Once you have identified the offender, you can consider removing or disabling it.

You can restart your Windows computer before you begin the download process for better results.

Why Microsoft Store is showing an error?

The “Microsoft Store Cache May Be Damaged” error occurs when the cache used by the Microsoft Store is corrupted. Clear the cache by running specific commands in PowerShell or resetting the Microsoft Store app to fix it. This refreshes the cache and resolves issues related to app installations and updates.

How do I fix the Microsoft Store download error?

To fix Microsoft Store download errors, check your internet connection, clear the Store cache in “Settings > Apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced Options > Reset”, and restart your PC. Then, ensure Windows is up-to-date and your time and date settings are automatic. If the issue persists, try resetting the Microsoft Store or seek technical assistance.